Apprentice Cross Border Workers G Permit Reform | Frontaliere Ticino
Apprentice Cross Border Workers G Permit Reform — free tools and expert guides for cross-border workers (frontalieri) between Switzerland and Italy. Compare salaries, tax, LAMal health insurance, pensions, and cost of living in Ticino. Updated 2026.
Context
The Swiss National Council has given its final approval to the Schmid motion, a long-awaited reform that will bring significant changes to the procedures for cross-border apprentices. The decision, taken on March 12, 2026, has sparked great interest in Canton Ticino, where cross-border apprentices are a fundamental component of the vocational training system. The motion, proposed by Councillor Martin Schmid of the Canton of Grisons, provides for the extension of the validity of the G work permit for the entire duration of the apprenticeship, thus eliminating annual renewals. This measure, approved with 132 votes in favor and 59 against, aims to reduce the bureaucratic burden for young people in training and for companies, effectively equating their treatment with that of other cross-border workers. The current legislation, provided for by the Federal Law on Foreigners and their Integration (LStrI), grants EU/EFTA cross-border workers a G permit of five years in the case of an open-ended employment contract or one lasting more than a year. For shorter contracts, the validity coincides with the duration of the employment relationship. However, cross-border apprentices were obliged to renew their permit every year, a procedure considered cumbersome and anachronistic. With the new reform, the G permit will be issued for the entire duration of the apprenticeship, which can vary from two to four years. This bureaucratic simplification is particularly relevant for Ticino, where cross-border apprentices are a valuable resource for the economic and training fabric of the canton. "This reform is a real turning point for cross-border apprentices," declared Councillor Schmid. "By eliminating annual renewals, we reduce the uncertainty and administrative complications that weighe...
Operational details
The reform of the G permit for cross-border apprentices is a significant step forward in the landscape of cross-border work in Switzerland. This measure, approved by the National Council, simplifies bureaucratic procedures and offers greater clarity and stability to apprentices and companies involved. The current legislation, provided for by the Federal Law on Foreigners and their Integration (LStrI), stipulated that EU/EFTA cross-border workers with open-ended employment contracts or those lasting more than a year could obtain a G permit of five years. For shorter contracts, the validity of the permit coincided with the duration of the employment relationship. However, cross-border apprentices were subject to annual renewals, a procedure that created uncertainty and administrative complications. With the new reform, the G permit will be issued for the entire duration of the apprenticeship, which can vary from two to four years. This means that cross-border apprentices will no longer have to go through the annual renewal process, saving time and resources for both themselves and companies. The reform is particularly relevant for Canton Ticino, where cross-border apprentices represent a significant component of vocational training. Ticino, with its proximity to Italy, has always had a significant flow of cross-border workers, and this reform will contribute to simplifying procedures for apprentices who choose to train in Switzerland. The decision of the National Council was taken after a long parliamentary process, which saw the motion approved by the Council of States in September 2025. The reform has been supported by various industry associations and political representatives, who have recognized the importance of simplifying bureaucratic procedures for cross-bord...
Key points
The reform of the G permit for cross-border apprentices is good news for all those involved in the cross-border work world. This bureaucratic simplification offers clarity and stability, reducing the administrative burden for apprentices and companies. If you are a cross-border apprentice or are considering embarking on a training path in Switzerland, this reform will simplify your life. You will no longer have to worry about annual renewals, allowing you to focus on your training and professional path. For companies, the reform of the G permit means a reduction in costs and bureaucratic procedures. This can be an incentive to hire cross-border apprentices, thus contributing to the economic development of Canton Ticino. If you have any questions or doubts about the reform of the G permit or the procedures for cross-border apprentices, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts. We can provide you with information and personalized assistance, helping you navigate the cross-border work world. For further insights, you can consult our salary calculator, which will help you better understand the fiscal aspects and cost of living in Canton Ticino. Additionally, our permit comparison tool will provide you with detailed information on the different types of work permits in Switzerland. Remember, the reform of the G permit is just one aspect of cross-border work. To stay up-to-date on all the news and developments, keep following Frontaliere Ticino. Source: tvsvizzera.it, March 12, 2026