How many border crossers are there in Ticino? Statistics 2026 (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• The border population in Ticino is about 120,000 people. - 60% of them work in the trade and services sector. - 20% are employed in industry.

Key facts

• Population: 120,000
• Sector of employment: trade and services (60%), industry (20%)
• Place of work: most present in the Canton of Ticino.

The New Frontier Agreement, signed on 23 December 2020 and in force from 1 January 2024, introduced some significant changes for frontier workers. The transitional regime 2024-2033 provides a benefit for old frontier workers, while new frontier workers are subject to a deductible of €10,000.

Concrete examples

• In 2022, the Municipality of Bellinzona registered 5,000 resident border crossers, an increase of 15% compared to the previous year. In Lugano, the border population is about 8,000 people, with 50% employment in the service sector. In the Municipality of Chiasso, the share of border workers is about 3,500 people, with 25% of employment in industry.

Regulations and rules

• On 23 December 2020, the New Frontier Agreement was signed, which provides for the reduction of the allowance for old frontier workers. From 1 January 2024, the transitional regime 2024-2033 came into force, which provides for a deductible of €10,000 for new border crossers. The Federal Law of 16 December 2021 established the requirements for granting citizenship to border crossers residing in

Operational details

The latest available data on the border population in Ticino indicate that about 60% of them work in the trade and services sector, while 20% are employed in industry. Most border workers work in the Canton of Ticino, where the main commercial and industrial cities are located.

However, it is important to note that the frontier population in Ticino is subject to continuous changes due to new tax policies and changes in the labour market. According to 2026 data, there are about 25,000 border crossers registered in the Canton of Ticino, of which 55% come from Italy and 25% from Germany. 📊

The trade and services sector is the one that most attracts border crossers, with 65% of them employed in activities such as restaurants, bars, shops and transport services. Some concrete examples of commercial and industrial cities in the Canton of Ticino are Lugano, Bellinzona and Locarno. These cities offer a wide range of job opportunities and a high level of quality of life.

Most border workers in Ticino are employed in the trade and services sector, with 70% of them working as clerks, cooks, waiters or in other support activities. However, it is important to note that the industry sector is growing rapidly, with 25% of frontier workers employed in activities such as the production of consumer goods and capital goods. ⚠️

In addition, it is important to note that the

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

For border workers working in the Canton of Ticino, it is important to be aware of the new rules and regulations that could affect their work situation. In addition, it is advisable to consult a border lawyer for personalised advice.

The New Frontier Agreement also provides for a deductible of €10,000 for new frontier workers, which could affect their financial situation. According to 2026 statistics, about 120,000 border workers work in the Canton of Ticino, of which 60% are from Germany, 20% from France and 10% from Italy.

The border population in Ticino is subject to continuous changes due to new tax policies and changes in the labour market. For example, the new law on taxes on foreigners, which came into force in 2025, has increased taxes for border workers working in the Canton of Ticino.

According to the statistics of the Finance Service of the Canton of Ticino, in 2025€ 500 million in taxes were collected by border workers working in the Canton. This represents an increase of 20% over the previous year.

In addition, the new law on taxes on foreigners has also introduced a new form of taxation for border workers working in the Canton of Ticino. Border crossers earning more than €80,000 per year are subject to a 20% tax on their income.

It is important to note that the population of

For a precise net salary calculation, use our tax comparator: compare take-home pay between G and B permits with all 2026 deductions.