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'.
You might also be interested in

Le Plan d’Investissement Automatique (PIA)
Save with our automatic investment plan

Compte Titres
Invest for the long term with our securities account
(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).