Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with poor psychological well-being. Whether early-stage CKD is a risk factor for suicide warrants further research. Method This nationwide, retrospective, cohort study aimed to evaluate the risk of suicide in patients with early-stage CKD and identify the associated risk factors. A total of 3 945 198 individuals aged ≥19 years who underwent the 2009 national health screening were enrolled. Among them, 202 291 patients had early-stage CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 and <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and/or dipstick albuminuria ≥1+). The study outcome was suicide as confirmed by the nationwide death register based on death certificates. Results The study population had a mean age of 59 ± 15 years, and 47% were male. We identified 930 suicides (incidence rate, 0.45 per 1 000 person-years) in the CKD group and 11 332 suicides (incidence rate, 0.27 per 1 000 person-years) in the non-CKD group. Early-stage CKD was significantly associated with an increased risk of suicide in multivariable analysis adjusted for demographic characteristics; lifestyle habits; comorbidities, including diabetes and hypertension; economic status; and depression (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.09‒1.25). Suicide risk was higher in individuals with proteinuria but preserved kidney function (eGFR >60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and dipstick albuminuria >1+) than in those without CKD. In the CKD group, older males and current smokers had a higher risk of suicide. Conclusion CKD even in the early stages is associated with significantly higher risk of death from suicide. Hence, healthcare providers may need to examine the mental health of patients with early-stage CKD and other risk factors to prevent suicide.