Newly founded companies in Switzerland (May 2026): Significant Decline Compared with Last Year

A total of 3,999 companies were founded in Switzerland in May 2026. This represents a decline of 12.6% compared with the same month last year. The sharpest decreases were recorded in Zurich and Eastern Switzerland, while Central Switzerland was the only major region to achieve growth.

Nationwide figures fall below last year's level

In May 2026, 3,999 new companies were registered in the Swiss commercial register. Compared with May 2025 (4,577 registrations), this corresponds to a decline of 12.6%.

The weaker performance was visible across most parts of the country. With the exception of Central Switzerland and Ticino, all major regions recorded fewer business formations than a year earlier.

Western Switzerland remains the country's strongest region

With 1,162 new business formations, Western Switzerland remains the leading startup region in the country. Compared with May 2025, however, this represents a decline of 12.4%.

The picture varies considerably within the region. Geneva and Fribourg both recorded declines of around one quarter, while Valais, Neuchâtel and Jura achieved positive growth. Jura in particular stands out with a significant increase in company formations.

Moderate decline in Northwestern Switzerland

Northwestern Switzerland recorded 926 new companies in May 2026, representing a decrease of 6.7% compared with the previous year.

Overall, the decline remained relatively moderate. Basel-Landschaft posted notable growth, while Aargau and Bern were slightly below last year's level. Basel-Stadt, by contrast, recorded a more pronounced decrease.

Eastern Switzerland records the sharpest regional decline

Eastern Switzerland experienced the largest decline among all major regions. With 411 new companies, the region stood 21.7% below the level recorded in May 2025.

Several cantons contributed to this result. Thurgau and Schaffhausen recorded particularly significant declines. Appenzell Innerrhoden experienced a sharp percentage decrease, while Graubünden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden maintained their previous year's levels.

Central Switzerland is the only growth region

Central Switzerland was the only major region to record growth. The number of new business formations increased from 642 to 653 companies, corresponding to a rise of 1.7%.

This development was driven primarily by the canton of Zug, which achieved a substantial increase in company formations. Declines in several smaller cantons were not enough to offset the region's positive performance.

Zurich records a sharp correction

The canton of Zurich registered 656 new companies in May 2026. This represents a decline of 27.1% compared with the same month last year.

Zurich therefore recorded the largest absolute decrease among Switzerland's major economic regions and contributed significantly to the weaker national result.

Ticino remains stable

In Ticino, 191 new companies were founded in May 2026. This figure is identical to the level recorded one year earlier.

Ticino is therefore among the few regions that managed to maintain their previous year's performance.

Conclusion

May 2026 was a weaker month for Swiss business formations than the same month a year earlier. While most regions recorded declines, Central Switzerland managed to achieve modest growth. The sharpest decreases were observed in Zurich and Eastern Switzerland, while Ticino maintained a stable level of activity.

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