Free Tool
PEA vs Assurance Vie vs CTO Simulator
Not sure which French investment envelope is right for you? Enter your numbers below to compare the net return after taxes for PEA, Assurance Vie, and a standard securities account (CTO).
€
%
yrs
Best for Stocks & ETFs
PEA
€141,782
17.2% social charges only
Flexible + Estate Planning
Assurance Vie
€135,461
7.5% income + 17.2% social
No Limits, Full Tax
CTO (Securities Account)
€130,995
30% flat tax on gains
Net Value After Taxes Over Time
How French Tax Envelopes Work
- PEA — Stocks & EU ETFs only. After 5 years: only 17.2% social charges on gains. €150K deposit cap.
- Assurance Vie (AV) — Multi-asset. After 8 years: reduced 7.5% income tax + 17.2% social charges. Great for estate planning.
- CTO — No restrictions. All assets, any amount. But 30% flat tax (PFU) on all capital gains from day one.
Simplified simulation for educational purposes. Uses fixed annual return of 7%. Does not account for management fees, inflation, or AV annual allowances (€4,600/€9,200). Tax rules are for French residents as of 2025 and may change. Seek personalised tax advice.
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