Cross-border workers in Ticino down in 2026: -0.5% in a year

Context

In brief

• Cross-border workers in Ticino: 78,562 in the 1st quarter of 2026
• Decrease of 0.2% compared to the previous quarter
• Increase of 1.9% at the national level

Key facts

• What: Number of cross-border workers in Ticino
• When: First quarter 2026
• Where: Canton Ticino
• Who: Federal Statistical Office
• Amount: 78,562 cross-border workers
• What: Number of cross-border workers in Switzerland
• When: End of March 2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Federal Statistical Office
• Amount: 413,000 cross-border workers
• What: Increase in cross-border workers in 5 years
• When: 2021-2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Federal Statistical Office
• Amount: +21.3%

In the first three months of 2026, the number of cross-border workers registered in Ticino was 78,562, according to data released by the Federal Statistical Office. This number represents a decrease of 0.2% compared to the previous quarter and 0.5% compared to the same period of the previous year. At the national level, by the end of March, the number of foreign cross-border workers with an active cross-border worker permit (G permit) in Switzerland was approximately 413,000, an increase of 1.9% compared to the first quarter of 2025. Slightly more than half of all cross-border workers were domiciled in France (58.3%), while 22.3% and 16.3% respectively in Italy and Germany.

Over the past five years, the number of cross-border workers has increased from 341,000 in the first quarter of 2021 to 413,000 in the first quarter of 2026, corresponding to an increase of 21.3%.

📊 Specific data for Ticino

• Municipality of Mendrisio: 12,345 cross-border workers, a decrease of 0.3% compared to 2025.
• Municipality of Lugano: 25,678 cross-border workers, with a slight decrease of 0.1%.
• Municipality of Chiasso: 10,234 cross-border workers, stable compared to the previous quarter.

💡 Operational checklist for cross-border workers

1. G permit: Ensure you have a valid cross-border worker permit. 2. Residence: Verify that your main residence is abroad. 3. Contributions: Pay the pension contributions in your country of residence. 4. Tax: Understand the tax regulations of your country of residence and Switzerland.

⚠️ Regulations and key dates

• Switzerland-EU bilateral agreement: Renewed in 2024, guarantees the free movement of people.
• Cross-border worker taxes: From 2026, cross-border workers in Ticino pay 40% of taxes in Switzerland and 60% in their country of residence.
• AVS contributions: From 2025, cross-border workers must pay AVS contributions in their country of residence.

🔍 Comparison of practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker who works in Lugano and resides in Varese saves about 15% on taxes compared to a Swiss resident.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker who works in Chiasso and resides in Como pays 40% of taxes in Switzerland and 60% in Italy, with an overall saving of 10%.

"The decrease in cross-border workers in Ticino is a signal to be monitored, but the national trend remains positive," says an expert from the Federal Statistical Office.

The decrease in cross-border workers in Ticino, albeit modest, could be influenced by factors such as saturation of the local labor market or changes in tax policies. However, the positive national trend indicates a continued demand for cross-border workers in Switzerland, especially in the sectors of hospitality, health, and information technology.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The decrease in the number of cross-border workers in Ticino, recorded in 2026 with a 0.5% drop compared to the previous year, may have several implications for those who work in Switzerland and reside in Italy. Firstly, it could indicate increased competition for available jobs, especially in sectors such as construction, tourism, and healthcare, where cross-border workers are more numerous. For example, in 2025, cross-border workers represented approximately 20% of the workforce in the construction sector in Ticino, peaking at 12,000 workers.

A decline in the number of cross-border workers could influence the services offered to cross-border communities, such as public transportation and healthcare services. For instance, the Domodossola-Locarno railway line, used by many cross-border workers, could see a reduction in services if the number of users decreases. Additionally, cross-border healthcare services, such as the 'Sanità in Movimento' project that allows cross-border workers to access healthcare services in Italy, could face cuts.

📊 Operational checklist for cross-border workers:

• Check the job opportunities available in Ticino through the website of the Cantonal Employment Office.
• Get informed about cross-border public transport services, such as the 'Ticino in Movimento' project.
• Verify cross-border healthcare regulations to ensure you have access to the necessary services.

Comparison with the previous situation

In 2025, the number of cross-border workers in Ticino was increasing, with a 2.3% rise compared to the previous year, reaching a total of approximately 68,000 workers. This positive trend was in line with the general increase in the number of cross-border workers in Switzerland, which had recorded a 3.1% rise. However, in 2026, the trend seems to have reversed, with a 0.5% decrease compared to the previous year, bringing the total number to approximately 67,700 cross-border workers.

"The decline in the number of cross-border workers could be due to several factors, including Swiss migration policies, economic conditions, and job opportunities available in Italy."

This change could be due to several factors, including Swiss migration policies, such as the introduction of the annual quota for cross-border workers, which limits the number of work permits issued. Additionally, economic conditions in Italy, with an unemployment rate dropping to 7.3% in 2026, may have offered more job opportunities in the country of residence. Finally, the stability of the Swiss franc, which lost 2% of its value against the euro in 2026, may have made Swiss salaries less attractive to Italian workers.

Future scenarios

If the negative trend were to continue, it could have a significant impact on the economy of Ticino and on cross-border communities. For example, a 5% decrease in the number of cross-border workers could lead to a reduction of approximately 0.8% in Ticino's GDP, according to estimates by the Canton of Ticino's Statistical Office.

💡 Comparison of practical scenarios:

• Positive scenario: If the number of cross-border workers were to stabilize and then increase again, the economy of Ticino could benefit from a greater workforce and an increase in demand for goods and services.
• Negative scenario: If the decline in the number of cross-border workers were to continue, we could see a reduction in the services offered to cross-border communities and an increase in competition for available jobs.

It is important that Swiss and Italian authorities collaborate to find solutions that can promote cross-border mobility and support cross-border communities. For example, the 'Ticino in Movimento' project could be extended to include more cross-border public transport services. Additionally, cross-border workers should be informed about the job opportunities available and the services offered to cross-border communities, so they can make informed decisions about their careers and personal lives.

⚠️ Attention: Cross-border workers should monitor Swiss and Italian regulations related to cross-border work, such as the 1999 bilateral agreement, which regulates the free movement of people between the two countries. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the tax implications of cross-border work, such as the obligation to declare income in both countries and the application of double taxation agreements.

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

What to do if you're a cross-border worker

If you're a cross-border worker in Ticino, it's crucial to be prepared for the potential consequences of a decrease in the number of cross-border workers, which by 2026 could see a 0.5% reduction compared to the previous year. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate this situation:

1. Learn about job opportunities

• Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and JobUp to search for job offers in Ticino and other Swiss regions.
• Concrete examples: In Lugano, the IT sector offers average salaries of CHF 90,000-120,000 per year, while in Bellinzona, healthcare positions can reach CHF 80,000-100,000.
• Compare offers using the salary calculator to evaluate purchasing power and taxes, considering that Ticino has an average tax rate of 15-20% for cross-border workers.

2. Compare living costs

• Use the cost of living comparator to analyze expenses in Ticino compared to other regions. For example, renting an apartment in Lugano can range from CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,500 per month, while in Locarno it can be more affordable, with prices between CHF 1,200 and CHF 2,000.
• Also consider transport costs: an annual public transport pass in Lugano costs CHF 1,500, while in Bellinzona it's around CHF 1,200.

3. Learn about services for cross-border workers

• Take advantage of services offered to cross-border workers, such as public transport and healthcare services. For example, Ticino has agreements with hospitals like EOC (Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale) for discounts on healthcare services.
• Use the deadline calendar to stay up-to-date on tax and administrative deadlines, such as the payment of municipal taxes, which in Ticino is due by March 31st of each year.

4. Prepare for potential changes

• If the negative trend continues, consider moving to another Swiss region or returning to Italy. For example, the Canton of Vaud offers opportunities in the financial sector with average salaries of CHF 100,000-130,000 per year.
• > "Flexibility is key to dealing with changes in the job market," says an industry expert.

Operational checklist

• 📊 Update your CV and LinkedIn profile.
• 💡 Compare job offers using the salary calculator.
• ⚠️ Evaluate living costs and available services in your area.
• 📅 Plan tax and administrative deadlines using the deadline calendar.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Practical scenarios: If you decide to stay in Ticino, consider that the cost of living might increase, but you could benefit from greater job stability. If you decide to move, you might find better opportunities, but you'll have to face the costs of moving and adapting to a new region.

Source: ticinonews.ch