The US stock market is the largest and most influential financial market in the world, attracting investors from across the globe.
Knowing how to invest in the US stock market as a foreigner not only allows you to invest in some of the biggest companies in the world, but also gives you access to its liquidity, strong regulatory framework, historical long-term growth, and economic stability.
If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).
This includes if you are looking for a second opinion or alternative investments.
Some of the facts might change from the time of writing, and nothing written here is financial, legal, tax or any kind of individual advice, nor a solicitation to invest.
Whether you are an individual investor, institutional investor, or part of a foreign investment group, there are multiple ways to access US equities.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how non-US residents can invest in the US stock market, including the best investment methods, brokerage options, tax obligations, and market strategies.
Additionally, we will explore the three main stock market indexes (S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite), helping foreign investors make informed decisions about where to allocate their capital.
How does the US stock market work?
The US stock market consists of multiple stock exchanges, with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq being the two largest.
These exchanges host thousands of publicly traded companies and serve as the primary venues for stock trading in the United States.
While investors can choose individual stocks, most track broad stock indexes, which provide a snapshot of market performance and economic trends.
S&P 500 (Standard & Poor’s 500)
The S&P 500 is the most widely followed stock market index in the world, consisting of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the US.
It covers a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and energy, making it an excellent indicator of the overall health of the US economy.
Why It Matters for Foreign Investors:
- Represents 80% of the total US stock market value, making it highly diversified.
- Historically delivers steady long-term growth, with an average return of 8-10% per year.
- Commonly used in index funds and ETFs (such as SPDR S&P 500 ETF – SPY) for passive investing.
Many foreign investors buy ETFs or index funds tracking the S&P 500 rather than purchasing individual stocks, as it reduces risk and provides exposure to top US companies.
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) consists of 30 large-cap, blue-chip companies that are considered leaders in their respective industries.
Unlike the S&P 500, which is weighted by market capitalization, the DJIA is weighted by stock price, meaning that higher-priced stocks have a greater impact on the index’s movement.
Why It Matters for Foreign Investors:
- Includes established, financially stable companies such as Coca-Cola, Boeing, Visa, and Goldman Sachs.
- Considered a barometer of US economic stability, as it tracks major industrial and financial corporations.
- Less volatile compared to Nasdaq, making it attractive for long-term conservative investors.
Since the DJIA includes only 30 stocks, it is less diversified than the S&P 500. However, it remains a popular benchmark for blue-chip stock investing. Foreign investors can access the DJIA through ETFs such as DIA (SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF).
Nasdaq Composite
The Nasdaq Composite is an index consisting of over 3,000 stocks listed on the Nasdaq exchange, with a strong emphasis on technology and growth-oriented companies.
It includes major tech giants like Apple, Amazon, Alphabet (Google), and Tesla, as well as many biotech and semiconductor stocks.
Why It Matters for Foreign Investors:
- Technology-driven index with high exposure to innovative sectors like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
- More volatile than the S&P 500 or DJIA, meaning greater potential for both high returns and sharp downturns.
- Frequently used for growth investing, with ETFs like QQQ (Invesco Nasdaq-100 ETF) tracking the index.
The Nasdaq is ideal for investors looking for high-growth opportunities, but it also carries higher risk, particularly during market downturns or economic slowdowns.
How to Invest in the US Stock Market as a Foreigner
Foreign investors have multiple ways to access the US stock market, including direct brokerage accounts, international brokers with US stock access, ETFs, and ADRs.
Choosing an Investment Method
One of the most direct ways for foreigners to invest in the US stock market is by opening an account with a US-based brokerage that accepts international clients.
Brokers such as Interactive Brokers, Charles Schwab, and TD Ameritrade allow non-residents to trade US stocks directly. However, this requires completing tax documentation (W-8BEN form) to ensure proper tax treatment.
Alternatively, some foreign investors prefer to use local brokers that provide access to the US stock market.
Many international brokerages in Europe, Asia, and Latin America offer US stock trading options, often making it easier to comply with local tax and regulatory requirements.
It is worth noting that fees and trade execution speeds may differ from using a direct US-based broker.
For those who do not wish to purchase individual US stocks, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and index funds provide an easy way to gain broad exposure to the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), or Nasdaq Composite.
Additionally, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) allow investors to purchase non-US companies listed on US exchanges, offering another way to diversify holdings.
Opening a US Brokerage Account as a Foreigner
Foreigners investing directly in US stocks must open an account with a US brokerage that accepts international clients. While requirements vary by broker, most firms follow a standard verification process.
To open an account, investors typically need:
- Proof of Identity – A passport or government-issued ID.
- Proof of Address – A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement.
- Tax Identification Number (if required) – Some brokers ask for a local or foreign tax ID.
- W-8BEN Form – A mandatory form for non-US investors that helps reduce double taxation on dividends.
Once the account is opened, investors must fund it via wire transfers, bank deposits, or payment platforms.
Some brokers have a minimum deposit requirement, while others allow small initial investments.
Additionally, investors should be aware of foreign exchange fees, as US stocks are traded in USD, and conversion costs may apply when funding the account.
How to invest in the S&P 500
The S&P 500 is considered the best long-term investment vehicle for broad US stock market exposure, tracking 500 of the largest publicly traded companies across various industries.
This index is ideal for investors seeking steady growth with diversification.
Investors can gain exposure to the S&P 500 through:
- ETFs – Funds like SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF), VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF), and IVV (iShares Core S&P 500 ETF) closely follow the index.
- Index Mutual Funds – Long-term investors can invest in S&P 500 mutual funds via certain brokers.
- S&P 500 Futures and Options – Advanced traders can use derivatives to speculate on index movements.
This index is particularly suited for passive investors who prefer long-term capital appreciation with lower volatility compared to individual stock picking.
How to invest in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)
The DJIA consists of 30 large-cap, blue-chip companies, such as Apple, Visa, and McDonald’s.
This index is weighted by stock price rather than market capitalization, making it a benchmark for economic stability and established corporations.
Foreign investors can gain exposure to the DJIA through:
- DIA (SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF) – The most popular ETF tracking the 30 Dow stocks.
- Direct Stock Purchases – Buying individual Dow components like Coca-Cola (KO), Microsoft (MSFT), or Boeing (BA).
- Dow Futures and Index Funds – Some brokers offer mutual funds or futures contracts tied to the DJIA.
Since the DJIA focuses on well-established companies, it is often preferred by conservative investors looking for lower volatility and dividend income.
How to invest in the Nasdaq Composite
The Nasdaq Composite tracks over 3,000 stocks listed on the Nasdaq exchange, with a strong emphasis on technology and growth sectors.
This index includes companies like Tesla, Amazon, and Google, making it more volatile than the S&P 500 or DJIA but offering higher growth potential.
Ways to invest in the Nasdaq Composite include:
- QQQ (Invesco Nasdaq-100 ETF) – Tracks the Nasdaq-100, which includes the largest non-financial Nasdaq-listed companies.
- Buying Individual Nasdaq Stocks – Directly purchasing companies such as Meta (META), Nvidia (NVDA), or Apple (AAPL).
- Nasdaq Futures and Options – For traders interested in short-term speculation on index movements.
This index is best suited for investors comfortable with higher volatility who want exposure to innovative sectors such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Tax for Investing in the US stock market
Withholding Tax on Dividends
The US government withholds a 30% tax on dividends paid to foreign investors.
However, many countries have tax treaties with the US, which can reduce this rate to 15% or lower. To claim a lower withholding rate, investors must file a W-8BEN form with their broker.
Capital Gains Tax
Foreign investors do not pay capital gains tax in the US when selling stocks for a profit.
However, they may still be subject to capital gains tax in their home country, depending on local tax laws.
Investors should consult a tax advisor or an expat financial advisor to ensure compliance with foreign tax regulations.
Pained by financial indecision? Discover how we can address your financial pain points!
Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
