In the first half of 2026, approximately 69,600 companies were founded in Germany that demonstrated significant economic importance based on their legal structure and employee count. According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on Friday, this represented a 3.0 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. However, the total number of completed operations involving these larger businesses declined by 3.8 percent, reaching roughly 49,800.
Regarding general commercial activities, new business registrations increased by 8.3 percent in the first half of 2026, totaling around 352,400. Overall business registrations rose by 8.1 percent to approximately 418,100. These registrations encompass not only new companies but also business acquisitions (such as purchases or partner entries), conversions (such as mergers or spin-offs), and relocations from other administrative districts.
The number of completed commercial operations saw a slight decrease, being 0.1 percent lower in the first half of 2026 compared to the first half of 2025, with figures standing at around 246,600. Conversely, the total number of commercial cancellations fell by 2.1 percent, settling at approximately 298,300. The authority noted that these cancellations include not only business transfers (such as sales or partner exits) but also conversions and moves into different administrative districts.
