New Company Formations in Switzerland (October 2026): Decline Despite Growth in Zurich

Company formations decline by 3.5% across Switzerland

In October 2026, a total of 4,635 new companies were registered in the Swiss Commercial Register. In October 2025, the figure stood at 4,805. This represents a decline of 3.5% compared to the previous year.

Regional developments varied considerably. While Zurich and Ticino recorded more company formations than in October 2025, French-speaking Switzerland, Northwestern Switzerland, Eastern Switzerland and particularly Central Switzerland remained below their respective previous-year levels. Significant differences were also observed between individual cantons.

French-speaking Switzerland records a decline

With 1,253 new companies, French-speaking Switzerland remained the largest business formation region in October. Compared to the 1,370 formations recorded a year earlier, however, this represents a decline of 8.5%.

Developments varied across the cantons. While Jura (+32.1%) recorded a clear increase, most other cantons remained below their previous-year levels. The strongest declines were recorded in Neuchâtel (-16.9%), Vaud (-16.2%) and Fribourg (-13.4%). In Geneva (-2.5%) and Valais (-1.4%), changes were comparatively moderate.

Northwestern Switzerland slightly below last year’s level

In Northwestern Switzerland, 1,007 new companies were registered in October. This puts the region 2.0% below October 2025, when 1,027 new businesses were recorded.

Developments differed significantly between cantons. Basel-Landschaft (+19.8%) and Aargau (+15.5%) recorded more company formations than in the previous year. In contrast, Basel-Stadt (-21.8%) and Bern (-13.3%) posted declines. Solothurn (-2.5%) remained relatively close to its previous-year level.

Eastern Switzerland records a slight decline

Eastern Switzerland recorded 569 new companies in October, representing a decrease of 2.9% compared to the previous year, when 586 businesses were founded. Behind this moderate overall decline were differing developments between the cantons.

Company formations increased particularly strongly in Glarus (+36.4%) and Thurgau (+16.1%). Appenzell Ausserrhoden (+10.7%) also exceeded its previous-year level. In contrast, Appenzell Innerrhoden (-33.3%), St. Gallen (-13.0%) and Graubünden (-6.0%) recorded declines. Schaffhausen (-2.6%) also remained slightly below last year’s level.

Central Switzerland records the largest regional decline

In Central Switzerland, 637 new companies were established. Compared to the 760 formations recorded in October 2025, this represents a decline of 16.2%. The region therefore recorded the largest percentage decrease among all major regions.

The strongest declines were recorded in Zug (-26.2%) and Uri (-20.0%). Schwyz (-10.6%) and Lucerne (-7.3%) also remained below their previous-year levels. In contrast, Obwalden (+11.8%) and Nidwalden (+6.9%) recorded increases, although their absolute numbers of company formations remained comparatively low.

Zurich records strong growth

The Zurich region registered 973 new companies in October. In the same month of the previous year, 869 new businesses had been recorded. This represents an increase of 12.0%.

Zurich therefore recorded the strongest percentage growth among all major regions. With 104 additional company formations compared to October 2025, the region also achieved the largest absolute increase, moving in the opposite direction to the nationwide decline.

Ticino slightly above last year’s level

Ticino recorded 196 new companies in October. Compared to the 193 formations registered in October 2025, this represents a slight increase of 1.6%.

Together with Zurich, Ticino was one of only two major regions to record more company formations than in the same month of the previous year. However, with just three additional businesses, the increase remained modest.

Conclusion

October 2026 ended below the previous year’s level. With 4,635 new companies, Switzerland recorded 3.5% fewer company formations than in October 2025. Regional developments varied, with four of the six major regions reporting declines.

Central Switzerland recorded the largest decrease, followed by French-speaking Switzerland. Eastern Switzerland and Northwestern Switzerland also registered fewer new businesses. Zurich, on the other hand, stood out with growth of 12.0%, while Ticino remained slightly above its previous-year level.

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