New Company Formations in Switzerland (August 2026): Slight Increase Compared to the Previous Year

Slight increase in company formations across Switzerland

In August 2026, a total of 3,887 new companies were registered in the Swiss Commercial Register. In August 2025, the figure stood at 3,856. This represents an increase of 0.8% compared to the previous year.

Behind this slight nationwide increase are differing regional developments. Eastern Switzerland, Central Switzerland, Northwestern Switzerland and French-speaking Switzerland recorded more company formations, while Zurich and Ticino remained below their August 2025 levels.

French-speaking Switzerland remains close to last year’s level

With 1,125 new companies, French-speaking Switzerland remained the largest business formation region in August. Compared to the 1,116 companies registered in the same month last year, this represents slight growth of 0.8%.

Developments varied significantly between cantons. Neuchâtel (+21.3%), Fribourg (+17.5%), and Jura (+16.7%) recorded clear increases. Valais (+8.8%) and Vaud (+2.8%) also exceeded last year’s figures. In contrast, company formations in Geneva declined by 15.9%.

Northwestern Switzerland grows by 5.9%

In Northwestern Switzerland, 828 new companies were registered in August. This puts the region 5.9% above August 2025, when 782 new businesses were recorded.

The strongest increase was seen in Basel-Stadt (+48.8%). Aargau (+14.8%) and Solothurn (+10.5%) also registered more company formations. In contrast, figures declined in Bern (-4.0%) and particularly in Basel-Landschaft (-21.5%).

Eastern Switzerland grows despite differing cantonal trends

Eastern Switzerland recorded 469 new companies, representing an increase of 8.3% compared to the previous year, when 433 businesses were founded.

Regional growth was driven primarily by Thurgau (+32.3%) and St. Gallen (+23.5%). In Appenzell Innerrhoden, the number remained unchanged at eight formations. Several cantons recorded declines, however, including Appenzell Ausserrhoden (-51.7%), Graubünden (-16.3%), and Schaffhausen (-10.0%).

Central Switzerland records growth of 6.9%

In Central Switzerland, 617 new companies were established. Compared to the 577 formations recorded in August 2025, this represents an increase of 6.9%.

The strongest growth was recorded in Lucerne (+26.9%), followed by Schwyz (+11.9%). Changes were more moderate in Zug (-2.3%) and Nidwalden (-4.3%), while Obwalden (-28.6%) and Uri (-33.3%) remained clearly below the previous year’s levels.

Zurich below the previous year’s level

The Zurich region recorded 707 new company formations in August. In the same month of the previous year, 795 new businesses had been registered. This represents a decline of 11.1%.

Together with Ticino, Zurich is therefore one of the two major regions that registered fewer new companies in August 2026 than in August 2025.

Ticino records a decline of 7.8%

In Ticino, 141 new companies were registered in August. Compared to the 153 formations recorded in August 2025, this represents a decrease of 7.8%.

Ticino therefore also recorded a negative development compared to the same month of the previous year, although the decline was less pronounced than in the Zurich region.

Conclusion

August 2026 ended with a slight increase in company formations across Switzerland. With 3,887 new businesses, the total was 0.8% above the level recorded in August 2025.

Regional developments nevertheless varied. Eastern Switzerland, Central Switzerland, and Northwestern Switzerland posted growth, while French-speaking Switzerland remained almost unchanged. Zurich and Ticino, by contrast, recorded fewer company formations than in the same month last year.

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