A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Berkshire Hathaway Stock in Europe
Hello, future investor! Are you ready to take a piece of one of the world's most successful and enduring companies? The name Warren Buffett probably comes to mind, and for good reason. Berkshire Hathaway, his investment vehicle, is a titan of industry, holding a diverse portfolio of businesses and stocks. If you're in Europe and want to join the ranks of its shareholders, you've come to the right place. This detailed, step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the stock to placing your order and managing your investment.
Step 1: Get to Know the Two Sides of the Coin (Class A vs. Class B)
Before you even think about opening a brokerage account, let's address the fundamental choice you'll face: buying Berkshire Hathaway Class A (BRK.A) or Class B (BRK.B) shares.
What's the difference? The key distinction lies in price, voting rights, and convertibility.
Class A (BRK.A): This is the original, extremely expensive share class. As of late June 2025, a single share of BRK.A is trading for over $700,000. These shares come with significant voting rights and can be converted into 1,500 Class B shares. The price is a major barrier for most retail investors.
Class B (BRK.B): Created in 1996, the Class B shares were designed to be more accessible. They trade at roughly 1/1,500th the price of a Class A share, making them a much more affordable option for individual investors. While they have fewer voting rights (1/10,000th of a Class A share), for most investors, this isn't a concern as they are looking for exposure to the company's performance, not to influence management decisions. Importantly, Class B shares cannot be converted back into Class A shares.
For the vast majority of European investors, the Class B (BRK.B) shares are the only practical option. The rest of this guide will focus on purchasing the Class B shares.
Step 2: Choose a Brokerage that Gives You Access to the US Market
This is a critical step. Since Berkshire Hathaway is a US-based company, its shares are primarily listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). You need a brokerage account that allows you to buy stocks on US exchanges from your European location.
Sub-heading: Finding the Right Brokerage
Here are some things to consider when choosing a broker:
Access to US Markets: The most important factor. Ensure the platform explicitly offers access to the NYSE and other US stock exchanges.
Fees and Commissions: Look for brokers with low commission fees on US stock trades. These can vary significantly, so compare different platforms. Pay attention to currency conversion fees, as you'll be converting your local currency (e.g., EUR) to USD to buy the stock.
Regulatory Status: Choose a brokerage that is regulated by a reputable financial authority in your country or the EU (e.g., BaFin in Germany, FCA in the UK, etc.). This provides a layer of protection for your investments.
Platform and User Experience: Is the trading platform easy to use? Does it offer the tools and information you need to research and place trades?
Fractional Shares: Some brokers offer fractional shares, which means you can buy a portion of a share. This is a fantastic option if you don't want to buy a full share of BRK.B but still want to invest. Check if your chosen broker offers this feature.
Popular international and European brokers that typically offer access to US stocks include Interactive Brokers, DEGIRO, eToro, and others. Do your own research to find the best fit for your needs.
Step 3: Open and Fund Your Brokerage Account
Once you've chosen your broker, it's time to set up your account. This process is generally straightforward but requires some documentation.
Sub-heading: The Account Opening Process
Sign Up: Go to the broker's website and start the registration process.
Provide Personal Information: You'll need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and other personal details.
Verify Your Identity: This is a mandatory step for all regulated brokerages. You will likely need to upload a copy of your passport or national ID card and a proof of address (e.g., a utility bill).
Complete the W-8BEN Form: This is a crucial step for non-US residents. The W-8BEN form is used by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to confirm your status as a foreign person and to claim a reduced rate of withholding tax on dividends from US companies under a tax treaty between your country and the US. Most brokers will guide you through this process during onboarding. Completing this form can save you a significant amount on taxes if you ever receive dividends.
Fund Your Account: After your account is verified, you can deposit funds. Common methods include bank transfers (SEPA), credit/debit card payments, or other online payment services. Remember to account for any fees associated with depositing funds and currency conversion.
Step 4: Search for the Stock and Place Your Order
With your account funded, you're ready for the exciting part!
Log in to your trading platform.
Use the ticker symbol: In the search bar, look for BRK.B. This is the ticker for the Class B shares. You may also see BRK.A, but as we discussed, that's a different beast.
Analyze the stock: The platform will show you the current price, charts, news, and other relevant information. While you've likely already done your research, take a moment to look at the current market price.
Choose your order type: This is where you decide how you want to buy the stock.
Market Order: This is the simplest option. You place an order to buy the stock at the current market price. It executes immediately, but the final price might be slightly different from what you saw due to market fluctuations.
Limit Order: This gives you more control. You set a specific price you are willing to pay for the stock. The order will only execute if the stock price drops to or below your limit price. This is useful if you want to buy at a specific entry point.
Enter the amount: Decide how many shares you want to buy. If your broker offers fractional shares, you can also enter a specific monetary amount (e.g., "I want to invest €100 in BRK.B").
Review and Confirm: Before you submit, carefully review the order details, including the number of shares, order type, and estimated costs (including any fees). Once you're sure, click "buy" or "place order."
Congratulations! You are now a shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway.
Step 5: Monitor Your Investment and Understand the Tax Implications
Buying the stock is just the beginning. Now you need to keep an eye on your investment and be aware of the tax rules in your country.
Sub-heading: Ongoing Monitoring
Track Performance: Check your portfolio regularly to see how your investment is performing.
Stay Informed: Follow news about Berkshire Hathaway, its subsidiaries, and the broader market.
Long-Term Mindset: Remember, Warren Buffett is a proponent of long-term investing. The best strategy for most people is to hold the stock for years, if not decades, and let the company's value compound.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Tax Landscape
This is an extremely important aspect for European investors.
Capital Gains Tax: When you sell your shares for a profit, you will likely be liable for capital gains tax in your country of residence. The tax rate and rules vary by country, so it is essential to consult with a tax advisor to understand your specific obligations.
Dividend Tax: While Berkshire Hathaway famously does not pay a dividend, it's good practice to understand how dividends from US stocks are taxed. Without a W-8BEN form, a 30% withholding tax is applied by the US. With the form, this is often reduced to 15% or less, depending on your country's tax treaty with the US. You can then typically claim a tax credit in your home country for the tax already paid in the US to avoid double taxation.
Related FAQ
How to find a trustworthy broker in Europe for US stocks?
Look for brokers that are well-established, have a good reputation, and are regulated by a national financial authority (e.g., BaFin in Germany, CNMV in Spain, AFM in the Netherlands). Check online reviews and comparison sites.
How to avoid high currency conversion fees?
Some brokers offer competitive exchange rates. You can also consider using a multi-currency account or a service like Wise (formerly TransferWise) to convert your money to USD before funding your brokerage account.
How to deal with taxes on US stock investments as a European resident?
The best approach is to consult a tax professional in your country who specializes in international investments. They can help you understand capital gains tax, dividend withholding tax, and the use of tax treaties to avoid double taxation.
How to buy fractional shares of Berkshire Hathaway in Europe?
Check with your chosen brokerage platform. Many modern, user-friendly brokers like Revolut, eToro, and others offer fractional share trading, allowing you to invest a specific amount of money rather than buying a full share.
How to track the performance of BRK.B?
You can track the performance through your brokerage platform, financial news websites like Bloomberg or Reuters, and dedicated financial data sites like Yahoo Finance or Google Finance. The ticker symbol is consistently BRK.B.
How to choose between a market order and a limit order?
Use a market order if you want to buy the stock immediately at the best available price. Use a limit order if you have a specific price in mind and are willing to wait for the stock to reach that level. A limit order helps prevent you from overpaying in a volatile market.
How to find the ticker symbol for Berkshire Hathaway?
For the accessible shares, the ticker symbol is BRK.B. The ticker for the expensive Class A shares is BRK.A.
How to convert my local currency to USD for the purchase?
Most brokers will automatically convert your deposited funds to USD when you place a trade for a US-listed stock. Be mindful of the exchange rate and any conversion fees they charge.
How to understand if Berkshire Hathaway is a good investment for me?
This is a personal decision. Do your own due diligence (DD) by researching the company's financials, its business segments, and its management. Consider your own risk tolerance and investment goals. Remember that past performance is not an indicator of future returns.
How to sell my Berkshire Hathaway shares?
The process is the reverse of buying. You log in to your brokerage account, find BRK.B in your portfolio, and place a sell order (market or limit). The proceeds will be added to your account, and you can then withdraw them.