Switzerland and Poland enjoy excellent bilateral relations based on a long tradition. The two countries maintain significant economic and cultural exchanges. Poland is one of the recipient countries of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Poland
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
The two countries maintain close diplomatic relations, which have developed steadily since the end of the Cold War and are now closer and more varied than ever – as evidenced by Swiss state visits to Poland in 2019 and 2024 and their numerous political contacts. Over the last decade, one of the priorities of bilateral relations has been close cooperation within the framework of Switzerland's contribution to the enlarged EU. Poland is also a recipient country of the second Swiss contribution (2019–29). Furthermore, exchanges in the areas of education, research and innovation, and sustainable development have been stepped up in recent years.
In view of the changing international situation, both countries are increasing cooperation in the fields of security and migration. Since 2022, the Swiss police have been represented in Warsaw by a police and customs attaché. In 2025 Switzerland became the first partner country to participate in the Impact'25 business and technology conference.
Economic cooperation
Economic relations between the two countries are developing rapidly. Poland is Switzerland's most important export destination in Central Europe. The volume of trade in 2024 amounted to just under CHF 6.2 billion. More than half of Swiss exports to Poland are in the MEM industry (machinery, electronics and metals) and in chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Switzerland is the tenth-largest foreign investor in Poland (CHF 6 billion) and Swiss companies account for more than 95,000 jobs.
There has been a Swiss Business Hub at the Swiss embassy in Warsaw since 2003. Poland belongs to the same voting constituency as Switzerland at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
Swiss Business Hub Central Europe
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Country information, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Researchers from Switzerland and Poland cooperate closely within the EU research and innovation framework programme (e.g. Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe). Partnerships also arise in the context of the European Universities Initiative alliance.
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Poland can apply 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
Second Swiss contribution: Swiss–Polish cooperation programme
Until 2029, Switzerland is providing Poland with more than CHF 320 million as part of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states to balance socio-economic inequalities, promote bilateral cooperation and support scientific exchanges. The cooperation programme focuses on two key themes: urban development and research and innovation. As part of the urban development programme, more than a dozen medium-sized Polish cities are receiving support in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives spanning areas such as economic growth and employment, climate protection and the environment, and healthcare and social services. The research and innovation programme promotes projects for basic and applied research in cooperation with Swiss and international partners, which in turn supports the internationalisation of research.
Second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states
Cultural exchanges
There is a long and unbroken tradition of cultural cooperation between the two countries, comprising artistic, economic and literary exchanges. Switzerland has provided refuge to many prominent Polish artists in exile, including Adam Mickiewicz and Ignacy Paderewski. The Polish Museum, which has been based in Rapperswil in the canton of St Gallen since 1870, is one of the oldest institutions of the Polish diaspora.
Foundations and programmes to support artists and academic exchanges play a key role in bilateral cooperation.
Swiss nationals in Poland
There were 1,118 Swiss nationals living in Poland at the end of 2024.
Statistics on the Swiss abroad
History of bilateral relations
The Polish embassy in Switzerland opened in 1919, while the Swiss embassy in Warsaw opened in 1921. The two countries celebrated 100 years of diplomatic relations in 2019 during an official visit by President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer to Warsaw.
During the Second World War, 13,000 Polish soldiers were interned in Switzerland after crossing the border with French troops, allowing them to escape forced recruitment into the Wehrmacht. Many Polish public figures also found refuge in Switzerland in the same period.
Bilateral relations have been stepped up since the fall of the Iron Curtain. In the 1990s, the majority of Swiss aid to Eastern Europe went to Poland – some CHF 264 million.
