Investing in France

A strategic location at the heart of the European market

France is strategically located at the heart of the European market. As a founding member of both the European Union and the Eurozone, it offers investors seamless access to a market of over 450 million consumers. Its extensive transport network, which includes high-speed rail, well-connected international airports and advanced logistics infrastructure, facilitates efficient trade and distribution across the continent.

This central position makes France an ideal location for companies looking to expand their reach in Europe and beyond, including into markets in Africa and the Middle East, thanks to existing trade agreements and established commercial ties.

An innovative country

No company can thrive without innovation. France offers an environment in which businesses can innovate through state support and collaboration with some of the world’s most renowned research centres.

The country is home to countless startups, spread across the entire territory. To support this large number of innovative companies, France has created the FrenchTech network, labelling cities such as Lyon as hotbeds of innovation. When it comes to scientific research, France boasts one of the world’s largest research centres: the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (National Centre for Scientific Research), also known as the CNRS, which has a presence throughout the country.

A talented and productive workforce

The French higher education system is one of the most renowned in the world, with public universities along with business and engineering schools that nurture talented and skilled workers in a variety of disciplines. Investing in France means you can hire a specialised and productive workforce.

France also encourages its workers to keep learning new skills and updating their knowledge of their job, enabling constant growth and ensuring that your future employees can adapt efficiently to innovations in your sector.

World-class infrastructure

Thanks to its world-class infrastructure, France is also attractive to foreign businesses. Its transport network is fast and modern, with high-speed train lines (TGV) linking all major cities and international airports (especially Paris Charles de Gaulle or Lyon Saint-Exupéry), as well as a well-maintained road system. France’s digital infrastructure is one of the best in the world, with widespread high-speed internet access and 5G coverage, as well as a strong telecommunications sector. New projects are constantly being developed. France produces its own energy, which makes it competitive and stable.

Finally, France is renowned for its high quality of life, making it an attractive destination for workers and students from around the world.

Agriculture and agri-food

France is a leading agricultural producer in Europe thanks to its varied climates, which allow for diverse production of cereals, fruits, wine, meat and dairy products. The quality and traceability of its produce is world-renowned, with many having their own protected designation of origin.

This strong agricultural sector has also enabled France to develop a powerful agri-food industry that transforms raw produce into high-quality products that meet stringent national and international standards. This extensive transformation process creates added value and ensures a consistent supply of diverse food and drink products for domestic consumption and export.

Industry

France also has a historic industrial sector ranging from traditional industries to high technology. The most developed areas in France include automotive, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, aerospace and defence.

The country’s industrial sector invests significantly in research and development, focusing on digitalisation, automation, and sustainable production methods. This enables local entrepreneurs to develop innovative products in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT).

Thanks to the productivity, quality and competitiveness of its industry, France is a major exporter of manufactured goods.

Tourism

France is one of the most popular tourist destinations thanks to its location and the variety of its cities and landscapes.

French culture is world-renowned, and cities such as Paris and Lyon are home to some of the country’s most iconic buildings. Tourists come from all over the world to admire landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.

With its warm beaches in the south and its high mountains, with snow-covered peaks, France caters for visitors all year round and for all types of activity.

Services

The service sector is one of the most important in France, offering a wide range of activities including financial services (banking, insurance and asset management), consulting, digital services (IT and software) and business and logistics services.

This sector is characterised by its strong expertise and capacity for innovation, making it easier for companies to invest in France. You can rely on a vast network of structures offering high-quality services to help ensure your success by outsourcing key skills.

New technologies

With its dynamic startup ecosystem and strong government support, France is among the world leaders in sectors such as artificial intelligence and deep tech. Thanks to its leading research centres and renowned engineering schools, France is one of the best countries in which to invest if you want to access an innovative market.

The large number of tech companies also creates demand for businesses specialising in areas such as cybersecurity, digital transformation, and green tech.

Setting up your business in France involves several clear steps, which can be summarised as follows:

• You will choose a legal structure for your business considering liability and scalability.
• You will choose your company domiciliation by selecting an address with which all correspondence with the administration will be made.
• Then, you will register with the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS) to give your business legal status, after which you will receive a SIRET number for all transactions and business operations. You will also need to register with different administrations for tax and social obligations.

This is only a brief overview of the steps involved in investing in France. If you would like more information, please visit the Business France website, where you will find more detailed explanations.

If you’re looking to invest in France, the first step is to decide where to settle. Lyon is one of the best options. With an economy that rivals that of Paris, but with lower real estate prices and an overall lower cost of living, Lyon gives you access to a large pool of skilled workers in a dynamic region with connections to the rest of the world.

The city’s dynamism is particularly evident in the following sectors:

• Food, farming and gastronomy,
• Industry,
• Social and solidarity economy, social innovation,
• Life sciences and health,
• Cleantech,
• Digital industry,
• Culture and creative industries,
• Logistics and transport,
• Services to individuals and companies.

The reasons to start your company in Lyon are countless!

As one of the most dynamic cities in France, Lyon is an excellent place to invest! If you want to find out more about the city and the opportunities it offers your business, ONLYLYON will provide guidance and support to help you settle there. Contact us to discuss your project!