A National and Regional Report Released : On January 29, Business France published its 2025 report on foreign direct investment (FDI) in France. The country recorded 1,878 projects and 47,734 jobs created or maintained.
Strong Growth in the South Region : Following the national release, the regional agency for economic development and attractiveness, risingSUD, published its own figures. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region attracted 166 projects and 3,322 jobs, positioning itself as the second fastest-growing region in France in terms of attractiveness (+33%). Over the past decade, the number of projects attracted annually has more than doubled.
Alpes-Maritimes Sharp Increase : In 2025, the Alpes-Maritimes department recorded 47 projects and 1,398 jobs, representing an 80% increase in employment compared to 2024. This marks the strongest regional growth in job creation.
Nice Côte d’Azur Strengthens Its International Reach : Team Nice Côte d’Azur supported 11 foreign business establishment projects in 2025. The Nice Ocean Business Forum brought together 600 economic stakeholders from 50 countries. The investment projects target key sectors such as the blue economy, fintech, and health.
A Stabilizing National Context
The 2025 report from Business France confirms 1,878 projects and 47,734 jobs created or maintained across France. These figures reflect a stabilization of France’s attractiveness, following changes in methodology:
– The scope now includes all new retail outlets at the municipal level (522 projects in 2025).
– Job counts now reflect all planned employment, without time constraints.
The South Region Captures Nearly 10% of National Projects
In its regional report, risingSUD confirms the South Region’s role as a leading investment destination, with 166 projects from 25 countries and 3,322 jobs created or safeguarded. The region accounts for nearly 10% of all projects in France and ranks second in growth behind Grand Est.
This growth includes a +33% increase in the number of projects (+8% on a constant scope) and a +15.5% increase in job numbers compared to 2024. Over the past ten years, the South Region has welcomed 1,070 international projects, supporting the creation or retention of 27,277 jobs.
risingSUD, in coordination with Business France and local attractiveness agencies, leads the prospecting and support efforts for foreign investors. In 2025, the region recorded:
– 128 new establishments (77% of the regional total)
– 34 expansion projects by companies already operating in the region
A New Balance Among Investor Countries
Germany topped the 2025 rankings with 28 projects, driven by the expansion of retail chains Lidl and Aldi, and by Bertrandt’s development in Sophia Antipolis. Italy took second place with 20 projects, including Marcegaglia’s expansion in Fos-sur-Mer and Newcleo’s growth in Aix-en-Provence.
For the first time in a decade, the United States ranked third with 16 projects, remaining the top investor in high-value-added projects, such as Cosmo International Fragrances’ site in Grasse (€12 million investment).
The UK (15 projects) and Denmark (12 projects) — appearing in the rankings for the first time — complete the top 5.
The South Region remains France’s top destination for African investment, with 10 new projects generating 161 jobs, including 8 from Tunisia.
Alpes-Maritimes Posts the Region’s Strongest Growth
While Bouches-du-Rhône remains the leading department in terms of volume (85 projects and 1,491 jobs), Alpes-Maritimes ranks second with 47 projects and 1,398 jobs. It shows the highest employment growth in the region: +80% compared to 2024 (773 jobs).
This momentum is driven by strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, health, and the maritime economy, with several major projects illustrating this trend.
Metropolitan areas account for 65% of foreign projects in the South Region. Alongside Aix-Marseille and Toulon-Provence, Nice Côte d’Azur continues to be a preferred destination for international investors.
Nice Côte d’Azur: Expanding Global Influence
In 2025, Nice hosted the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in June. As part of this event, the Nice Ocean Business Forum welcomed over 600 stakeholders from 50 countries to discuss the blue economy, sustainability, and emerging maritime economic models.
Team Nice Côte d’Azur supported 11 foreign business establishment projects, aligned with the region’s economic priorities.
Two examples illustrate the diversity of origins and sectors:
OceanWell (USA)– Identified during a California prospecting mission by Team Nice Côte d’Azur and risingSUD, this company chose Nice as its European headquarters. A pioneer in low-impact freshwater production from deep ocean sources, OceanWell develops modular underwater Water Farms, powered by natural ocean pressure — reducing energy use by 40% compared to traditional desalination.
20 jobs are planned over three years.
Insight Plus (Tunisia) – This Tunisian fintech has developed a platform connecting currency exchange operators and banks in real-time for foreign exchange stock transfers. Now based at the Innovation Hub in Nice, the company plans to create 12 jobs over three years.
Sources:
- Business France – Bilan 2025 des investissements étrangers en France (29 janvier 2026)
- risingSUD – Bilan régional 2025
