Companies choose France as a market due to its global positioning as the sixth-largest worldwide and second-largest EU market. The geographical proximity – 2.5 hours by Eurostar from Rotterdam or a 2-hour drive from the border – makes travel convenient. France hosts key industries such as retail, construction, energy, food production, innovative automotive and aerospace sectors, fashion, and a significant tourism market. Despite these promising factors, many (Dutch) companies face challenges establishing a foothold in France. Many achieve higher revenues in Germany and Belgium than in the French market, and some even avoid the French market as they fail to become successful.

Tips for Successful Market Integration

Local Presence and Collaboration
French organizations prefer to work with providers/foreign companies that understand their way of thinking and acting well. 

Importance of a Local Team
In France, having your local team with a proven track record is crucial. As an alternative, this local presence could be achieved by collaborating with resident partners.

Time, Patience, and Perseverance
France is a market where business is done based on trust. Building relationships in a country like this takes time, patience, and perseverance. 

High Costs in the Public Sector
The costs of the public sector in France are 2 times higher than in other European countries like Germany, and the retirement age is 62 years.

Challenges of the English Language
Although English is increasingly spoken by the younger generation, many business decision-makers in France feel uncertain when it comes to using the English language. In addition, building the personal relationships is easier when French is spoken well.

Our Strategy for Success in France: Local Offices and Experienced Teams

Successfully establishing a presence in the French market requires more than just geographical proximity – it demands a deep understanding of cultural nuances, business practices and the right local contacts in the various industries and organizations. Our EU offices in Barcelona, Düsseldorf, London, Paris and Rotterdam are not merely physical locations but strategic hubs that enable our clients to be locally present while benefiting from a global perspective.

Immersing in the Comic World

Listen to this Business News Radio emission about a success story in the French market.
While comics are more of a niche in the Netherlands, the world of comics permeates every corner in France. This makes the French market particularly fascinating for cartoonists, like international award-winning Dutch Aimée de Jongh, with works like “Days of Sand” and “Bloesems in de Herfst,”. She shares her experiences abroad and specifically how she has become successful in one of the largest comic markets in the world. Hosted by BNR’s Jelle Maasbach and with co-host TRANSFER’s CEO Gerald Baal.