Newly founded companies in Switzerland (January 2026): slower start after a very strong December

French-speaking Switzerland remains the most active region

With 1,254 new companies, French-speaking Switzerland remains the most active region in January 2026. Compared to December, this corresponds to a 20.0% decline, and the level is slightly below January 2025.

The canton of Vaud (440 foundations) remains the main regional driver, despite a decline from December. Geneva (336) follows at a high level. Fribourg (158) posts a slight year-on-year increase, while Neuchâtel (62) and Valais (225) fall clearly below December levels.

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Northwestern Switzerland: sharp correction

In Northwestern Switzerland, 920 new companies were founded in January. This is 30.4% fewer than in December and also 5.2% fewer than in January 2025.

All cantons in the region record a month-on-month decline, most notably Bern (325) and Aargau (296). Basel-Landschaft (99), Basel-Stadt (95) and Solothurn (105) are also well below their December figures.

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Central Switzerland: strong monthly decline, but year-on-year growth

Central Switzerland records 652 new companies in January. Compared to December, this represents a decline of 24.6%, but the volume remains clearly above January 2025.

Zug (290 foundations) remains the region’s most important canton, despite a sharp drop after an exceptionally strong December. Lucerne (185) and Schwyz (123) follow with solid figures. Uri (12) is among the few cantons showing an increase compared to December.

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Eastern Switzerland: above last year’s level

In Eastern Switzerland, 558 new companies were founded in January. This is 18.2% below December, but 11.4% above January 2025.

St. Gallen (283) remains the largest canton in the region and exceeds last year’s level. Thurgau (115) and Appenzell Ausserrhoden (25) show stable results, while Glarus (13) and Appenzell Innerrhoden (12) remain at lower levels.

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Zurich: stable development

The Zurich region records 796 new companies in January. This corresponds to a moderate decrease of 2.5% compared to December, but an increase of 3.1% compared to January 2025. Zurich therefore starts the year on a stable footing.

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Ticino: clear increase in January

Ticino stands out positively in January with 225 new companies. This represents an increase of 21.0% compared to December and a level clearly above January 2025. After a more subdued year in 2025, business formation activity shows a clear improvement at the start of the year.

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Conclusion: a calmer, yet solid start to the year

January 2026 shows a clear decline compared to the very strong December, while remaining slightly above last year’s level. While most regions record month-on-month declines, Eastern Switzerland, Zurich and Ticino show robust year-on-year developments.

With 4,405 new companies, Switzerland starts 2026 on a solid foundation.

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^{Report from December 2025}

^{Report from January 2025}