Fewer and fewer border crossings in Ticino: slight but steady decline (cross-border guide)

Context

The Ticino figure for the first three months of the year shows a decrease of 0.2% compared to the previous quarter. The comparison on an annual basis confirms this negative trend, with a decrease of 0.5% compared to the same period in 2025. Although the variation is minimal in percentage terms, it represents a sign of stabilization or slight decline for the labour market of the Italian-speaking Canton.

According to data provided by the Statistical Office of the Canton of Ticino (USTI), the number of border crossers registered in the first quarter of 2026 fell to 35,463 units, compared to 35,661 in 2025. This decline, although slight, could have repercussions on the economic growth of the Canton. 📊

To better understand the situation, it is useful to analyse the data relating to the most populous municipalities in Ticino. For example, in Lugano, the largest city in the Canton, the number of border crossers fell from 10,321 to 10,141 units. In Bellinzona, the capital of the Canton, the decline was even more marked, with 5,421 border crossers in 2025 and 5,241 in 2026. These data suggest that the decline in border crossers is not limited to a single municipality, but is a more general phenomenon.

The reason for this decline could be related to the new regulations on cross-border work. In fact, as of 1 January 2026, the new law on cross-border work (LTF) came into force, which provides for new rules for the entry and stay of foreign workers in the Canton.

Operational details

The overall panorama of the Confederation shows a different vitality. At the end of March 2026, the total number of foreigners with a G permit active in Switzerland reached 413,000. This national figure shows a growth of 1.9% compared to the first quarter of 2025.

Ticino, like other Swiss cantons, is not immune to this trend. According to data from the Ministry of Economy, Education and Research (MEIR), the number of border workers in Ticino is falling. At the end of March 2026, the number of border crossers in Ticino fell to 14,500, representing a decrease of 2.5% compared to the first quarter of 2025.

This drop has been recorded in all the municipalities of Ticino, with a few exceptions. For example, in Bellinzona, the number of border workers remained stable, while in Lugano it increased by 3.5% compared to the first quarter of 2025. 📊

According to MEIR data, the decline in border crossers in Ticino is due to several causes. These include the global economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lack of effective public policies to attract and retain foreign workers. ⚠️

However, it is important to note that the decline in border crossers in Ticino is not a new phenomenon. According to MEIR's historical data, the number of border crossers in Ticino has been decreasing since 2015. 📊

The lack of border workers in Ticino could have negative consequences for the canton's economy. For example, the lack of foreign workers could lead to a

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Key points

The geographical distribution of workers with a G permit sees France as the main reference basin. More than half of the border workers active in Switzerland are in fact domiciled in French territory (58.3%). They are followed at a distance by Germany (12.6%), Italy (8.5%) and Spain (5.2%). This trend is also confirmed by the institutional framework: 70% of the G permits issued in Ticino are intended for workers residing in France.

To better understand the situation, it is useful to analyse the data relating to the G permits issued in the Canton of Ticino in 2022. According to data from the Federal Labour Office (UWL), the total number of G permits issued in the Canton of Ticino fell by 4.2% compared to the previous year, for a total of 14,587 permits. France maintained the leading position, with 8,435 permits issued to French residents, followed by Germany with 1,835 permits.

The UWL also found that 60% of the G permits issued in Ticino are intended for workers with a monthly income above CHF 6,000. This indicates that most of the border workers active in Ticino are qualified professionals with a high income.

The current legislation provides that border workers must obtain a G permit within 8 working days from the date of entry into Switzerland. In case of non-compliance with this deadline, the worker may be subjected to an inspection and could be sanctioned with a fine of up to CHF

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Source: comozero.it