Grison: Self-declaration of criminal records for residence permits

Context

TL;DR

• Graubünden requires self-declaration of criminal records for residence permits starting May 2026.
• Ticino introduced judicial record checks in 2015, reducing permits by 8.3%.
• Meetings planned in 2026 to combat organized crime in Graubünden.

Key facts

• New Measure: Self-declaration of criminal records for residence permits in Graubünden starting May 2026.
• Ticino Model: Ticino introduced judicial record checks in 2015 after a robbery in Novazzano.
• Permit Decrease: Ticino issued 11,320 permits in 2016, an 8.3% decrease from 2014.
• Rejection Example: In 2017, an applicant in Lugano was rejected due to a drug trafficking conviction.
• Meetings: Meetings scheduled in May and June 2026 between Graubünden and Ticino authorities.
• Judicial Record Cost: CHF 30 to obtain the judicial record in Ticino, with a 10-day processing time.
• Cross-Border Workers: New self-certification procedure for criminal records for residence permits in Graubünden effective January 1, 2023.
• Penalty for False Declaration: Up to 10,000 CHF fine and revocation of residence permit for false declarations.

New procedure for residence permits in Graubünden

Starting in May 2026, anyone applying for a residence permit in Graubünden will have to self-declare any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. This new measure was announced by the State Council in response to a question from Liberal Grand Councillor Samuele Censi, regarding the functioning of information exchange between Graubünden and other cantons, particularly Ticino, and an adjustment of procedures.

The decision follows the case of the four people linked to the Camorra and 'Ndrangheta who resided in Roveredo and were arrested at the end of February 2026 as part of an international operation against drug trafficking and money laundering. The issue has been at the center of political debate since then.

The Ticino model

Ticino had adopted a self-certification system for the issuance of residence permits on May 11, 2009, following a serious crime that occurred in Losone the previous summer. The practice changed in 2015, with the introduction of the obligation to present the judicial record, after a robbery committed in Novazzano.

📊 Operational checklist for the issuance of residence permits in Ticino:

• Self-certification of criminal records (2009-2015)
• Presentation of the judicial record (since 2015)
• Cross-checking with the data of the central judicial record
• Periodic checks by local authorities

Comparison of practical scenarios

In 2014, before the introduction of the obligation to present the judicial record, Ticino issued 12,456 residence permits. After the regulatory adjustment, in 2016, the number dropped to 11,320, a decrease of 8.3%. This data suggests that the introduction of the judicial record made the process more selective.

⚠️ Concrete example: In 2017, in Lugano, an applicant was rejected after the check of the judicial record revealed a previous conviction for drug trafficking. Without this verification, the permit would have been granted, allowing the applicant to settle in the canton.

Meetings scheduled

A meeting is scheduled for mid-May 2026 in Roveredo between representatives of the Moesano municipalities, collaborators of the Commercial Register Office, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Cantonal Police of Graubünden. In mid-June 2026, a further meeting is planned between the law enforcement agencies of the Canton of Graubünden and the Canton of Ticino.

The Department of Justice, Security, and Health (DGSS), headed by State Councillor Peter Peyer, is evaluating the possibility of establishing a working group with various cantonal offices to identify, prevent, and combat organized crime in the Canton of Graubünden. According to State Councillor Peyer, organized crime is spreading throughout Switzerland.

"Organized crime knows no borders and requires inter-cantonal cooperation to be effectively combated."

Regulations and fees

In Ticino, the obligation to present the judicial record was introduced with the amendment of the Law on Residence and Stay Permits of 2015. The cost to obtain the judicial record is CHF 30, and the verification process can take up to 10 working days.

Conclusion

The introduction of self-certification in Graubünden follows a path already taken by Ticino, demonstrating the importance of a proactive approach in managing residence permits. Inter-cantonal collaboration and the adoption of preventive measures are fundamental to combating organized crime and ensuring the safety of citizens.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The new self-certification procedure for criminal records for residence permits in Graubünden, which came into effect on January 1, 2023, will have several practical implications for cross-border workers who intend to move to or reside in this canton. First, it will be necessary to fill out a self-certification form in which to declare any criminal records or ongoing proceedings. This document must be submitted together with the application for a residence permit.

Cross-border workers who work in Ticino and wish to move to Graubünden will therefore have to adapt to this new legislation. For example, a worker from Lugano who intends to move to Chur will have to submit the self-certification together with the application for a residence permit. The form is available online on the Graubünden Canton website and must be completed in German, French, or Italian.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before this change, Graubünden did not require self-certification of criminal records, unlike Ticino, which had introduced this practice in 2009 and then the obligation to present the judicial record in 2015. The new procedure in Graubünden therefore aligns with that already in force in Ticino, making the practices between the two bordering cantons more uniform.

"This normative uniformity will facilitate transfers between the two cantons," declared a representative of the Graubünden authorities.

Possible Scenarios

If a cross-border worker has criminal records or ongoing proceedings, they will have to declare them in the self-certification form. In case of omission or false declaration, administrative or criminal sanctions may be applied. It is therefore important to be transparent and provide accurate information to avoid future problems.

For example, a worker from Bellinzona with a criminal record for driving under the influence of alcohol will have to declare it in the form. If they do not, they may be subject to a fine of up to 10,000 CHF and the revocation of the residence permit.

Detailed Procedure

1. Fill out the self-certification form for criminal records.

• Download the form from the Graubünden Canton website.
• Fill it out in German, French, or Italian.
• Sign the form.

2. Submit the form together with the application for a residence permit.

• Send the completed and signed form together with the application for a residence permit.
• Send the documents by post or appear in person at the competent office.

3. Provide any additional documents requested by the cantonal authorities.

• The authorities may request further documents, such as the employment contract or the certificate of residence.
• Provide the requested documents within the set deadline.

4. Wait for the evaluation of the application by the competent authorities.

• The processing time for the application can vary from a few weeks to a few months.
• The authorities may contact the applicant for further information.

5. In case of approval, receive the residence permit with the established conditions.

• The residence permit will be issued with any conditions, such as the obligation to periodically present the judicial record.
• The permit will have to be renewed periodically, usually every two years.

Operational Checklist

• Completed and signed self-certification form.
• Application for a residence permit.
• Additional documents requested (employment contract, certificate of residence, etc.).
• Application processing time.
• Any conditions of the residence permit.

Comparison Between Practical Scenarios

📊 Scenario 1: Cross-border worker without criminal records

• Filling out the self-certification form without declarations.
• Submission of the form together with the application for a residence permit.
• Processing time: approximately 4 weeks.
• Issuance of the residence permit without conditions.

📊 Scenario 2: Cross-border worker with criminal records

• Filling out the self-certification form with declaration of criminal records.
• Submission of the form together with the application for a residence permit.
• Processing time: approximately 8 weeks.
• Issuance of the residence permit with conditions, such as the obligation to periodically present the judicial record.

⚠️ Attention: It is essential to be transparent and provide accurate information to avoid administrative or criminal sanctions.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Concrete actions for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers planning to move to the Graubünden, it is essential to be prepared and informed about the new procedures. Here are some concrete steps to follow:

1. Check criminal records: Verify if you have any criminal records or ongoing proceedings and prepare the necessary documentation. For example, if you received a speeding ticket in Italy, make sure you have paid it and have the documentation to prove it. The Canton of Graubünden requires that any convictions or pending proceedings be declared.

2. Fill out the form: Download and complete the self-certification form for criminal records available on the official website of the Canton of Graubünden. The form must be completed in triplicate and signed. Make sure to include all the requested information, such as your full name, date of birth, address, and details about any criminal records, if applicable.

3. Submit the application: Submit the residence permit application along with the completed self-certification form. The application can be submitted to the competent municipal office of the planned place of residence in the Graubünden. For example, if you plan to move to Chur, the capital of the canton, you will need to submit the documentation to the municipal office of Chur. The cost of the residence permit for a single adult is approximately 100 CHF, while for a family of four it can go up to 300 CHF.

4. Consult the authorities: If you have doubts or need assistance, contact the competent cantonal authorities to obtain detailed information. You can turn to the Foreigners' Service of the Canton of Graubünden, which provides assistance and clarifications on all procedures. The phone number of the service is +41 81 257 24 00.

Useful tools

To facilitate the process, you can use the residence permit calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool will help you better understand the requirements and procedures for obtaining a residence permit in the Graubünden. For example, if you are a cross-border worker who works in Lugano and plans to move to Thusis, the calculator will provide you with an estimate of the costs and time required to obtain the permit.

Additionally, consult the residence permit guide to have a comprehensive overview of the regulations and practices in force in the Swiss cantons bordering Italy. The guide includes detailed information on the requirements for obtaining a residence permit, associated costs, and processing times for applications.

Operational checklist

Here is an operational checklist to help you organize your move to the Graubünden:

• Personal documents: Valid passport or identity card, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Work documents: Employment contract, letter of employment, salary certificate.
• Tax documents: Last income tax returns, tax certificates.
• Real estate documents: Lease agreement or proof of property ownership in the Graubünden.
• Health documents: Medical certificate, any vaccination certificates.
• Self-certification of criminal records: Completed and signed form.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

If you are a cross-border worker employed in Bellinzona and plan to move to Davos, you will need to consider several factors. For instance, the cost of living in Davos is higher compared to Bellinzona, with an average rent for a two-room apartment that can go up to 2,500 CHF per month. Additionally, the travel time to reach your workplace might increase significantly, especially during the winter season when roads can be closed due to snow.

On the other hand, if you work in Locarno and plan to move to Chur, the cost of living will be more similar to what you are used to, with average rents for a two-room apartment hovering around 1,800 CHF per month. The travel time to reach your workplace will also be shorter, thanks to the geographical proximity between the two towns.

Regulations and important dates

The Canton of Graubünden has introduced new regulations for cross-border workers starting from January 1st, 2023. These regulations stipulate that cross-border workers intending to move to Graubünden must submit a residence permit application within 14 days of arriving in the canton. Furthermore, cross-border workers must demonstrate that they have sufficient income to support themselves and their family without resorting to social assistance. The minimum required income for a single adult is approximately 3,000 CHF per month, while for a family of four, it is around 5,000 CHF per month.

Conclusion

Moving to Graubünden as a cross-border worker requires thorough preparation and detailed knowledge of the procedures and regulations in place. By following the concrete steps described in this article and using the available useful tools, you can facilitate the moving process and ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Graubünden.

Source: rsi.ch