Bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Republic of Iceland are excellent.
Iceland
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Iceland were established in 1950. They are anchored in the framework of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), as well as multilaterally (OSCE, UN, Council of Europe). The two countries have decided to deepen their relations in areas including energy and the environment, focusing on carbon capture and storage technology.
Economic cooperation
Bilateral trade is rather modest, amounting to around CHF 151 million in 2024. Swiss exports to Iceland totalled around CHF 65 million, a decrease of 16 % on the previous year. Imports from Iceland to Switzerland increased by 73 % to CHF 86 million.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (SG-E)
Information on countries, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Iceland can apply – via the Swiss embassy in Oslo – to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Swiss nationals in Iceland
At the end of 2024, 218 Swiss nationals were living in Iceland.
Statistics on the Swiss Abroad
History of bilateral relations
The Swiss Confederation recognised the Republic of Iceland in 1947, following its complete independence from Denmark. In 1950, Iceland accredited its ambassador in Paris to Switzerland and opened a consulate in Geneva. In 1951, Switzerland did likewise with its ambassador to Norway.
Today, Iceland is represented in Switzerland by its Permanent Mission in Geneva. It also has a Consulate General in Zurich and a Consulate in Bern. Switzerland in turn has a Consulate General in Reykjavik.
In 1989, Vigdis Finnbogadottir became the first Icelandic president to come to Switzerland on an official visit.
