Switzerland and Mexico have maintained diplomatic relations since 1945. Relations are good, close and multifaceted. The two countries are active at the multilateral level and often hold similar positions. They maintain close trade relations: Mexico is Switzerland's second most important trading partner in Latin America.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Mexico
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Political relations between Switzerland and Mexico are good, close and multifaceted. As a member of the G20 and the OECD, Mexico is an important political and economic partner for Switzerland. The two countries have concluded a number of bilateral agreements. They concern the areas of air transport, free trade, double taxation, culture, visas, investment protection and mutual legal assistance.
Switzerland and Mexico meet regularly within the framework of consultations on political, economic, human rights and multilateral issues. Switzerland and Mexico work particularly closely together in the multilateral area.
Economic matters are dealt with both bilaterally and within the framework of the EFTA–Mexico free trade agreement. The Swiss embassy in Mexico is also responsible for diplomatic relations with Belize.
Economic cooperation
As part of the free trade agreement, the two countries have made commitments to increase their trade. Swiss direct investment in Mexico totalled CHF 6.9 billion at the end of 2023. Swiss companies employed almost 58,000 people in Mexico in the same year.
In 2024, Switzerland imported goods worth CHF 2.5 billion from Mexico, mainly precious metals, vehicles and machinery. Exports amounted to CHF 2.2 billion and mainly comprised chemicals and pharmaceuticals, machinery, precision instruments, watches and jewellery.
To promote trade with Mexico, a Swiss Business Hub was opened by Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE) in May 2012 and a chamber of commerce (SwissCham México) in November 2016.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE)
Swiss–Mexican Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Country information, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
The University of St Gallen is the 'leading house' for Latin America. It promotes joint research initiatives and creates incentives for collaboration. In Mexico, the 'leading house' and the Swiss Business Hub are organising the Academy Industry Training – a start-up campus for Mexican and Swiss companies.
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Mexico can apply to SERI for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Peacebuilding and human security
Mexico and Switzerland work together at the multilateral level in many areas (human rights, death penalty, women's rights, drugs and disarmament). The Swiss embassy also regularly supports projects in the field of human rights.
Cultural exchange
Three agreements in the areas of culture and education came into force in 2018: on the co-production of films, the transfer of cultural assets and Swiss schools (Colegios Suizos). The Federal Office of Culture contributes to the protection of Mexico's cultural heritage, which dates back thousands of years.
Swiss nationals in Mexico
There were 5,400 Swiss nationals living in Mexico at the end of 2025. For consular assistance in an emergency, they are covered by the Swiss embassy in Mexico City and the honorary consulates in Cancún, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Querétaro.
There are three Swiss schools in Mexico: in Mexico City, Cuernavaca and Querétaro.
History of bilateral relations
The United Mexican States gained independence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821. Switzerland opened an honorary consulate in Mexico City in 1827. The first exchanges between the two countries began in the middle of the 19th century and were mainly of an economic nature. Switzerland opened a legation in 1945, which was converted into an embassy in 1958.
