Newly founded companies in Switzerland (April 2026): slight increase

In April 2026, a total of 4,574 new companies were registered in Switzerland. This represents a +0.4% change compared to the same month of the previous year (April 2025: 4,554).

Western Switzerland

Western Switzerland recorded 1,271 company formations in April 2026, corresponding to a decrease of -4.4% compared to the same month last year. The decline is particularly pronounced in the cantons of Fribourg (-18.0%) and Valais (-8.4%). In contrast, Neuchâtel (+8.3%) and Jura (+16.1%) show growth, while Vaud remains largely stable (-0.5%).

Northwestern Switzerland

Northwestern Switzerland reached 1,030 formations, an increase of +4.8% year-on-year. This development is mainly driven by the canton of Bern (+13.0%). Aargau, Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt show slight increases, while Solothurn declines (-4.3%).

Eastern Switzerland

Eastern Switzerland recorded 562 formations, representing a +6.8% increase compared to April 2025. Strong growth is observed in Schaffhausen (+38.5%), St. Gallen (+15.9%) and Graubünden (+15.6%). Declines are seen in Appenzell Innerrhoden (-66.7%), Glarus (-30.0%) and Thurgau (-8.9%).

Central Switzerland

With 683 formations, Central Switzerland is -1.4% below the previous year’s level. Schwyz (+10.0%) and Uri (+16.7%) show growth, while Nidwalden (-25.0%) and Obwalden (-35.0%) record significant declines. Lucerne remains stable (0.0%) and Zug shows a slight decrease (-3.7%).

Zurich

The canton of Zurich recorded 818 formations, corresponding to a +0.7% increase compared to the previous year.

Ticino

Ticino recorded 210 formations, representing a slight decrease of -0.5% year-on-year.

Conclusion

Overall, Switzerland shows a slightly positive development (+0.4%) in April 2026 compared to the previous year. Growth is supported by Eastern and Northwestern Switzerland, while Western Switzerland weighs on the overall result. Other regions remain close to the previous year’s level.

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Past Reports

2025

• January ‍
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

2026

• January ‍
• February
• March

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