about FCs

[Aurorei]

Hello,
I'm a bit puzzled about how does the FC system works.
Do you need to unlock the feature by doing a quest? or is there another type of pre-requisite?
Is there a way for me to search the FCs and their descriptions on my server, so then I can submit an application to the ones that fit my tastes and needs?
Can anyone create their own FC? How? is this an unlockable feature?
I know I can ask in game for a FC, but in my understanding FCs are very important and I would like to join one that would make sense for me and my friends to join instead of the one that just happened to invite me? Does this make sense, or am I misunderstanding the purpose of an FC as a group of people that hopefully have something in common with and want to have fun with and progress content?
Thanks in advance,
Auro

[Aurorei]

I just remembered another question, does your grand company influence which FCs you can join?

[dreamfisher]

A Community Finder site was recently added to aid in the recruitment/discovery of FCs. However, FCs have to opt-in so it isn't the best.
https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodes...munity_finder/

You can also just use the lodestone's default search to filter and discover free companies:
https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/freecompany/

You can join an FC pretty much immediately after starting the game, and it does make sense to want one that fits you and your needs. However, you can easily leave one free company and join another! So feel free to try one out and if things don't work out, politely leave and try another.
I'd advise looking out for red flags when joining an FC, but that's a people issue; not a game mechanics issue. Some people just take it personally if you don't enjoy being in their FC.

To create an FC, you need to be level 25, I believe, and have joined a grand company. At the GC headquarters, there is an Administrator NPC who will help facilitate that. You'll then need to get several signatures from people who are interested in joining your FC. Those people will be your FC's first members once it's created.

And your choice of GC does not limit your choice of FC or vice versa.

Oh, one more detail: When looking at an FC's details in-game, there is a section labeled "Focus" with icons that represent what that FC is focused on. For example, if they're primarily interested in role-playing, and you have no interest in role-playing, you'll know better than to join that particular FC.
The full list of foci is: Role-playing, Leveling, Casual, Hardcore, Dungeons, Guildhests, Trials, Raids, PvP