Quarterly Report: New Company Formations in Switzerland (Q2 2026)

Overall positive performance in the second quarter

During Q2 2026, a total of 14,115 new companies were registered in the Swiss Commercial Register. This represents an increase of 2.1% compared to the second quarter of 2025. Overall, business formation activity remained stable, although momentum varied throughout the quarter.

A mixed performance across the three months

A closer look at the individual months reveals differing trends. In April 2026, 4,574 companies were founded, almost exactly matching the level recorded in April 2025 (+0.4%). May, however, proved to be considerably weaker, with 3,999 new companies, representing a decline of 12.6% compared to May 2025. The picture changed significantly in June, when 5,542 new companies were registered, 18.0% more than in June 2025. This exceptionally strong final month played a decisive role in enabling the quarter as a whole to finish above the previous year's level.

Northwestern and Central Switzerland record solid growth

Northwestern Switzerland registered 3,174 new companies during the second quarter, representing growth of 5.8% compared to the same period last year. The cantons of Basel-Landschaft, Solothurn, Bern, and Aargau all contributed positively, while Basel-Stadt remained slightly below its 2025 level.

Central Switzerland also delivered encouraging results. With 2,135 new company formations, the region recorded growth of 6.0% year-on-year. The strongest contributions came from the cantons of Schwyz, Nidwalden, Lucerne, and Zug.

French-speaking Switzerland remains close to last year's level

With 3,922 new companies, French-speaking Switzerland remained the country's largest business formation region. Compared to the second quarter of 2025, however, this represents a slight decline of 0.3%.

Performance varied considerably between cantons. While Jura (+30.9%), Valais (+8.7%), and Neuchâtel (+9.4%) recorded strong growth, Fribourg and Geneva fell below last year's figures. With 1,271 new companies, the canton of Vaud remained by far the region's leading driver.

Eastern Switzerland presents a mixed picture

In Eastern Switzerland, 1,684 new companies were founded during the second quarter, 1.8% fewer than in Q2 2025.

While Graubünden and St. Gallen achieved positive growth, declines in Thurgau and Appenzell Innerrhoden weighed on the region's overall result.

Ticino achieves double-digit growth

Ticino stands out with particularly strong performance. The region recorded 650 new company formations, representing growth of 13.0% compared to the second quarter of 2025, making it one of Switzerland's strongest-performing regions. June's outstanding result contributed significantly to this positive outcome.

Zurich slightly below last year's level

The Zurich region recorded 2,550 new company formations during the second quarter, 1.6% fewer than in Q2 2025.

While April remained virtually unchanged and June recorded strong growth, May was noticeably weaker than the previous year, resulting in a slight decline for the quarter overall.

Conclusion

Overall, Q2 2026 confirms the continued stability of company formation activity in Switzerland. Despite a weaker performance in May, the exceptionally strong June allowed the quarter to finish slightly above last year's level.

Regional developments remained mixed. While Ticino, Central Switzerland, and Northwestern Switzerland posted solid growth, French-speaking Switzerland, Eastern Switzerland, and the Zurich region remained broadly in line with or slightly below last year's figures. With 14,115 new company formations, Switzerland nevertheless continues to demonstrate a resilient and healthy entrepreneurial environment.

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^{1st Quarter Report 2026}