How high is the tax-free allowance for children with an ETF savings plan?
Children are also entitled to tax-free allowances on capital gains. The saver's allowance (Sparerpauschbetrag, the annual tax-free allowance for capital gains) is currently 1,000 euros per year. Capital gains from an ETF savings plan stay tax-free up to this limit. If a child's capital gains are likely to exceed the saver's allowance of 1,000 euros per year, a non-assessment certificate (NV-Bescheinigung) can make sense. If the child's total income in 2026 is below the basic tax-free allowance (Grundfreibetrag) of 12,348 euros, then together with the saver's allowance and the standard allowance for special expenses (Sonderausgaben-Pauschbetrag), capital gains of up to around 13,384 euros per year can be received tax-free. You apply for the non-assessment certificate at your responsible tax office, and it is usually valid for up to three years.
Frequently asked questions
What are ETFs (index funds)?
As an alternative to open-ended, actively managed investment funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs) have become established in recent years.
An ETF tracks a given index as closely as possible and adjusts its composition to match its reference value.
When you buy an MDAX ETF, for example, you get all the securities included in the MDAX in exactly their current market composition. If the composition of the MDAX changes, the composition of your ETF changes too.
As a result, the management and administration fees for an ETF are significantly lower. On average they are around 0.17 percent of the invested amount per year. When a fund manager actively looks after your investment funds, the costs rise to 1.5 to 2.5 percent per year.
At the same time, many studies show that in over 90 percent of cases an active fund manager cannot beat the index over the long term.
What does Global Portfolio mean?
If you opt for our Global Portfolio, you invest across the entire breadth of the market. From the risk you are willing to take, we derive the composition of your portfolio. More equities mean more risk – but also more return. More bonds, by contrast, reduce the risk – but also the return.
The Global Portfolio is generally suitable for building wealth. You can also take out our Global Portfolio in a sustainable variant.
How does account opening work?
First, you register via “Open account” on our portal. To do so, you sign up with your email address and a password of your choice.
You then receive a PIN code by email to verify your email address. Once you have entered this PIN code, your personal details, contact details and ID details are recorded.
Finally, you have the choice between identity verification in the quirion app, on your computer, or at a Deutsche Post branch. Your quirion account is then opened for you without delay.
How does online video identity verification work?
quirion has to be certain that you really are the person for whom the account or the securities account is being opened.
For banks, the German Anti-Money Laundering Act requires an identity verification check.
With quirion, you have the choice:
You can verify your identity by video call in the quirion app or on your computer.
In-person identity verification at Deutsche Post is also possible.
For this you need a valid identity card or your passport plus proof of address (e.g. a phone bill).
The easiest way is to verify your identity with our app.
Once identity verification is complete, we receive your data and can then open your account.
How does the PostIdent "Basic" procedure work?
We can only open securities accounts for you once it is clear who you are.
With the PostIdent "Basic" procedure, Deutsche Post verifies this for us:
1. You print out the securities account opening form.
2. You go to a Deutsche Post branch with your identity card or passport (in addition to your registration certificate).
3. The Post employee fills out the form, which you then have to sign.
4. We then receive the data for verification and open the securities account for you.
5. There are no costs for you.
Just ask.
quirion.ai answers around the clock. Or write to us and we will get back to you personally.