Published on 1 February 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Bahamas

Bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Bahamas focus mainly on the financial sector and tourism. Trade between the two countries is limited in scope. Swiss companies value the favourable legal and regulatory environment of the Bahamas.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

The Swiss ambassador in Ottawa (Canada) is accredited to the government of the Bahamas. The Swiss consulate general in Montreal is responsible for consular matters. An honorary consul represents Switzerland in Nassau.

Treaty database

The Government of the Bahamas

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Economic cooperation

The volume of trade between Switzerland and the Bahamas is very limited in scope.In 2023 Switzerland imported goods worth CHF 940,000 and exported goods to the value of CHF 27.2 million. Watches and precious metals are the main export items. While trade is moderate, capital flows are considerable. Over 30 Swiss financial institutions have a presence in this Caribbean country.

As of 1 January 2019, the Bahamas has been designated as one of Switzerland's partner states for the automatic exchange of financial account information in tax matters. The exchange of information commenced in 2020.

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Researchers and artists who are citizens of the Bahamas 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 Bahamas

At the end of 2023, 307 Swiss nationals were living in the Bahamas, with a significant number employed in the financial services industry.

History of bilateral relations

The Federal Council recognised the Bahamas' independence in 1973 and established diplomatic and consular relations with the country the following year.

The Nestlé food group has been operating in the Bahamas since 1936. The Bahamas has attracted increasing numbers of Swiss bankers and hoteliers since the 1950s. Two Swiss banks opened branches in the Bahamas in 1973. The number of Swiss bank branches in the country peaked at 30 in 2018.

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

Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis

Documents

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