Expand to France with Confidence

For international startups, expanding into France can seem like a long and complex process. Incorporation, banking, payroll, hiring, and sales often take months. Yet with the right planning and execution, it is possible to be operational in less than 90 days. This case study shows how one scaleup successfully launched in France in under 3 months, what steps they took, and how other companies can replicate this approach.

Expanding into France requires more than setting up a legal entity. To succeed, you need a local sales team that understands the market, speaks the language, and adapts to cultural expectations. Many foreign startups fail not because of product-market fit but because they underestimate how different sales in France can be compared to the US, UK, or Germany. This guide explains how to recruit, onboard, and grow your first French sales team step by step.

For US startups expanding overseas, Europe is usually the first destination. The key question is which country to choose as the entry point. Many look to the UK or Germany, but France has become an increasingly strong contender. With a large domestic market, central location, tax incentives, and a thriving startup ecosystem, France is now one of the most strategic gateways to Europe. This guide explains why France should be at the top of the list for US founders planning their European expansion.

France is one of Europe’s most attractive markets for startups, but it also has a reputation for being expensive. For foreign founders, it is critical to understand the full cost structure before committing to expansion. Salaries, taxes, and overheads add up quickly, and underestimating them is a common reason for failed market entry. This guide provides a transparent breakdown of the real cost of doing business in France so you can budget realistically and avoid surprises.