Investing in France [fr]
France has many strengths to attract businesses and foreign investment.
As a major industrial power at the heart of a buoyant European market, it is a country which is opening its doors to businesses and talents.
The advantages of France
A vibrant market at the heart of Europe
France is a modern, open market with strong demographics. It is one of the main global economic powers.
As a founding member of the European Union and eurozone, located at the heart of Europe, France offers direct access to the single European market and EU partners.
Highly qualified and productive human resources
France is investing heavily in its education system.
It has a qualified, adaptable workforce which can master new technologies, which are essential to increase productivity.
France offers strong labour productivity and, compared to the United States for example, attractive operating costs for foreign companies in all sectors of activity, particularly R&D.
A nation of innovation
France is investing heavily in R&D. Its spending has been increasing every year since 2007, mainly as a result of tax benefits.
The main R&D investment sectors are cars, aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, scientific and technical activities, and IT and information services.
In addition, France specializes in growth areas such as biotechnology and environmental technologies. It has made ecological transition one of the mainstays of its development.
A nation of entrepreneurs
France has a vibrant market in terms of net business creation. Innovative businesses can benefit from an extensive network of incubators and accelerators all over France, including Station F, the world’s biggest start-up campus, which is attracting many foreign companies.
France makes life easier for entrepreneurs, with an ambitious labour market and tax reform programme and an action plan to promote corporate growth and simplify the business environment.
The vibrant and diversified funding channels on the Paris financial market is part of France’s appeal, backed up by strong asset management.
Exceptional infrastructure and quality of life
France has fast and efficient connections with the rest of the world, particularly Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Companies located in France also benefit from a high-quality communications infrastructure, including high-speed network coverage, as well as electricity at competitive and stable prices.
Furthermore, the public authorities’ contribution to collective and individual services (education, health, accommodation, transport, culture, etc.) directly improves the quality of life of households and companies.
- For further information: Discover France on Business France
How to set up in France
Business France, an agency run by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, helps entrepreneurs to set up in France.
The Business France network is the preferred partner for foreign investors in order to provide information on the legal and tax framework for companies setting up in France and to clearly identify the public funding which can be allocated to support investment projects.
Business France facilitates contact between foreign companies and French public bodies (Ministries, local government, State agencies, etc.) responsible for supporting these investors.
- For further information: Business France: Invest in France
Welcome to France
Welcome to France is a single information service to help foreign talents and their families adjust to living and working in France.
It has all the information you need to help you with the main steps in the process of moving to France.