Bankruptcies skyrocket by almost 80%

CRIF AG analysed the number of new business start-ups, bankruptcies and deletions of companies from the register in the first quarter of 2026.

Record filings for bankruptcy
Across the whole of Switzerland, 3,902 businesses filed for bankruptcy between January and March, which corresponds to an increase of 79.6%. The highest percentage increases were recorded by the Canton of Thurgau (with +302.6%), followed by the Canton of Uri at +250.0%. The only place where the numbers fell was the Canton of Schwyz (-10.9%).

The highest number of bankruptcies were reported by the construction industry (478 cases), the food and drink sector (391) and the retail trade (301). The percentage figures increased particularly sharply for companies in the legal and tax consulting sector (+163.6%) and in the real estate industry (+138.1%).

One reason for the sharp increase is a change in the law in Switzerland. Since 1^st January 2025, tax debts for debtors registered in the commercial register can also be pursued to bankruptcy.

More company start-ups
14,265 new businesses were set up in Switzerland in the first three months of 2026. This represents an increase of 4.7% compared with the previous year. The highest number of new start-ups were in the Canton of Zurich (2,656) followed by the Cantons of Vaud (1,357) and Geneva (1,146). The highest percentage growth in the number of new businesses was registered by the Canton of Ticino, at +18.2%.

The highest number of new start-ups were in the management consultancy sector (1,257), the retail trade (1,051) and the real estate sector (1,007).

In some sectors, new business start-ups declined significantly compared to the previous year. The food and drink industry was particularly hard hit, with a decrease of 22.3%, as was the retail sector, with a decline of 6.0%.

About the survey
We have taken into account all those businesses that were first entered into or deleted from the commercial register, or that filed for bankruptcy, between 1^st January and 31^st March 2026. For example, a company might be deleted automatically if it is dissolved; if bankruptcy proceedings are instigated; at the end of the liquidity deadline; if it is subject to mergers; or if a company is closed as a result of a lack of any plans for succession.

Filings for bankruptcy by Canton, January to March