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Vanguard for Non-U.S. Citizens (2025)
Is Vanguard only for US citizens? Can non US citizens open a Vanguard brokerage account?
Vanguard international account for non US residents
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Vanguard for non-U.S. Citizens: Key Points
• Only U.S. citizens and resident aliens can open brokerage accounts with the U.S. division of Vanguard.
• A U.S. Social Security Number is needed to open a U.S.-based Vanguard account.
• Vanguard operates globally, and some of its international divisions do open accounts for non-Americans.
Overview of Vanguard
Vanguard Group, Inc. is an investment firm managing multiple business types. It serves as an asset manager offering mutual funds and ETFs. It also acts as an investment advisor and broker-dealer, setting up securities accounts for investors in many countries, primarily in the United States. For a U.S. account, you need to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident with a valid Social Security Number.
Vanguard’s International Accounts
Vanguard has subsidiaries in several countries that open accounts for non-U.S. individuals. Its international website, global.vanguard.com, lists available countries in three regions: the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe.
In Asia Pacific, Australia is the only country with Vanguard operations offering investment accounts. To open one, you need an Australian address and phone number, and you must be a tax resident of Australia. This account provides access to Vanguard mutual funds and ETFs, as well as the top 300 direct shares on the ASX.
In Europe, the United Kingdom allows account openings for those who are U.K. tax residents and over 18, but not U.S. citizens.
It's important to note that Vanguard's commission-free pricing does not extend to international accounts, which have their own fee structures, often including commissions.
Firstrade as Alternative
Not all countries listed on Vanguard’s global site can open retail accounts. For instance, Vanguard’s site in Mexico caters only to institutional and sophisticated investors, and China is not listed at all. Firstrade, on the other hand, opens accounts for residents of 28 other countries across North America, Europe, and the Pacific. Here are some examples:
- Belgium
- China
- Denmark
- Finland
- Germany
- Italy
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Poland
- Spain
- Sweden
- Thailand
How to Open a Firstrade Account outside the United States
Firstrade’s website is easy to navigate for both U.S. and international customers. Opening an international account takes just a few minutes. You'll need a mobile phone number and a digital copy of your passport, which can be uploaded online without needing to mail anything.
Trading in a Firstrade International Account
Firstrade allows both foreign and domestic customers to trade on U.S. exchanges, which include major markets like the NYSE and the over-the-counter marketplace. These exchanges host both U.S. and foreign companies through American Depository Receipts (ADRs). You can fund a foreign Firstrade account using online tools, and trading is commission-free.
Free Firstrade Account
Visit Firstrade Website
Updated on 2/24/2025.
Chad Morris is a financial writer with more than 20 years experience
as both an English teacher and an avid trader. When he isn’t writing
expert content for Brokerage-Review.com, Chad can usually be found
managing his portfolio or building a new home computer.
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