New Company Formations in Switzerland (September 2026): Growth in All Regions

5.7% more company formations across Switzerland

In September 2026, a total of 4,453 new companies were registered in the Swiss Commercial Register. In September 2025, the figure stood at 4,212. This represents an increase of 5.7% compared to the previous year.

This positive development was visible across the entire country. All six major regions recorded more company formations than in September of the previous year. However, the extent of growth varied between regions and, in some cases, considerably between individual cantons.

French-speaking Switzerland grows significantly

With 1,200 new companies, French-speaking Switzerland remained the largest business formation region in September. Compared to the 1,105 companies registered in the same month last year, this represents growth of 8.6%.

Within the region, Neuchâtel (+18.6%), Vaud (+17.0%), and Fribourg (+16.4%) contributed most to the positive development. Valais (+10.6%) also recorded a clear increase. In contrast, Geneva (-4.3%) and Jura (-2.9%) remained slightly below last year’s level.

Northwestern Switzerland grows by 6.5%

In Northwestern Switzerland, 1,035 new companies were registered in September. This puts the region 6.5% above September 2025, when 972 new businesses were recorded.

The strongest increase was seen in Basel-Stadt (+23.5%). Aargau (+12.9%) and Basel-Landschaft (+8.7%) also grew, while Solothurn (+2.7%) finished slightly above the previous year. Only the canton of Bern (-3.4%) recorded a decline.

Eastern Switzerland slightly above last year overall

Eastern Switzerland recorded 495 new companies in September, 1.2% above the previous year’s figure of 489. Behind this modest overall growth, however, lie significant differences between the cantons.

Company formations rose particularly sharply in Appenzell Ausserrhoden (+72.7%), albeit from a low absolute base. Glarus (+33.3%) and Thurgau (+26.2%) also recorded significant increases. In contrast, Appenzell Innerrhoden (-52.6%), Schaffhausen (-16.1%), and St. Gallen (-9.1%) posted declines.

Central Switzerland grows by 4.7%

In Central Switzerland, 711 new companies were founded. Compared to the 679 formations recorded in September 2025, this represents growth of 4.7%.

At cantonal level, Uri (+33.3%) stands out, although absolute numbers there are low. Schwyz (+11.3%) and Lucerne (+8.8%) also contributed to regional growth. Zug (+0.6%) remained almost unchanged, while Nidwalden (-7.1%) and Obwalden (-5.6%) recorded slight declines.

Zurich also in positive territory

The Zurich region recorded 830 new company formations in September. In the same month of the previous year, 800 new businesses had been registered. This represents an increase of 3.8%.

Zurich therefore also finished above the previous year’s level and contributed to the nationwide growth in September.

Ticino records the strongest regional growth

In September, Ticino recorded the highest growth rate of all major regions. With 182 new companies, the canton was 9.0% above the same month last year, when 167 businesses were founded.

After the decline in August, Ticino therefore once again recorded more company formations in September than in the corresponding month of the previous year.

Conclusion

September 2026 ended clearly above the previous year’s level across Switzerland. With 4,453 new businesses, 5.7% more companies were founded than in September 2025. The broad regional distribution is particularly noteworthy: all six major regions recorded year-on-year growth.

Ticino and French-speaking Switzerland posted the strongest growth in percentage terms, followed by Northwestern Switzerland. Central Switzerland, Zurich, and Eastern Switzerland also exceeded their previous year’s figures, although there were sometimes considerable differences at cantonal level.

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