Swiss company registrations rebound in October: 4,635 new businesses recorded

New company registrations increase month on month

Across Switzerland, 4,635 new companies were registered in October 2026, compared with 4,453 in September. This represents a month-on-month increase of 4.1%.

The year-on-year comparison tells a different story. In October 2025, the register recorded 4,805 new companies. The latest figure is therefore 3.5% lower than a year earlier.

Zurich continues to lead the rankings

The canton of Zurich led the country once again, with 973 new businesses registered in October. Geneva followed with 389 registrations, narrowly ahead of Vaud with 384. Bern recorded 338 new businesses, while Aargau had 321.

These five cantons continue to account for a substantial share of new company registrations in Switzerland.

Construction, trade and consulting lead by sector

The distribution of new businesses across sectors remained broadly unchanged. Construction and real estate accounted for the largest number, with 695 registrations. Trade followed with 576 and consulting with 474.

Other active sectors included skilled trades and plumbing, with 376 registrations, and IT and internet services, with 357.

Company removals rise significantly

The number of companies removed from the Swiss commercial register also increased. In October, 2,854 removals were recorded, compared with 2,539 in September – a rise of 12.4%. The figure was nevertheless 3.4% lower than in October 2025.

More amendments recorded in the commercial register

The commercial register recorded 20,181 amendments in October 2026, approximately 6% more than in September and just over 4% more than a year earlier.

Such amendments include changes to a company’s business purpose, registered office or share capital, as well as appointments and departures involving boards of directors and management teams.

3,035 register entries relating to liquidation

During October, 3,035 register entries relating to liquidation were recorded. Of these, 281 concerned companies newly placed into liquidation because of organisational deficiencies under Article 731b of the Swiss Code of Obligations. This category has shown a downward trend in recent months.

Liechtenstein: new registrations also increase

New company registrations also rose in the Principality of Liechtenstein. A total of 59 new businesses were registered in October, compared with 54 in September – an increase of 9.3%.

The principality also recorded 98 company removals and 885 amendments. Current figures are available at Firmenbuch.li. The analysis is based on register information published up to 29 October 2026.

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