Quarterly Report: New Company Formations in Switzerland (Q3 2026)

Slight growth in the third quarter

During Q3 2026, a total of 13,178 new companies were registered in the Swiss Commercial Register. In the same period of the previous year, the figure stood at 13,056. This puts the number of company formations 0.9% above the third quarter of 2025.

This slight growth reflects differing developments within the quarter and between regions. While four of the six major regions recorded more company formations than in the same quarter last year, Zurich and Ticino remained slightly below their respective previous year’s figures.

From a weaker July to a strong September

A look at the individual months reveals an increasingly positive trend over the course of the quarter. In July 2026, 4,838 new companies were founded across Switzerland. Compared to 4,988 formations in July 2025, this represents a decline of 3.0%.

In August, the figure of 3,887 new companies was slightly above the previous year’s 3,856, an increase of 0.8%. September was considerably more positive: with 4,453 new companies, 5.7% more formations were registered than in September 2025. The gains in August and especially September offset the decline in July and resulted in a slight increase for the quarter as a whole.

Solid growth in Northwestern Switzerland

Northwestern Switzerland recorded 2,914 new companies in the third quarter, 4.4% more than in the same quarter last year. Developments within the region, however, varied.

Basel-Stadt grew particularly strongly, rising by 23.1% to 363 new companies. Aargau (+5.9%) and Solothurn (+5.4%) were also clearly above the previous year. Bern (-0.9%) and Basel-Landschaft (-0.6%), on the other hand, remained slightly below the level of Q3 2025.

Eastern Switzerland slightly above last year’s level

In Eastern Switzerland, 1,532 new companies were founded between July and September. Compared to 1,491 formations in Q3 2025, this represents an increase of 2.7%.

At cantonal level, Glarus (+27.3%) stands out in particular. St. Gallen (+6.3%) and Thurgau (+3.0%) also contributed to regional growth. Declines, however, were recorded in Appenzell Ausserrhoden (-13.4%), Appenzell Innerrhoden (-8.1%), and Schaffhausen (-7.6%), among others.

French-speaking Switzerland remains the largest formation region

French-speaking Switzerland recorded 3,749 new companies in the third quarter, remaining the region with the most company formations. Compared to 3,700 formations in Q3 2025, this represents slight growth of 1.3%.

Valais (+8.9%) and Vaud (+7.7%) performed particularly well. Fribourg (+3.0%) and Neuchâtel (+2.0%) were also above their previous year’s figures. In contrast, Jura (-18.3%) and Geneva (-8.9%) recorded fewer new companies than in the same quarter last year.

Central Switzerland almost stable

Central Switzerland recorded 2,022 new companies in the third quarter. This represents a slight increase of 0.6% compared to the 2,010 formations in the same quarter last year.

Within the region, Lucerne (+9.1%) performed particularly well. Schwyz (+4.2%) was also above the previous year’s level. The sharp percentage increase in Uri (+17.2%) is based on comparatively small absolute numbers. Obwalden (-17.0%), Nidwalden (-14.8%), and Zug (-4.2%), by contrast, recorded declines.

Zurich below the same quarter last year

In the Zurich region, 2,419 new companies were founded in the third quarter, compared to 2,515 in the same period of the previous year. This represents a decline of 3.8%.

The individual months developed differently. In both July and August, Zurich remained below the previous year’s figures. In September, this trend reversed: with 830 new companies, 3.8% more businesses were founded than in September 2025.

Ticino slightly down

Ticino recorded 542 new companies in the third quarter, compared to 549 in the same quarter last year. This represents a slight decline of 1.3%.

In July and August, the canton remained below the corresponding figures of the previous year. September, however, was positive, with 182 new companies, an increase of 9.0% compared to September 2025.

Conclusion

Q3 2026 closed with 13,178 new companies, 0.9% above the same quarter last year. After a decline in July, the number of company formations rose slightly in August and significantly in September compared to the corresponding months of the previous year.

The regional picture remains mixed. Northwestern Switzerland recorded the strongest growth among the major regions, followed by Eastern Switzerland and French-speaking Switzerland. Central Switzerland remained almost stable, while Zurich and Ticino ended the third quarter slightly below their respective previous year’s figures.

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^{2nd Quarter Report 2026}

^{1st Quarter Report 2026}