Living in Cuasso al Monte and working in Ticino as a border worker (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• The New Frontier Agreement is in force from 1 January 2024
• The deductible for new frontier workers is €10,000
• Income tax at source is withheld only in Switzerland
• AVS and LPP are mandatory for all residents in Switzerland
• LAMal is health insurance with deductible for adults

Key facts

• What: New Frontier Agreement
• When: 1 January 2024
• Where: Switzerland and Italy
• Who: Frontiersmen
• Amount: €10,000

The New Frontier Agreement, signed on 23 December 2020, entered into force on 1 January 2024. This agreement introduces a deductible of €10,000 for new frontier workers, which replaces the previous exemption of €7,500 for old frontier workers. The income tax at source is withheld only in Switzerland, avoiding double taxation with the tax credit in Italy. The Italy-Switzerland Double Taxation Convention, signed on 9 December 1976, remains in force for other tax aspects. AVS and LPP are mandatory for all residents in Switzerland, while LAMal is health insurance with deductible for adults. The Italian ratification of the New Frontier Agreement was approved by Law 83 of 13 June 2023.

Operational details

Practical Analysis

Connections and Travel Times

Living in Cuasso al Monte and working in Ticino offers several advantages, including good connectivity with the rest of Ticino. Travel times to reach the main cities in Ticino are relatively short, making commuting efficient. For example, the distance between Cuasso al Monte and Bellinzona is approximately 20 kilometers, with a travel time of about 30 minutes by car. The main road connecting Cuasso al Monte to the rest of Ticino is the cantonale 384, which offers a good level of service and safety.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Cuasso al Monte is generally lower than in the main Ticino cities such as Lugano or Locarno. This makes Cuasso al Monte an attractive choice for those seeking a balance between quality of life and economy. For example, the average cost of a rented apartment in Cuasso al Monte is approximately CHF 1,200 per month, while in Lugano it can exceed CHF 2,500. Daily living expenses, such as supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation, are generally more affordable than in larger cities.

Recommended Areas

Cuasso al Monte offers a variety of residential areas that can be recommended based on specific needs. For those seeking a quiet and rural environment, the more isolated and less developed areas are ideal. For those preferring a more urban environment with closer access to services and commerce, the more central and developed areas are more suitable. The choice of area therefore depends on personal preferences and the specific needs of each border resident.

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Key points

Action

What to Consider Before Moving

Before moving to Cuasso al Monte, it is important to consider various factors. Firstly, it is essential to evaluate the connectivity and travel times to reach your workplace. This can significantly influence your daily quality of life and productivity. Additionally, it is important to consider the cost of living and daily expenses, such as rent, supermarkets, and restaurants. Finally, it is important to evaluate the available residential areas and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Initial Assessment: Evaluate connectivity, travel times, and cost of living. 2. Research Residential Areas: Examine the different residential areas available in Cuasso al Monte. 3. Choose the Area: Select the area that best suits your needs and preferences. 4. Visit and Assess: Visit the chosen area and assess the quality of the environment and available services. 5. Book the Apartment: Book the apartment for rent or sale in the chosen area. 6. Relocation: Organize the transfer of your belongings and settle into the new residence.

Useful Tools

To help with the evaluation and decision to move to Cuasso al Monte, there are various useful tools. The tax calculator can be used to estimate the taxes and fees that would be paid in Switzerland and Italy. The cost of living comparator can be used to compare the cost of living in Cuasso al Monte with other Ticino cities or Italian cities. Finally, the payslip simulator can be used to estimate the payslip and daily expenses.

For further information and support, you can consult the official website of the Canton of Ticino and the practical guides available on Frontaliere Ticino.