Switzerland has a strong network in Brazil – its most important trading partner in Latin America. Switzerland maintains nine bilateral dialogues with Brazil, including several that are held on an annual basis. Bilateral relations are especially strong in the areas of politics, business, innovation, sustainability, science, research, innovation, and human rights.
Switzerland enjoys very good, multifaceted relations with Brazil. Relations, which were established in 1907, have steadily developed and intensified over the years based on shared values and strong economic ties. Switzerland and Brazil work well together in multilateral forums.
Bilateral trade with Brazil accounts for almost 25% of Switzerland's trade with Latin America. Brazil is a major destination for Swiss exports and direct investments in Latin America, as evidenced by the many branch offices maintained by Swiss companies in Brazil. In 2008, the two countries entered into a strategic partnership that leverages close dialogue and enhanced cooperation. Switzerland maintains nine bilateral dialogues with Brazil, including politics, business, science and human rights dialogues that are held on an annual basis.
Switzerland and Brazil have entered into agreements on double taxation, international mutual assistance in criminal matters, justice, air transport and social security. Switzerland cooperates with Brazil under a number of regional and bilateral instruments, for example to protect the Amazon region (sustainable use of natural resources).
In 2024, Switzerland imported just under CHF 1.64 billion in goods from Brazil – mainly precious metals and agricultural products. Brazil is the main destination for Swiss goods exported to Latin America. In 2024, Switzerland's total exports were approximately CHF 3.13 billion and primarily comprised pharmaceutical and chemical products, machinery and precision instruments. At the end of 2024, Swiss investment in Brazil totalled CHF 15.4 billion, making Switzerland Brazil's third-largest investor. In 2024, Swiss companies also employed 93,508 people in Brazil. Switzerland maintains a Swiss Business Hub in São Paulo and Brazil is a priority country for Switzerland Global Enterprise's infrastructure mandate.
In September 2025, the EFTA–Mercosur free trade agreement was signed in Rio de Janeiro following over ten years of negotiations.
Country information, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Trade Promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
Brazil is also a key partner for Switzerland in the field of education, research and innovation (ERI). A range of bilateral research instruments and projects have been established. A Swissnex office was opened in Rio de Janeiro in 2014 and a Swissnex outpost in São Paulo in 2017. The Swissnex head office has been based in São Paulo since 2025. In 2024, Brazil became the first associate member state of CERN from the Americas. The innovation platform of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) promotes contacts between researchers, institutions and companies from both countries through programmes run by the SNSF, Innosuisse, and the leading house of the University of St Gallen in São Paulo, and through excellence scholarships and the Swissnex network.
Leading House for Latin America (University of St Gallen)
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Switzerland has long been committed to promoting sustainability in Brazil. It has contributed CHF 5 million to the Amazon Fund (2023–25) and supports a number of regional water initiatives (SDC) as well as multilateral bioeconomy and renewable energy funds. In the context of COP30 in Belém, the FDFA launched the 'Road to Belém' programme focusing on sustainability.
At the end of 2024 there were 13,611 Swiss nationals living in Brazil, making it home to the second largest Swiss community in Latin America.
Switzerland and Brazil established relations as early as the 19th century, when Swiss traders saw in Brazil a promising export market. In 1829, the first Swiss consulate overseas was opened in Rio de Janeiro. From the foundation of the city Nova Friburgo in 1818 until the mid-twentieth century, Brazil was a favourite destination for many Swiss emigrants. In 1907, Switzerland opened a diplomatic representation in Rio de Janeiro. This was transferred to the new capital Brasilia in 1972.In addition to the embassy, Switzerland has two consulates general, several honorary consulates and a Swiss Business Hub in Brazil. Switzerland also supports the two Swiss schools in São Paulo and Curitiba.
Brazil, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
Last update 28.11.2025
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