Why are cross-border commuters decreasing in Ticino?

The decline in cross-border commuters in Ticino is mainly due to generalized economic difficulties affecting companies in the Canton, especially in the logistics and trade sectors. These companies are reducing staff to keep operating costs down. The number of active cross-border commuters fell by 2.8% compared to previous figures, standing at around 71,000 workers.

What is the impact of the new health tax on the costs of cross-border commuter families?

The health tax has increased costs for families, but it is not the main factor in the decline in cross-border commuters. From 2024, cross-border commuters must pay health contributions to the KVG or demonstrate equivalent coverage in Italy, increasing expenses.

Which sectors in Ticino are reducing the number of cross-border commuters?

The sectors that are most reducing the number of cross-border commuters in Ticino are logistics and trade. These areas are particularly affected by the global economic crisis and are taking measures to contain operating costs, which include a decrease in the number of personnel employed.

What do cross-border commuters with a G permit have to do from 2026?

From 2026, cross-border commuters with a G permit will have to comply with new rules regarding individual taxation and tax returns. It's crucial to educate yourself on specific regulations to ensure compliance and optimize your tax situation.

Where can I compare the cost of living between Italy and Switzerland for cross-border commuters?

To compare the cost of living between Italy and Switzerland and better plan your daily expenses, you can use dedicated online tools. A specific cost-of-living comparator will help you assess the differences and manage your household budget more effectively.

Cross-border workers in decline: Ticino's economy under pressure

By Redazione Frontaliere Ticino (AI-generated text) · Published on 25 February 2026 · Updated on 8 October 2026

Traffic of cross-border commuters at Ponte Tresa crossing with mountains in the background

The number of cross-border workers is decreasing in Ticino. The reasons are tied to the local economy, not the health tax.

Context

TL;DR

Cross-border workers in Ticino decrease by 2.8% in 2025
Economic difficulties in logistics and retail sectors
No direct impact on bilateral agreements
New health tax not main cause of decline

Key facts

Decrease in workers: 2.8% compared to 2025, totaling 71,000 workers
Main sectors affected: Logistics and retail
Health tax introduced: 2024, mandatory contributions to LAMal or equivalent insurance
Impact on agreements: No direct impact on bilateral agreements between Switzerland and Italy
New regulations: Individual taxation and income declaration rules introduced in 2026
Economic benefits: Canton of Ticino benefits from repayments by Italian border municipalities
Potential future impact: Prolonged reduction could lead to revision of current agreements
Border crossings affected: Brogeda, Gaggiolo, and Ponte Tresa

The number of cross-border workers employed in Ticino is decreasing, but the cause is not linked to the new health tax introduced in 2023. Instead, it is related to the economic situation of the Canton. According to the Italian CGIL secretary, Alessandro Augurusa, the decline is connected to widespread economic difficulties affecting several Ticino companies, particularly in the logistics and retail sectors. These industries, already under pressure due to the global economic crisis, are reducing their workforce to manage operational costs.

📊 Recent data from cantonal offices show that the number of active cross-border workers has dropped by 2.8% compared to 2025, bringing the total to approximately 71,000 workers. This is a significant decrease, considering that for years the number of cross-border workers had been steadily increasing. Even main border crossings, such as Brogeda, Gaggiolo, and Ponte Tresa, have recorded a reduction in morning traffic, highlighting a trend that could impact the local socio-economic fabric.

⚠️ Despite the decline, there are no direct impacts on bilateral agreements between Switzerland and Italy or on cross-border mobility. However, companies are becoming increasingly selective in their hiring processes, favoring highly qualified profiles for strategic roles.

Operational details

Fiscal and regulatory implications for cross-border workers

The reduction in cross-border workers does not appear directly linked to the health tax, but it is important to note that the tax has nonetheless generated tensions in relations between cross-border workers and Ticino institutions. Since 2024, cross-border workers are required to pay mandatory health contributions to LAMal or prove they are covered by an equivalent insurance plan in Italy. This change has increased costs for families but has not been the main factor behind the recent decline.

From a fiscal perspective, the Canton of Ticino continues to benefit from the repayments made by Italian border municipalities, although the decline in the number of cross-border workers could affect these economic flows in the medium to long term. According to experts from the DFE, the Department of Finance and Economy of Ticino, a prolonged reduction might lead to a revision of current agreements, with possible repercussions on municipal revenues.

📊 Key regulations: Cross-border workers holding a G permit must comply with the new rules on individual taxation and income declaration introduced in 2026. Additionally, the decline in cross-border workers could make certain job positions more competitive, prompting companies to reconsider their salary compensation policies.

Key points

How to address change: practical tips for cross-border workers

In an increasingly uncertain economic context, it is essential for cross-border workers to be prepared to manage changes. For those seeking employment in Ticino, it is advisable to constantly update their professional profile and monitor available opportunities through reliable platforms. Additionally, a careful review of expenses, including mobility and health insurance costs, can make a difference in optimizing the family budget.

💡 Useful tools: On our website, you can use the Net Salary Calculator to check the impact of new regulations on your income. Additionally, the Cost of Living Comparator can help better plan daily expenses between Italy and Switzerland.

Finally, for those considering a change of residence or a permanent move, the Residency Simulator offers a comprehensive overview of fiscal and practical implications. Stay updated on economic and regulatory news through our dedicated tools.

Article 1(237–238) of Italian Law No. 213/2023 does not apply indiscriminately to all cross-border workers. It covers: (a) Italian residents who work and stay in Switzerland and use the Italian SSN; (b) frontier workers under Article 9(1) of the Italy–Switzerland Agreement whose income is taxable only in Switzerland and who exercised the legal right to choose health insurance; and (c) dependants of those two categories. Paragraph 238 sets a progressive 3–6% share of net Swiss salary, with a €30 minimum and an ordinary €200 maximum for each month worked from 2024. The cap may be doubled in cases of omitted payment or omitted communication specified in Article 1(100) of Law No. 207/2024. The Region of residence sets the rates and procedure each year.

Official sources: Health insurance for cross-border commuters (FOPH) · Switzerland–Italy tax agreement (Fedlex)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are cross-border commuters decreasing in Ticino?: The decline in cross-border commuters in Ticino is mainly due to generalized economic difficulties affecting companies in the Canton, especially in the logistics and trade sectors. These companies are reducing staff to keep operating costs down. The number of active cross-border commuters fell by 2.8% compared to previous figures, standing at around 71,000 workers.
What is the impact of the new health tax on the costs of cross-border commuter families?: The health tax has increased costs for families, but it is not the main factor in the decline in cross-border commuters. From 2024, cross-border commuters must pay health contributions to the KVG or demonstrate equivalent coverage in Italy, increasing expenses.
Which sectors in Ticino are reducing the number of cross-border commuters?: The sectors that are most reducing the number of cross-border commuters in Ticino are logistics and trade. These areas are particularly affected by the global economic crisis and are taking measures to contain operating costs, which include a decrease in the number of personnel employed.
What do cross-border commuters with a G permit have to do from 2026?: From 2026, cross-border commuters with a G permit will have to comply with new rules regarding individual taxation and tax returns. It's crucial to educate yourself on specific regulations to ensure compliance and optimize your tax situation.
Where can I compare the cost of living between Italy and Switzerland for cross-border commuters?: To compare the cost of living between Italy and Switzerland and better plan your daily expenses, you can use dedicated online tools. A specific cost-of-living comparator will help you assess the differences and manage your household budget more effectively.