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

Di Valerie Linc ·

In the first three months of 2026, cross-border workers in Ticino total 78,562, down 0.5% compared to 2025. Discover the implications for those working in Switzerland.

Contesto

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: 10,23...

Dettagli operativi

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....

Punti chiave

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 co...

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