G leave by credit card: new from 1 October (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• From 1 October, the Canton of Ticino adopts the credit card format
• Permits for EU-Aels citizens, G border workers and C domicile involved
• The new document will contain only photos and signature without biometric data in the chip
• Old permits remain in force until their natural expiry

Key facts

• What: New credit card format for residence and border documents
• When: From 1 October
• Where: Canton Ticino
• Who: Department of Institutions
• Amount: No additional cost specified by the source

From 1 October, the Canton of Ticino will officially change the procedures for issuing documents for EU-Aels citizens, introducing the credit card format for category G border crossers' permits and for C residence permits. The official communication came directly from the Department of Institutions, which outlined the contours of this important administrative transition for the Ticino territory.

The novelty is part of a process of technological and practical updating of the documentation issued to people working or residing in the Canton of Ticino coming from the countries of the European Union and the European Free Trade Association. For frontier workers who cross the border every day, the transformation of the paper document or the previous format into a pocket card represents a significant change in the daily management of their employment documents.

Operational details

Analyzing the practical implications of this novelty introduced by the Department of Institutions allows us to understand exactly when and how the workers concerned will come into possession of the new card. The transition to the credit card format will not take place in a massive or sudden way for all holders at the same time, but will follow a timeline linked to the normal administrative deadlines and ordinary requests managed by the competent offices of the Canton of Ticino.

The new card will be issued in three specific circumstances established by the cantonal authority. First of all, the document in credit card format will be issued on the occasion of the first request for permission submitted by the worker or by the EU-Aels citizen. Secondly, the card will be delivered at the time of the periodic renewal of the existing permit. Finally, the issuance takes place if updates of personal or professional data are necessary due to changes in the position of the data controller.

Validity of old documents

A fundamental aspect for those who work permanently along the border strip concerns the fate of the old cards or documents currently in the workers' possession. The Department of Institutions has confirmed that the old permits will continue to remain in full force until their natural expiry. There is therefore no obligation to proceed with an early or extraordinary replacement before the

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Key points

The transition to the new credit card format represents a purely structural and formal change in the documentation issued by the Canton Ticino, which does not alter in any way the requirements for access to the Swiss labor market or the fiscal and pension procedures related to the status of a frontline worker. Anyone who crosses the customs border daily to go to work will simply need to be aware of the new release methods in case of deadlines or formal renewals as prescribed by law.

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

Source: comozero.it