Switzerland and Montenegro maintain multifaceted bilateral relations, backed up by a series of bilateral agreements in areas of mutual interest. Switzerland attaches great importance to stability in south-eastern Europe and appreciates the positive role that Montenegro plays.
Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Montenegro are good, with regular contacts between the two countries' ministries of foreign affairs. Various agreements – covering economic matters, migration and air transport – govern relations, which also take into account the presence of a community of Montenegrins in Switzerland and an ever growing number of Swiss tourists visiting Montenegro.
Montenegro opened an embassy in Bern in 2015. The Swiss embassy in Belgrade is also accredited to Montenegro. A Swiss consulate general inaugurated in Podgorica in March 2011 handles consular affairs and assists Swiss companies interested in investing in Montenegro.
Switzerland and Montenegro have concluded a number of
bilateral agreements on trade and economic cooperation, double taxation, and
the protection and promotion of investments.
Trade between the two countries remains modest, although Switzerland is one of Montenegro's main investors. The coast of Montenegro is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Swiss tourists.
Researchers and artists from Montenegro 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)
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, there were 109 Swiss citizens living in Montenegro at the end of 2019.
Formerly a part of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, Montenegro proclaimed its independence on 4 June 2006 and was immediately recognised by the international community. Switzerland established diplomatic relations with Montenegro on 30 June of the same year. Diplomatic and consular representation comes under the responsibility of the Swiss embassy in Belgrade (Republic of Serbia).
The SDC's activities in Montenegro concentrated on humanitarian aid from 1991. Since the country’s declaration of independence in 2006 the SDC's cooperation programme has focused on Serbia.
Montenegro, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
