In short:
- The PEA tax advantage depends on a 5-year period, which starts with the first deposit.
- Opening a plan early, even with a small amount, starts that clock.
- The minimum opening amount varies between institutions.
- Before 5 years, a withdrawal generally closes the plan.
How seniority works
The PEA rewards time: what counts is the age of the plan, not of each investment. A plan opened 5 years ago with a small deposit is already “mature”, even if most of the money arrives later.
Who should start the clock
| Situation | Benefit of opening early |
|---|---|
| Young worker saving little | The clock runs while savings build up |
| Plan to invest in shares in a few years | The plan will already be old by then |
| Expected inheritance or sale | Money can go into an already mature plan |
What to check
The choice of institution matters: minimum opening amount, account fees and trading fees. A PEA can be transferred to another institution without losing its seniority, which leaves room to switch later.