Published on 8 June 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Panama

Switzerland has maintained diplomatic relations with Panama since 1941. Switzerland's relations with Panama are good and are concentrated on the economic and financial sectors.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

The Swiss embassy in San José (Costa Rica) is responsible for diplomatic relations with Panama. Switzerland is also represented in Panama by an honorary consul.

On 13 May 2026, the Federal Council decided to accede to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal.

Switzerland and Panama have concluded agreements in a number of areas, including on free trade, investment protection, mutual legal assistance, air transport, automatic exchange of financial account information and the lifting of visa requirements.

Treaty database

Official website of the government of Panama

Economic cooperation

In 2025, Switzerland imported goods worth CHF 41.9 million from Panama, mainly precious stones, precious metals and jewellery. Exports to Panama totalled CHF 209 million and mainly comprised pharmaceutical products and watches. Swiss direct investment in Panama totalled just under CHF 1.1 billion at the end of 2024. In 2024, Switzerland was the fourth largest investor in Panama and Swiss companies employed around 2,600 people.

The free trade agreement between EFTA and the Central American countries, including Panama, came into force in 2014.

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (SG-E)

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Researchers who are citizens of Panama 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

Swiss nationals in Panama

According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, there were 1,023 Swiss citizens living in Panama at the end of 2025.

History of bilateral relations

Switzerland recognised Panama immediately after the state was founded in 1903. Diplomatic relations were established in 1941.

Switzerland had previously opened a consulate in Panama City in 1884, which was closed in 1891 and reopened in 1913. In 1959, the consulate was given the status of a consulate general. In 1980, this was converted into an embassy. The Swiss embassy in San José (Costa Rica) has been responsible for diplomatic relations with Panama since 1995.

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

Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis

Documents

Americas Strategy 2026–29

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