The French market is attractive. Still, you have to know how to get in.
Field knowledge, network of operators, regulatory support: we structure your entry into the French market from end to end.
A structured, relationship-based market that cannot be approached from the outside
The French insurance market is one of the largest in Europe. It is also one of the most heavily regulated. The most dynamic segments are often occupied by long-established players, whose position relies as much on long-standing relationships as on the quality of their offerings.
Entering this market without a detailed understanding of its players, distribution channels, and sector-specific practices means running the risk of positioning yourself away from your target—or dedicating considerable resources to mapping out territory that others already know.
Properly reading a market before the initial commitment determines the relevance of everything that follows.
Your operational relay on the French market
At KRAFT, we support foreign insurers wishing to develop business in France – whether it involves a first establishment, an extension of scope, or the structuring of a new distribution segment.
Our intervention covers the entire operational chain: from the strategic reading of the market to connecting you with the right operators, including the definition of the segments most consistent with your positioning, your capabilities, and your development objectives.
We do not produce generic market research.
We give you access to a field reading built on the daily practice of the French market, its distribution networks, and its specialty lines.
Identify the segments where your offer creates value
Before any establishment decision, it is necessary to understand where the real opportunities lie – and where the market is already saturated, locked down, or structurally difficult for a new entrant.
We analyze with you the growth segments, under-coverage areas, unmet expectations of distribution networks, and niches where your technical capabilities can make a difference. This analysis takes into account your business lines, risk appetite, and development horizon.
We then connect you with the operators relevant to your strategy: specialized brokers, delegated managers, professional associations, and sector-specific distribution networks. These connections are based on existing relationships, not a directory.
Freedom to provide services, freedom of establishment and obtaining approvals in Europe
- The analysis of your current regulatory situation and the most suitable access pathway for your project
- The structuring of the notification or approval application file, in conjunction with your legal advice
- Coordination with the competent authorities and regulatory correspondents in France and in your home country
- Anticipating local governance, solvency, and distribution requirements
- Support in setting up the delegation agreements necessary for your activity in France
Access to the French market for a foreign insurer requires a precise regulatory framework. Depending on your situation and objectives, several avenues are possible: obtaining authorization in Europe and then operating via the freedom to provide services or freedom of establishment, obtaining authorization from the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution, or reinsuring an existing operator.
Each option has its own conditions, timeframes, and operational implications. The choice between these paths must be guided by the nature of your activity, the anticipated volume, and the depth of commitment you wish to make in the French market.
Coverage built without a detailed understanding of your industry may prove insufficient in these situations—not due to anyone's bad faith, but simply because it was not designed for them. The strength of a program is measured at the moment it needs to work.
We provide operational support throughout this entire journey.
For insurers that already have a European passport and wish to extend their geographical scope or lines of business, we handle extension notifications in the same way, whether for freedom to provide services or freedom of establishment.
Operational expertise
Our specialization in these sectors is based on long-term knowledge, built with insurance partners committed to the same niches. Find the details of our sector expertise on the dedicated page.
