Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Iraq are good and have become closer in recent years. Switzerland prioritises migration and peacebuilding, engaging in a range of cooperation activities, particularly in the humanitarian field, to assist in stabilising the country and achieving lasting peace.
The bilateral relations between Switzerland and Iraq are friendly and longstanding. They are based on regular political dialogue and broad cooperation in areas of common interest.
In Iraq, cooperation focuses mainly on the following areas:
Switzerland’s focus is primarily on promoting dialogue as well as working on the past, the rule of law and human rights.
The focus is on the return and reintegration of rejected asylum seekers. Bilateral migration relations with Iraq have been deepened and formalised. Switzerland is committed to ensuring that the basic needs of internally displaced persons are met.
Under the previous cooperation programme 2021–2024, Swiss support in Iraq focused on protection services for conflict-affected populations, addressing displacement and return dynamics, and providing legal assistance and counselling to vulnerable individuals. Switzerland also provides targeted contributions in severe protection cases, particularly in the areas of documentation and legal aid.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Switzerland engages in an active dialogue with the government to improve the economic conditions
Trade between Switzerland and Iraq slowly resumed after it came to a virtual halt in 1991 following the first Gulf War and the imposition of UN sanctions. Swiss export volume to Iraq fell again from 2003, but has since picked up. Switzerland primarily exports pharmaceutical products to Iraq. Although the level of imported goods from Iraq has historically been low, it has increased in recent years. In 2022, the volume of trade between the two countries stood at CHF 163 million.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
Trade statistics, Swiss Federal Customs Administration FCA
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Iraq 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
In 2023, there were 126 Swiss citizens living in Iraq.
Switzerland gave de facto recognition to the new Iraqi state in August 1930 when the Federal Council received King Faisal I once the British Mandate had come to an end. In 1936 Switzerland established a consulate in Baghdad, which was changed to a legation in 1955. Iraq became a republic on 31 July 1958, with Switzerland recognising the Republic of Iraq shortly afterwards.
The Swiss embassy in Iraq had to close in 1991 as a result of the first Gulf War. In November 2000, Switzerland opened a diplomatic liaison office in Baghdad to safeguard its interests, which also had to be closed in October 2008 for security reasons.
Since 2024, Switzerland has had an embassy in Iraq again after 33 years. The embassy in the Jordanian capital Amman will continue to be responsible for consular matters and Iraqi visa enquiries for Switzerland.
Last update 22.10.2025
+41 800 24-7-365 / +41 58 465 33 33
365 days a year – around the clock
The Helpline FDFA deals as central contact point with matters relating to consular services.
Fax +41 58 462 78 66
.
