Published on 30 October 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Qatar

Switzerland and Qatar maintain friendly relations and conduct frequent diplomatic visits. In recent years, high-level political contacts have focused in particular on financial and economic issues and on mediation. Relations between the two countries are governed by a large number of agreements.

Key points of diplomatic relations

Relations between Switzerland and Qatar focus on peace and security policy, humanitarian diplomacy, development cooperation, human rights, business, science and new technologies. Qatar's direct investments in Switzerland primarily focus on the financial sector and hotel industry. Relations between the two countries are governed by a range of agreements.

Treaty database

Economic cooperation

Switzerland assists its private sector with market access and promotes start-ups, particularly in the fields of digitalisation and new technologies, while also supporting reciprocal trade and investment.

In 1995 Switzerland and Qatar concluded a bilateral agreement on air transport. A bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement entered into force in 2004, followed in 2014 by a free trade agreement between EFTA and the Gulf Cooperation Council. 
A joint financial and economic commission was held for the first time on 5 September 2022, chaired by former federal councillor Ueli Maurer. A memorandum of understanding was signed in March 2022.

Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE

Swiss Business Hub Middle East

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Researchers and artists who are citizens of Qatar may apply to the State Secretariat for Education Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. SERI has also designated the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland as the leading house for the Middle East and North Africa, and tasked it with developing scientific cooperation between Switzerland and the countries of the MENA region. In 2025 the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council signed a memorandum of understanding for the deepening of scientific cooperation and promotion of innovation. 
The Swiss representation in Doha and the Swiss Business Hub in Dubai are launching an exchange with public authorities and businesses on new technologies, including in the cybersecurity sector.

Foreign Trade Statistics, FOCBS

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists

Young professionals, State Secretariat for Migration SEM

Peacebuilding and human security

In 2025, a memorandum of understanding was signed on cooperation in the field of mediation, supplemented by a joint action plan outlining geographical priorities, possible thematic areas and arrangements for cooperation. This has already led to specific cooperation, including on Colombia, relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and relations between the United States and Iran. Other potential areas for cooperation are also emerging.

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

In 2018 Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qatar's ministry of labour in order to support the country's labour market reforms, and renewed this in 2022. In this context, the SDC focuses on promoting better labour migration governance and interregional dialogue between countries of origin and destination, as well as joint events and exchanges of best practice. 
In addition, a memorandum of understanding signed in 2025 laid the groundwork for cooperation in humanitarian aid and development cooperation, and provides for regular consultations and the development of joint initiatives and projects.

Cultural exchange

Whenever possible, Switzerland takes part in celebrations to mark the International Day of La Francophonie and the Katara European Jazz Festival. It also organises a range of cultural events, with the first edition of Art Basel Qatar taking place in February 2026 in Doha. 
A Swiss–Qatari year of culture is planned for 2029.

Swiss nationals in Qatar

There were 310 Swiss citizens living in Qatar in mid-2026.

History of bilateral relations

The Federal Council decided to establish diplomatic relations with Qatar when it declared independence in 1971. Switzerland opened an embassy in Doha in 2013, with Qatar opening an embassy in Bern in the same year.

Qatar, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Dodis, Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland

Contact Helpline FDFA

365 days a year – around the clock

The Helpline FDFA deals as central contact point with matters relating to consular services.