IFLR – Chinese Outbound Investment Guide | France remains a top destination for Chinese Investors in Europe

IFLR – Chinese Outbound Investment Guide | France remains a top destination for Chinese Investors in Europe

France continues to attract Chinese investment despite global uncertainty.

Despite geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty and tighter foreign investment controls, France remains an attractive destination for Chinese Investors.

While overall foreign investment in France declined in 2025, the country retained its leading position in Europe for FDI. Chinese investment, meanwhile, continued to grow following its rebound in 2024.

• France ranked 1 in Europe for the volume and number of FDI projects in 2025
• Chinese investment in France grew even stronger in 2025
• More than 900 Chinese subsidiaries are established in France, employing over 50,000 people
• Investment is increasingly focused on strategic sectors such as technology and electric vehicles, often through joint ventures

This continued interest comes at a time when foreign investment rules are becoming stricter. FDI screening, merger control and the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation are playing a greater role in cross-border transactions.

France nevertheless remains well positioned for Chinese companies seeking to establish or expand their activities in Europe, with its central location, developed infrastructure, skilled workforce and favourable business environment.

At LPA Law, our teams in Paris (China Desk), Shanghai and Hong Kong advise Chinese and French companies on cross-border M&A, joint ventures, foreign investment control, competition and tax matters.

Click here to read the analysis by Raphaël Chantelot, Ran Hu and Hubert Bazin, with contributions from Marco Plankensteiner, Fanny Nguyen and Nicolas Vanderchmitt, published in the China Outbound Investment Guide by IFLR.