Living in Aurano and working in Ticino: border guide

Context

Brief Overview

• Aurano is located in the VCO region of Piedmont, a few kilometers from the Ticino — accessible via the Brogeda and Gaggiolo passes.
• The G permit is valid for Swiss-Italian border workers and requires a work contract; source tax is withheld only in Switzerland.
• Lower rent costs compared to northern Italy; minimal Italian taxes thanks to the new 2024 agreement (CHF 10,000 exemption for new border workers).
• Procedure: Aurano commune → registration with the registry office → G permit application → opening of a Swiss bank account.

• Location: Aurano, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont
• What: Authorized G permit holders for residence and work
• Distance: approximately 40–50 km from Lugano/Chiasso via passes
• Income tax exemption: CHF 10,000 for new border workers (from January 1, 2024)
• Source tax: withheld only in Switzerland, not in Italy
• Convention: Italy-Switzerland agreement of March 9, 1976 avoids double taxation

Aurano and its transfrontier appeal

Aurano is a small commune in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province, in the immediate hinterland of Ticino. A few kilometers from the Brogeda and Gaggiolo passes, it offers quick access to the labor markets of Lugano, Bellinzona, and central Switzerland. Historically, the VCO region — located between Lake Maggiore and the Alps — attracts border workers seeking housing at lower costs than Ticino, while maintaining Swiss salaries.

Who can live and work: the G permit

The G permit category is intended for individuals residing in a neighboring state (Italy) and working in Switzerland, returning home daily. It does not require Ticinese residency — Aurano and neighboring VCO communes are suitable. Authorization is subject to a Swiss employer's contract, no prior convictions, registration with the commune of residence (Aurano), and application to the Ticinese State Migration Office (SEM). The request is free; issuance occurs within approximately 30 days.

Tax regime: lighter taxes

For the border worker residing in Aurano, source tax is withheld only in Switzerland (typically 8–20% depending on the canton and family situation). Italy does not apply additional taxation thanks to the credit for tax paid provided in the Italy-Switzerland Convention of March 9, 1976. With the new agreement for border workers in force from January 1, 2024, new border workers (not registered before July 17, 2023) benefit from an annual income tax exemption of CHF 10,000: income up to this amount is not taxed in Italy. Above this threshold, Italian tax is calculated with Swiss credit for tax paid deducted. This regime has made Aurano particularly attractive in recent years. Use the salary calculator to simulate your monthly net income with Swiss withholding.

Operational details

Should you live in Aurano compared to Ticino?

Let's take stock of costs and practicality. A rental for a single room in Aurano or in similar VCO municipalities typically costs €300–500 per month, while in the first crown of Lugano or Chiasso it rarely falls below €500–700. On an annual basis, the rental savings are tangible. Food, gasoline and services have Italian prices (about 10–20% lower than Ticino), although fuel and utilities are variable. Refer to the comparatore costo della vita for custom verification.

The negative counterpart is commuting. From the central area of Aurano to the main poles of Lugano or Chiasso, travel times are 45–90 minutes depending on traffic at the passes (Brogeda or Gaggiolo) and peak times. The Swiss vignette (CHF 40 per year) is mandatory; Ticino car parks must be verified with the employer.

Procedures and Timing

Once an employment contract is identified, the sequence is predictable. Registration in Aurano or resident municipality takes 5–10 days. The G permit application, forwarded by the municipality, is instructed within approximately 10–30 days. INPS communication — the Italian municipality registers the registration; INPS assigns you a serial number — it is automatic. Swiss bank account opening: Many Ticino banks open accounts with a G permit and an employer letter. Times ~3–7 days. Tax formalities: communication to the employer of the tax situation; inclusion in the declaratory system

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

Checklist practice: what to do before and after the transfer

First steps (1–2 months before the start date of work)

Draw up a Swiss employment contract and inform the employers that the domicile is abroad. Search for accommodation in Aurano through Italian portals (immobiliare.it, vivastreet.it); check availability with short-term rental property owners for the first period. Verify documentation: valid passport, certificate of freedom of state (at the Italian municipality), and any requested penal certificates by the employer. Pre-register with the Aurano anagrafe: download the form from the municipality's website, attach a copy of the rental contract.

First two weeks of residence

Registration with the Aurano anagrafe (bring a copy of the employment contract, certificate of change of domicile, and application form). Apply for a G permit: submit to the municipality (Aurano) with a passport, employment contract copy, and certificate of freedom of state. The municipality will forward the application to SEM Ticino. Registration with INPS (the municipality will do this automatically; ask for confirmation of the matriculation number). Open a Swiss bank account: contact a bank (Raiffeisen, UBS, Crédit Suisse, SBS, Banca Migros); bring a passport, received G permit, and employer's letter.

In the first month

Inform the employer about the withholding tax at source (declare the situation: resident in Aurano, G permit). Verify LAMal (Swiss health insurance): if a frontier worker category G, check if registered automatically by the employer or if a voluntary registration is required — often the employer provides instructions. Receive the first salary and verify the withholding tax at source on the pay slip (there should be no double withholding Italy + Switzerland). Consult the guide on G permit procedure for a detailed explanation.

Annual obligations

Italian tax return: if income from work > €10,000 per year, fill in model 730 with CE box (Swiss tax credit). Deadline is usually May 31 (for dependent taxpayers with a tax representative). IMU/TARI communication: at the Aurano municipality if owners; tenants are exempt. INPS supplementary payment: if income exceeds specific thresholds, check with the post office or INPS.

The concrete choice

The transfer to Aurano is feasible and convenient. The accessibility to the border, the favorable post-2024 tax regime, and lower costs compared to Ticino make this option attractive for those working in Switzerland. Calculate your net monthly salary with the salary calculator for a personalized estimate, including Swiss withholding tax and pre/post-2024 comparison.