What you need to know
What is the PEA ?
The Plan d'Epargne en Action (PEA or shared savings plan) is a tax-efficient way to invest and manage a portfolio of eligible French and European securities, such as shares, UCIs, etc.
It gives you a securities account and a cash account for payments, proceeds from selling securities or dividends, and other products awaiting investment.
Shares in UCIs set up in a Member State of the European Community, plus Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein, that are governed by European regulations and whose assets always include at least 75% securities, are eligible for PEAs.
Note: Since 20 March 2012, ceasing to be tax resident in France no longer means your PEA will close, unless you're moving to a non-cooperative state or territory (ETNC).
You pay no income tax on your investment if you leave it for at least 5 years(1).
How to achieve your objectives
- Build up your savings over the long term
Invest up to € 150,000 per person, or €300,000 for a married couple or civil partnership(2), in the stock market for at least 5 years(1) and pay no income or capital gains tax.
- Invest in a wide range of markets
Your PEA works like a traditional securities account, enabling you to manage your own portfolio and invest in the European financial markets, like shares, some UCIs, and more.
- Prepare for retirement
After 8 years, you can close your PEA and convert your capital into a life annuity that’s exempt from income tax. So you can enjoy regular income for your retirement free from tax, apart from applicable social security contributions. Excludes non-French tax residents.
How to apply
New to HSBC
It only takes a couple of minutes to complete our online form.
Already a customer
Speak to one of our advisers in branch, at a time to suit you.
Find out more
*Dial +33810246810 within France (service €0.09 per call + call price) and for service outside France (cost varies by operator).
Online payments
To make a deposit, log on to Online Banking and select 'Transfers' then 'Transfers within France'.
(1) See conditions. You can find out more about PEA taxation, click here.
(2) Only one PEA/PEA-PME allowed per person, or one each for a married/civil partnership couple with the same tax residence. People who are fiscally dependent on a taxpayer can’t open a PEA. Deposit capped at 150,000 Euros per person. PEAs are open to customers who are tax resident in France. Not available to customers tax resident in a non-cooperative state or territory (ETNC).