Due to their many similarities, such as high living standards and technological progress, the two countries maintain wide-ranging, close relations in a number of areas
Finland
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Finland are very close. Regular meetings are held at ministerial level and between high-ranking government officials to discuss issues of common interest such as trade, investment, new technologies, science and research, defence, disarmament, sustainable development, peace policy, mediation and human security.
At the multilateral level, Switzerland and Finland hold similar positions on numerous issues and work together in various areas.
Economic cooperation
In terms of trade volume, Finland is Switzerland's third biggest trading partner among the Nordic nations after Sweden and Denmark. The volume of trade between the two countries totalled around CHF 2.15 billion in 2023, with Switzerland importing significantly more from Finland (CHF 1.5 billion, composed mainly of precious metals) than it exported (CHF 0.65 billion). Chemical and pharmaceutical products and machinery account for almost 60% of exports.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Chamber of Commerce Finland–Switzerland
Country information, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Cooperation between Switzerland and Finland in the field of research and innovation mainly takes place within the framework of European framework programmes. Under Horizon 2020, Swiss and Finnish research institutions are cooperating on about 500 projects. Within the framework of Horizon Europe, they are working on a further 140 projects. There are also joint projects under way, particularly within the framework of EUREKA/Eurostars.
Researchers and artists with Finnish citizenship can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Cultural exchanges
The Swiss and Finnish art scenes enjoy close ties. Every year, a number of artists from Switzerland spend three to six months in Finland, while Finnish creative artists come to Switzerland.
Swiss nationals in Finland
At the end of 2024, there were 2,120 Swiss nationals living in Finland.
History of bilateral relations
In 1917, Finland declared independence from Russia. Switzerland was one of the first European states to recognise Finland on 18 February 1918.
In 1914, Switzerland opened a consulate in Åbo (Turku), which at the time was still part of Russia. The first Finnish consulate in Switzerland was established in Zurich in 1920. Diplomatic relations have existed since 8 April 1926, when Finland accredited an envoy to Switzerland for the first time. Switzerland opened a consulate in Helsinki in 1927 which was converted into a legation in 1939.
Sauli Niinistö, the Finnish president, paid a state visit to Switzerland in 2013. A year later, the then president of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, paid a state visit to Helsinki.
