Commercial Register Deadlines 2026: Last Dates for an Entry by Year-End, by Canton

Towards the end of the year, the cantonal commercial register offices receive a particularly high number of filings: new companies, changes and deletions. At the same time, many offices close over Christmas and New Year. If you want your entry to be made in 2026, you need to submit your documents in time. In this article, you will find the cut-off dates and holiday closures of every canton for the end of 2026.

What is the cut-off date for a commercial register entry?

The cut-off date is the date by which a filing must reach the cantonal commercial register office for the entry to be made in the current year. Each canton sets its own cut-off date, and it only applies to complete and correct documents. In Basel-Country, Solothurn, Zug and Jura, the cut-off date is a recommendation; in Basel-City and Schaffhausen, it is a guideline without guarantee. Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Thurgau and Vaud have no fixed cut-off date, and no deadline is known for Geneva and Ticino. There, the earlier you file, the safer.

What happens if I miss the cut-off date?

Filings received after the cut-off date are still accepted and processed as quickly as capacity allows. However, an entry by 31 December 2026 is no longer guaranteed, and the registration may move into 2027.

Why does the date of entry matter?

• Formation: A GmbH (LLC) or AG (corporation) only comes into legal existence when it is entered in the commercial register. If the entry is made in January, the company legally exists only from 2027.
• Changes: Amendments to the articles of association, such as a change of registered office or a capital increase, only take effect once they are entered.
• Planning: Bank accounts, contracts and invoicing often depend on the entry. A clear date gives you certainty.

Commercial register deadlines 2026: cut-off dates and closures by canton

The table below shows, for each canton, when the commercial register office is closed over the holidays and the latest date your filing must arrive for a guaranteed entry in 2026.

The earliest cut-off date is in the canton of Fribourg: filings and pre-checks must arrive by 27 November 2026. In the canton of Zurich, the cut-off date is 1 December 2026; the office is closed from 24 December 2026 up to and including 1 January 2027. The commercial register office of the canton of Uri stays closed the longest, up to and including 6 January 2027.

All information without guarantee, as of November 2026. The information of the competent cantonal commercial register office is authoritative.

Why does processing take longer at the end of the year?

Many entrepreneurs want to complete their formation or change before the new year. As a result, the number of filings rises sharply in November and December, while the holidays reduce the offices' working days. In the canton of Zurich, processing normally takes 7 to 10 days; before the end of the year, it can take considerably longer.

How to get your entry made in 2026: 5 tips

1. File early: Plan your filing with a buffer instead of aiming for the cut-off date.
2. Plan your pre-check in time: Many cantons have an earlier deadline for pre-checks, such as 15 November in Appenzell Innerrhoden, 27 November in Berne or 2 December 2026 in Grisons. In Basel-Country, no pre-checks are possible in December, most likely not in Lucerne either, and Thurgau currently offers no pre-checks at all.
3. Submit complete and correct documents: The cut-off date only applies to complete filings. Queries and corrections cost time.
4. Book your notary appointment early: Founding a GmbH or AG requires a public deed, and notaries are very busy in December too.
5. Hand over your formation: With Startups.ch, you found your company online, including the commercial register entry.

Want to found your company in 2026?

With Startups.ch, you found your company online, including the commercial register entry. Get started at www.startups.ch.