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France confirms its position as Europe’s leading destination for foreign investment

France remains Europe’s leading destination for foreign direct investment for the seventh consecutive year, according to the EY Attractiveness Survey published on May 21, 2026. The country attracted 852 job-creating investment projects in 2025, ahead of the United Kingdom (730) and Germany (548). While the number of projects declined by 17% against a European backdrop down 7%, the number of jobs created (27,921) fell by only 4%, compared with an average 25% decline across Europe.
According to the Business France report published on January 29, 2026, France recorded 1,878 foreign investment decisions in 2025, supporting the creation or retention of 47,734 jobs. A total of 315 companies invested in France for the first time. Twenty-five percent of projects aligned with the France 2030 priorities, including AI, healthcare, low-carbon mobility, and renewable energy.
According to risingSUD, the Sud Region attracted 166 projects from 25 countries and generated 3,322 jobs in 2025. It ranked as France’s second-fastest-growing region in terms of project growth (+33%). Over the past decade, it has more than doubled the number of projects attracted annually. The region secured 42 R&D or decision-center projects and 13 AI and Cloud-focused projects.
The Alpes-Maritimes department recorded 47 projects and 1,398 jobs, representing an 80% increase compared with 2024. This marks the strongest regional growth in employment. Nice Côte d’Azur ranked among the preferred host territories, with metropolitan areas accounting for 65% of foreign investment projects in the Sud Region.

France, a benchmark destination

The EY France Attractiveness Survey 2026, published on May 21 under the title “Europe Under Pressure, France at a Crossroads,” confirms France’s position as Europe’s leading destination for foreign direct investment for the seventh consecutive year. A total of 852 job-creating investment projects were recorded in 2025, ahead of the United Kingdom (730) and Germany (548).

The 17% decline in project numbers reflects an international environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty, and economic slowdown. Europe as a whole declined by 7%. France nevertheless proved more resilient in terms of employment, with 27,921 jobs generated, down only 4% compared with a 25% average decline across Europe.

Artificial intelligence (53 projects), low-carbon energy, defense, logistics, and software emerged as the leading growth sectors. Thirty-eight percent of executives surveyed by EY identified France as Europe’s most attractive country, ahead of Germany and the United Kingdom.

At the same time, the Business France report published on January 29, 2026, recorded 1,878 foreign investment decisions in France in 2025, supporting the creation or retention of 47,734 jobs. The difference between the EY and Business France figures is explained by differing methodologies, with Business France notably including retail outlets (522 projects). Excluding retail outlets, the number of projects increased by 2% compared with 2024. A total of 315 companies invested in France for the first time, while 25% of projects aligned with the France 2030 priorities.

The Sud Region records the second-strongest growth nationwide

According to data published by risingSUD, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region attracted 166 projects from 25 countries, supporting the creation or retention of 3,322 jobs in 2025. The region recorded the second-highest national increase in project numbers (+33%) and a 15.5% rise in jobs compared with 2024. Over the past decade, it has more than doubled the number of projects attracted each year.

The investments are strategically oriented: 42 R&D or decision-center projects generating 535 jobs, 13 AI and Cloud-focused projects, and 36 projects aligned with the Regional Climate Plan. A total of 128 new business establishments accounted for 77% of the overall results.

Alpes-Maritimes posts the region’s strongest employment growth

The Alpes-Maritimes department recorded 47 projects and 1,398 jobs in 2025, up 80% compared with 2024 (773 jobs). This represents the strongest employment growth in the Sud Region. The department ranked second regionally behind Bouches-du-Rhône (85 projects, 1,491 jobs).

This momentum is driven by the territory’s strategic sectors: artificial intelligence, healthcare, and the blue economy. Metropolitan areas accounted for 65% of foreign investment projects in the Sud Region. Nice Côte d’Azur ranked among the preferred host territories, alongside Aix-Marseille and Toulon-Provence.

Working alongside Business France and local attractiveness agencies, including Team Nice Côte d’Azur, risingSUD coordinates investor outreach and support initiatives across the region.

Nice Côte d’Azur: a territory that attracts and supports investment

Team Nice Côte d’Azur supported 11 foreign business establishment projects, aligned with the region’s economic priorities.

Two examples illustrate the diversity of both geographic origins and industry sectors. OceanWell (United States), identified during a California mission led by Team Nice Côte d’Azur alongside risingSUD, chose Nice for its European headquarters. A pioneer in low-impact freshwater production from deep ocean resources, the company plans to create 20 jobs within three years. Insight Plus (Tunisia), a fintech company specializing in real-time foreign exchange trading, established operations at the Nice Innovation Hub and plans to create 12 jobs within three years.

This investment momentum extends into the major events hosted by the territory. From June 14 to 16, 2026, Nice will host Bharat Innovates 2026, an event organized by India’s Ministry of Education in partnership with France and coordinated by the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis. In the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, 120 Indian DeepTech startups will showcase innovations across 13 technology sectors. The event represents a direct opportunity to accelerate investment flows and partnerships between India and the French Riviera ecosystem.

Sources : Baromètre EY 2026, Business France, risingSUD, Team Nice Côte d’Azur