Foreign investment supported nearly 48.000 jobs in France in 2025

These results represent an 11% increase compared to 2024, a year in which 1.688 international investment decisions were recorded. Business France, however, qualifies this growth, explaining that it is partly due to more comprehensive accounting of retail outlet openings at the municipal level.

"France confirms its position as a leading destination for foreign investors," Business France, the public operator that assists French companies with exporting, emphasized in a press release.

The organization also points out that the 8th Choose France summit, an event designed to attract foreign investment to France, broke a new record last May with 20 billion euros worth of projects announced in the gilded halls of the Palace of Versailles.

To discuss these results which contrast with the political instability since the dissolution of the National Assembly in 2024, the president of Business France Pascal Cagni referred to a "French paradox" on RMC on Thursday.

"Foreign investors are discovering (...) the particular strengths of France," he added, citing a high-quality internet, rail and motorway network, recognized talent, and an opportune geographical position to cover the European market.

In 2025, retail outlets became the primary target for foreign investment, with 522 investment decisions recorded, ahead of production activities (472 projects) and decision-making centers (299 projects).

Excluding points of sale, the number of projects shows an increase of 2% compared to 2024.

In total, 1.021 foreign companies have undertaken at least one investment project in France in 2025, a third of which are first-time investors, according to Business France.

Website creations constitute the majority of operations, with 1.161 projects, representing 62% of the recorded decisions.Extensions represent 30% of projects, while takeovers, more marginal in number (3%), have saved 5.249 jobs.

"In a context of increased international competition and strong geopolitical tensions, France is once again demonstrating its ability to stay in the game," said Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Attractiveness, quoted in the press release.

The European Union remains the main source of investment, accounting for 72% of projects and 56% of jobs.

In terms of employment, the United States remains the leading contributor, accounting for nearly a quarter of all jobs recorded. Germany ranks second, followed by Italy, which completes the top three.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.