The number of companies in the Czech Republic continued to increase during the first three quarters of 2026, reaching its strongest net growth since 2017. According to an analysis by CRIF – Czech Credit Bureau, 27,801 new companies were established between January and September, representing a 9% increase compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, 13,608 companies were dissolved, bringing the net increase to 14,193 businesses, 18% higher than in 2025.

Prague remained the country's leading centre for new business activity, accounting for 14,353 newly established companies, or approximately 52% of the national total. The South Moravian Region followed with 3,345 new businesses, while the Central Bohemian Region recorded 2,040. Overall, the number of newly established companies increased in 13 of the Czech Republic's 14 regions, with Central Bohemia recording the strongest year-on-year growth at 22%.

Trade, construction and manufacturing were the most popular sectors for new businesses. Trade accounted for 4,550 new companies, followed by construction with 3,048 and manufacturing with 2,629. The number of new businesses in trade increased by 36% year-on-year, while agriculture and forestry also recorded significant growth of 21%. In contrast, professional, scientific and technical services, as well as information and communication activities, experienced declines in new company formations.

Despite the positive overall trend, the data also point to ongoing economic challenges. A total of 618 Czech companies entered insolvency proceedings during the first nine months of 2026, a 7% increase compared with the previous year and the highest figure for the same period since 2016. Trade, manufacturing and construction were among the sectors most frequently affected. The figures therefore reflect a business environment characterised by both growing entrepreneurial activity and increasing financial pressure on certain companies.

Source: Prague Daily News
Prepared by the team of foreign office CzechTrade South Korea (Seoul)