Grison: Self-declaration of criminal records for residence permits
From May 2026, anyone applying for a residence permit in Grison will need to declare any criminal records or ongoing proceedings.
Contesto
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 r...
Dettagli operativi
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...
Punti chiave
Concrete actions for cross-border workers For cross-border workers planning to move to the Grisons, 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 Grisons 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 Grisons. 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 Grisons. 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 Grisons, 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, yo...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What happens if I don't declare my criminal record?","a":"If you do not declare your criminal record or ongoing proceedings, you may be subject to administrative or criminal penalties. It is important to be transparent and provide accurate information to avoid future problems."},{"q":"Where can I find the self-certification form?","a":"The self-certification form for criminal records is available on the official website of the Canton of Grisons. You can download and fill it out before submitting your residence permit application."},{"q":"Which documents do I need to attach to the residence permit application?","a":"In addition to the self-certification form for criminal records, you will need to attach the documents required by the cantonal authorities, such as your passport, work contract, and any additional documents specified in the application."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens if I don't declare my criminal record?
- If you do not declare your criminal record or ongoing proceedings, you may be subject to administrative or criminal penalties. It is important to be transparent and provide accurate information to avoid future problems.
- Where can I find the self-certification form?
- The self-certification form for criminal records is available on the official website of the Canton of Grisons. You can download and fill it out before submitting your residence permit application.
- Which documents do I need to attach to the residence permit application?
- In addition to the self-certification form for criminal records, you will need to attach the documents required by the cantonal authorities, such as your passport, work contract, and any additional documents specified in the application.