Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and the Dominican Republic are harmonious. Trade has grown in recent years. The Dominican Republic is well-known in Switzerland as a holiday destination.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Dominican Republic
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
The Dominican Republic is a tourist destination and country of emigration for many Swiss nationals. Switzerland and the Dominican Republic have good trading relations and have concluded bilateral agreements on air transport, investment protection, and the transfer of sentenced persons.
Economic cooperation
In 2022, Switzerland imported CHF 1 billion worth of goods from the Dominican Republic, comprising precious metals, agricultural products and textiles. Swiss exports to the Dominican Republic amounted to around CHF 51,8 million, including machinery, pharmaceuticals, and optical and medical instruments.
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Researchers who are citizens of the Dominican Republic 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 the Dominican Republic
At the end of 2022, there were 2,065 Swiss nationals living in the Dominican Republic, making it the largest Swiss community in the Caribbean.
History of bilateral relations
The Dominican Republic gained independence in 1844. Switzerland recognised the new state and opened a consulate in Santo Domingo in 1936. During the Second World War, Switzerland represented the interests of the Dominican Republic in several countries. The Swiss consulate was upgraded to a consulate general in 1959, before becoming an embassy in 2007. Since May 2011, the regional consular centre in Santo Domingo has also been responsible for consular affairs in Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis.
The Dominican Republic, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
