France remains a top choice for foreign investors

Global Industrie will take place from March 30th to April 2nd, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte (France). With 2,500 exhibitors across 100,000 m² and more than 3,000 machines in operation, the largest “factory in France” reflects a country that continues to attract international industry. The latest Business France report on international investment in France (2025) confirms this: foreign companies continue to invest in France.

France reinforces its appeal to foreign investors

“In 2025, 1,878 foreign investment decisions were recorded, creating or safeguarding 47,734 jobs. France remains one of the leading destinations for foreign investment. This confidence was also reflected on May 19th, with a record number of investment announcements during the 8th Choose France Summit — now a key event in the investment attraction strategy led by President Emmanuel Macron,” Business France said.

“France remains a preferred destination for investors worldwide. This reflects a long-term investment attraction strategy. We continue to attract future-oriented investment projects thanks to a skilled workforce, a strong innovation ecosystem and a dynamic domestic market,” said Roland Lescure, Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty.

Resilience despite global uncertainty

“In a complex international environment marked by lasting tensions and economic uncertainty, the 2025 results confirm foreign investors’ confidence in France. With 1,878 investment decisions, France continues to rely on solid economic fundamentals. Estimated growth of 0.9%, inflation contained at 1.1% and a largely decarbonised energy mix provides a strong competitive advantage for international businesses,” said Pascal Cagni, Chairman of the Board of Business France.

In 2025, 1,021 foreign companies launched at least one investment project in France, highlighting the scale and diversity of international interest. Among them, 315 invested in France for the first time, representing nearly one-third of investors this year. These new entrants reflect a renewal of the international business presence in France, across both services (53%) and industry (47%).

New site creation remained the main type of investment, with 1,161 projects (62% of the total), while 563 expansions accounted for 30%. Acquisitions, representing 3% of projects, played a key role in preserving industrial activity and jobs: 48 companies undergoing restructuring were acquired, safeguarding 5,249 jobs. This balance reflects an investment attractiveness model based on both new investments and the strengthening of existing industrial facilities. Takeovers also contribute to modernising production capacity and sustaining economic activity, particularly in more economically vulnerable regions.

Where investors come from

“Together with its partners, Business France turns expressions of interest into concrete projects by supporting companies from initial contact to project approval, helping secure and accelerate their establishment in France,” said Marie-Cécile Tardieu, Deputy CEO for Investment at Business France.

The European Union remains the main source of foreign investment, accounting for 72% of projects and 56% of jobs. The United States remains the leading country in terms of employment created, representing nearly one quarter of the jobs recorded by Business France. Germany ranks second with more than 5,200 announced jobs (11%), followed by Italy with 10% of projected jobs in 2025.

Industrial investment is widely distributed across the country: municipalities with fewer than 20,000 residents account for 45% of projects and 52% of associated jobs, demonstrating the ability of international investment to benefit the entire country.

Conclusion

“In a context of stronger international competition and geopolitical tensions, France once again demonstrates its ability to remain competitive,” said Nicolas Forissier, Minister for Foreign Trade and Attractiveness.