April Foundation Report: A Seasonal Decline

In April 2025, a total of 4,554 new companies were founded in Switzerland. This corresponds to a decrease of 7.19 % compared to March. Year-on-year, there was also a slight decline of 0.91 %. The decrease reflects the usual seasonal pattern around spring holidays and public holidays.

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French-speaking Switzerland remains in the lead

With 1,329 new companies, French-speaking Switzerland again recorded the highest number of new businesses, despite a decrease of 5.21 % month-on-month and 0.60 % compared to April 2024. Most of the companies were founded in the canton of Vaud, with 414 entries, which represents a sharp drop of 18.34 % compared to March. In the canton of Fribourg, 195 new companies were counted, which corresponds to an increase of 15.38 % compared to the previous month and 36.36 % year-on-year.

Northwestern Switzerland followed with 983 new companies, a decrease of 9.32 % compared to March and 1.21 % year-on-year. The canton of Bern was particularly active, with 339 new companies, which is 5.31 % fewer than in the previous year.

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Zurich with declining momentum

Zurich also recorded fewer new companies in April. A total of 812 companies were entered into the commercial register, which is 0.25 % less than in March and 9.07 % less than in April 2024.

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Growth in Ticino and positive signals from Lucerne

Ticino is an exception. With 211 new companies, there was an increase of 7.11 % compared to March, although the year-on-year comparison shows a slight decline of 3.21 %.

Central Switzerland recorded 693 new companies, 5.46 % fewer than in March, but an increase of 2.82 % year-on-year. The canton of Lucerne was notable, with 209 new companies, the same number as in March and 20.81 % more than in April 2024. In the canton of Zug, which continues to show strong founding activity, 294 new companies were registered.

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Outlook

In April 2025, a total of 4,554 new companies were founded in Switzerland, representing a decrease of 7.19 % compared to March. The decline in new foundations in April follows a typical seasonal pattern influenced by spring holidays and public holidays. A slight stabilisation or moderate increase is expected for May.

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