Author Topic: How can a non-US resident invest in Vanguard?  (Read 7079 times)

Rob66

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How can a non-US resident invest in Vanguard?
« on: November 04, 2017, 05:31:48 AM »
Hi All,

I would like some help/advise. I would like to please find out from anyone which online brokers would allow me to invest in Vanguard funds? I am particularly looking at VTI but just need to know what platform I could use first. I have done quite a lot of research but have had no luck.

I am a non-US citizen residing in Dubai.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

sokoloff

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Re: How can a non-US resident invest in Vanguard?
« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2017, 06:35:40 AM »
VTI trades on NYSE-Arca, so however you'd buy any other stock/index traded on Arca is the way you can trade VTI.

You don't need to deal with Vanguard directly to buy VTI; you can buy it as any other US stock from your stock brokerage.

If you want to buy it directly from Vanguard, I'd call them and ask, but you can buy/sell VTI from any brokerage like any other US stock.

Retire-Canada

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Re: How can a non-US resident invest in Vanguard?
« Reply #2 on: November 04, 2017, 05:44:30 PM »
I'm in Canada I can't setup a Vanguard account directly with Vanguard in the US, but all my investments are in Vanguard ETFs on the TSX or NYSE.

HansonSo

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Re: How can a non-US resident invest in Vanguard?
« Reply #3 on: November 06, 2017, 01:37:41 AM »
Best way is to purchase their ETF tickers through your normal brokerage account.  Have you been able to figure this out or still need help?

Rob66

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Re: How can a non-US resident invest in Vanguard?
« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2017, 07:30:11 AM »
Thank you all for the replies and apologize for delayed response.

The specific problem I am having is that there are few brokers that offer me access to Vanguard VTI from their platforms as a non-US citizen. I therefore wanted to know which online brokers may offer this and who you would all recommend.

I look forward to your feedback.

Thanks,
Rob

PapaBear

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Re: How can a non-US resident invest in Vanguard?
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2017, 08:32:04 AM »
Why the focus on one brand/product (Vanguard/VTI) only?

Availability of and access to Vanguard ETFs/funds will differ from market to market. And depending on the trading situation in your country, you might be faced with high spreads, high trading costs, currency conversion cost or low liquidity.

Instead, if you want to start passive investing now, I would just scan the market for any broad-market ETF available at your local online brokers. Any ETF tracking S&P500, MSCI World, FTSE All World or similar with an acceptable total expense ration (e.g., <0.3%) will work for your start in passive index investing. If you are an expat in the UAE, I would also keep the ability to transfer funds to other countries (e.g., your home country) in mind.

Unfortunately, I don't know about the specific situation in the UAE, but I  would just check out what some of the local online brokers offer and then work with that. Local resources and groups might also help you with selecting the right broker and products (see e.g., the local Bogleheads chapter https://bogleheadsuae.wixsite.com/website).
In their blog, you can access a few member presentations about passive investing in UAE.

Edit:
A few more links that you might find helpful:
Discussion on UAE brokers at Bogleheads (https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=149175)
Article on ETF investment in UAE (https://www.thenational.ae/business/your-essential-guide-to-low-cost-funds-and-etfs-1.193289)
« Last Edit: November 11, 2017, 08:45:03 AM by PapaBear »

 

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