France has broadened its foreign investment regime by extending a 10% voting-rights trigger across more sensitive sectors, including cryptology, while keeping lighter rules for EU and EEA investors.
France has tightened its foreign direct investment screening regime for non-European investors by applying a 10% voting-rights threshold more broadly across sensitive sectors, including cryptology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, dual-use goods and critical research and development activities. The August 2, 2026 decree means the Economy Ministry can review minority stakes that previously would not have required authorization, extending beyond the earlier 25% trigger and building on a 10% threshold first introduced temporarily during the COVID-19 period and made permanent from January 1, 2024 for some listed companies. The change leaves existing thresholds for EU and European Economic Area investors and for non-sensitive sectors unchanged. For crypto and technology investors, the explicit inclusion of cryptology brings blockchain infrastructure companies, encryption firms and some Web3 ventures into a more restrictive screening framework, with fast-tracked reviews available within 10 business days.