Published on 24 August 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Georgia

Relations between Switzerland and Georgia are characterized by regular exchanges. Switzerland is particularly active in Georgia in the area of development cooperation. Switzerland is also contributing to efforts to resolve regional conflicts in the South Caucasus.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

Switzerland has been active in Georgia since 1991, primarily in development cooperation and peacebuilding. Since March 2009, it has represented the diplomatic interests of Georgia in Russia and those of Russia in Georgia. In 2019, various Swiss actors working in Georgia were brought together under one roof in a new embassy building. This integrated approach strengthens the synergies between Switzerland's diverse activities in Georgia.

Treaty database

Economic cooperation

Switzerland and Georgia have well-developed legal frameworks in the economic sector: an agreement on trade and economic cooperation (in force since 2001), a double taxation agreement (since 2011), an investment promotion and protection agreement (since 2015), and a free trade agreement between Georgia and the EFTA states (for Switzerland since 2018). There is also a bilateral agreement on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin.

Switzerland primarily imports precious metals from Georgia and exports chemical and pharmaceutical products, precision instruments, and watches. Around 50 companies with ties to Switzerland operate in the Georgian market, some of them operating local production facilities.

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE

Joint Chamber of Commerce (JCC)

Free trade agreement between the EFTA states and Georgia (de, fr, it)

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Switzerland contributes to Georgia's development by sharing its expertise, experience, and best practices. From 2013 to 2025, Switzerland supported the modernization of vocational education and training in Georgia's agricultural sector. This initiative significantly improved the quality and relevance of vocational education and training, thereby strengthening employment opportunities for young people in rural areas.

Building on these results, Switzerland is now focusing its efforts on vocational education and training in the hotel and catering industry — another sector with great potential for economic growth and job creation in Georgia, where Switzerland also possesses extensive expertise and long-standing experience.

Georgian researchers can apply for Swiss government excellence scholarships awarded by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, (SERI)

Peacebuilding and human security

After the war between Georgia and Russia in August 2008, the two countries broke off diplomatic relations. On 4 March 2009, Switzerland took over the representation of Georgia's diplomatic interests in Russia and those of Russia in Georgia.

As a result of Swiss mediation efforts, on 9 November 2011 Russia and Georgia signed an agreement on the monitoring of customs clearance between their two countries. This agreement paved the way for Russia’s accession to the WTO.

Switzerland is committed to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts. To this end, it supports several platforms for dialogue and engages in dealing with the past. It is also involved in conflict prevention through minority integration and the promotion of democracy.

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

The Swiss Cooperation Programme 2026–2029 reflects Switzerland's ongoing commitment to a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous future. The programme aims to improve people's lives by promoting peace, strengthening public institutions, supporting sustainable economic development, and helping communities adapt to climate change and build resilience to natural hazards through disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Building on past successes, Switzerland will continue to work with local and regional partners to address shared challenges and create lasting positive change.

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

Migration cooperation

Switzerland and Georgia have intensified their cooperation on migration issues in recent years. A readmission agreement has been in place between the two countries since 2005. Since May 2022, a migration partnership strengthens the cooperation.

Georgian nationals with biometric passports can travel visa-free to the Schengen Area, including Switzerland, for short stays. For travel requiring a visa, the provisions of the agreement facilitating visa issuance between Switzerland and Georgia continue to apply, although certain provisions for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service, and official passports have been temporarily suspended since April 2026.

Cultural exchanges

There is a lively cultural exchange between Switzerland and Georgia even in the absence of a bilateral cultural exchange agreement. Private contacts and initiatives are particularly dynamic in the fields of literature, music, cinema and the visual arts. Switzerland supports the Georgian cultural scene within the framework of development cooperation. The Swiss embassy in Georgia also promotes Swiss culture in Georgia, notably in connection with Francophonie Week, the “Settimana della lingua italiana” (Italian Language Week), and German Language Month.

Swiss nationals in Georgia

According to statistics on Swiss citizens abroad, 137 Swiss citizens were living in Georgia by the end of 2025.

History of bilateral relations

In the 19th century, there was a large Swiss community in Georgia whose members were active in the raw materials sector (oil, manganese) and the dairy industry. Switzerland had a consulate in Tbilisi from 1883 to 1922.

Switzerland recognised Georgia as an independent state on 23 December 1991 and established diplomatic relations on 10 June 1992. It also provided humanitarian assistance during the conflicts that shook the country in the early 1990s. Switzerland opened a cooperation office in Tbilisi in 1996 and an embassy in June 2001.

Relations developed considerably after 2008, when Switzerland assumed a mandate to represent Russia's diplomatic interests in Georgia and those of Georgia in Russia and began sustained efforts to mediate between the two countries.

Georgia, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis

Contact Helpline FDFA

365 days a year – around the clock

The Helpline FDFA deals as central contact point with matters relating to consular services.