Como and Varese dominate: 64,700 cross-border workers in Ticino in 2025 (cross-border guide)

Context

TL;DR

• Ticino attracts 64,700 cross-border workers from Lombardy in 2025.
• Como and Varese dominate with 32,200 and 31,400 workers respectively.
• Monza and Brianza see a 77.7% increase in cross-border workers.

Key facts

• Total cross-border workers: 75,000 in Switzerland, 64,700 in Ticino from Lombardy in 2025.
• Main provinces: Como (32,200) and Varese (31,400) are the top contributors.
• Growth in Monza and Brianza: Increase from 508 to 903 cross-border workers, a 77.7% rise.
• Piedmont's contribution: 5,900 cross-border workers in Ticino, a 15% increase since 2015.
• Verbano-Cusio-Ossola: Nearly 8,000 cross-border workers, up from 6,200 in 2015.
• Transport challenges: Infrastructure struggles to meet demand, especially for workers from Monza and Brianza.
• G permit requirements: Residence in Italy, Swiss employment contract, health insurance, and tax return submission.
• Future prospects: Continued growth expected, but dependent on transport policies and economic conditions.

Cross-border flows geography in 2025

The Ticino labour market continues to drive the economy of northern Italy. According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (UST), in 2025 the Canton of Ticino welcomed 64,700 cross-border workers from Lombardy, out of a total of 75,000 active cross-border workers nationwide. The figure emerges from the latest surveys, confirming Lombardy as the main reference basin for Ticino.

The province of Como remains firmly at the top of the ranking, with 32,200 workers commuting across the border, nearly all of whom (32,800) hold a G permit. Varese is no different: 31,400 cross-border workers travel to Ticino daily, for a total of 31,900 active G permits. These two provinces, separated by just 30 kilometres, account for 43% of all Italian cross-border workers active in Switzerland.

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Operational details

Monza and Brianza take center stage: why is it growing so much?

While Como and Varese maintain their absolute lead, the most surprising growth over the past decade belongs to Monza and Brianza. In towns such as Seregno, Desio, and Lissone, active cross-border G permits in Ticino have risen from 508 to 903, a 77.7% surge. An increase unmatched in Northern Italy, reflecting a structural shift in the cross-border labor market.

The causes of this growth

Monza and Brianza, historically less oriented toward Switzerland, are experiencing an economic and social transformation. Local businesses—especially in mechanics, logistics, and services—are increasingly looking to the Ticino market to find skilled labor. Additionally, proximity to Milan and good rail connectivity have made commuting to Ticino more accessible, even for those living tens of kilometers from the border.

Another key factor is the crisis in Italy’s labor market. In a context of economic stagnation and difficulty finding jobs in traditional sectors, Switzerland represents a viable alternative, particularly for those with technical or language skills (French and German).

📊 Comparison with the past: Como and Varese

Como and Varese have also recorded significant growth, though less pronounced than Monza and Brianza. Between 2015 and 2025, Como saw a 23.6% increase in cross-border workers, rising from 26,031 to 32,176. Varese reported a 21% rise, with workers increasing from 25,954 to 31,411.

These figures, while confirming the leadership role of the two provinces, highlight market saturation in some areas. In Como, for example, demand for G permits is nearing the maximum capacity of transport infrastructure, leading to daily commuting difficulties.

⚠️ Challenges for commuters from Monza and Brianza

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Key points

Practical guide: how to obtain a G permit to work in Ticino

If you live in Lombardy or Piedmont and wish to become a cross-border worker in Ticino, the first step is to apply for a G permit. This document, issued by Swiss authorities, will allow you to work in Switzerland without needing a residence permit.

Requirements for the application

To apply for a G permit, you must meet the following requirements:

• Residence in Italy: You must reside in one of the provinces listed in the FSO (Federal Statistical Office) data (Como, Varese, Monza and Brianza, Milan, Lecco, Sondrio, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola).
• Employment contract in Switzerland: The document must be signed with a Swiss employer or be recognised by Ticino authorities.
• Health insurance: You must be covered by health insurance valid in Switzerland. For cross-border workers, Swiss health insurance is mandatory, even if you already have Italian coverage.
• Income tax return: You will need to submit your Italian income tax return, as Switzerland applies specific rules for cross-border workers.

Steps to apply

1. Contact your Swiss employer: The process of applying for a G permit starts with your future employer. The company must submit a formal application to the Ticino cantonal authorities, demonstrating that no local candidates are available for the role.

2. Submit the documentation: Once the employer’s application is approved, you must personally submit your application at the Ticino Labour Office in Bellinzona or Lugano. Bring with you:

• Valid passport or ID card
• Employment contract
• Italian residence certificate
• Swiss health insurance
• Italian income tax return

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