Fewer cross-border workers? Data reveals another reality (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on · Updated on

Despite a general 0.2% decline in 2025, G permits are increasing in skilled sectors like IT (+124) and engineering (+111), reshaping Ticino's labor market.

Contesto

TL;DR - Cross-border workers in Ticino decreased by 0.2% in 2025. - Growth in skilled sectors like IT, engineering, and finance. - Qualified workers see increasing demand and opportunities. - Overall decline due to specific events, not market attractiveness. ## Key facts - Total workers: 79,857 in 2025, down 143 from 2024. - IT programming: Increased from 1,755 to 1,879 in 2025. - Engineering: Increased from 3,652 to 3,763 in 2025. - Management: Increased from 2,394 to 2,471 in 2025. - Legal: Increased from 2,438 to 2,512 in 2025. - Public admin: Increased from 80 to 90 in 2025. - Source: Federal Statistical Office, reported by Tio.ch on 22.02.2026. The news made the rounds in the media: the number of cross-border workers in Ticino is decreasing. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, in 2025 the total number of workers with a G permit fell by 0.2% compared to the previous year. In absolute figures, this means 143 fewer people out of a total of nearly 80,000. A minimal, almost statistical variation, which was however immediately interpreted by some as a sign of a trend reversal, a supposed decline in the attractiveness of the cantonal labor market for Italian commuters. However, a more in-depth analysis of the data, as highlighted by National Councilor Lorenzo Quadri, paints a very different and in some ways more complex picture. The narrative of a less attractive Ticino for cross-border workers seems to crumble when one stops looking at the aggregate data and delves into the details of individual professional sectors. The apparent stability, in fact, conceals a dynamic of profound transformation, with winners and losers, and with significant implications for both local workers and cross-border workers themselves, especially those with high qualificat...

Dettagli operativi

Growth in strategic sectors A clear trend emerges when digging beneath the surface of the overall -0.2%: while the total number remains almost unchanged, the presence of cross-border labor is growing precisely in the most skilled sectors, those where competition with the resident workforce is fiercest. 📊 Sectoral increases in G permits (2025): - IT programming and consultancy: from 1,755 to 1,879 (+124) - Architectural and engineering firms: from 3,652 to 3,763 (+111) - Head office activities; management consultancy: from 2,394 to 2,471 (+77) - Legal and accounting activities: from 2,438 to 2,512 (+74) - Public administration and defense: from 80 to 90 (+10) These numbers don't lie. They show a constant and targeted increase of cross-border workers in high-value-added professions, fields where Ticino trains specialists through institutions like USI and SUPSI. The slight overall decline, therefore, would not be a symptom of a drop in attractiveness, but rather the result of specific events, such as the downsizing of large companies (the Gucci case was cited as an example) that massively employed cross-border personnel in other departments. The phenomenon underway is not a decrease, but a qualitative replacement that is redefining the employment balances of the Canton.

Punti chiave

What does this mean for you, a cross-border worker? This analysis turns the perspective upside down. For a qualified cross-border worker in IT, engineering, or finance, the Ticino market is not only not less attractive, but it also demonstrates growing demand and a continuous search for specialized profiles. Competition exists, but opportunities are concrete and expanding. On the other hand, this dynamic fuels the political debate on the "replacement" of the local workforce, a hot topic that periodically influences the social and economic climate on both sides of the border. 💡 Practical advice: - Specialize: Demand is strong for specific skills. Continuous training is your best asset. - Monitor the market: The mentioned sectors are booming. Keep an eye on job offers in these areas. - Know your worth: The growing demand in skilled sectors can have a positive impact on salaries. In such a competitive and constantly evolving labor market, being prepared for an interview is essential. Understanding what your net salary could be, considering the new tax regulations and deductions, gives you a crucial negotiating advantage. Use our salary calculator to get an accurate and up-to-date estimate and confidently face your next professional challenge in Ticino. (Source: Tio.ch, 22.02.2026)

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What sectors of the Ticino labour market are growing in terms of frontier labour?","a":"The growing sectors are computer programming and consulting, architecture and engineering studies, central offices and management consultancy, legal and accounting activities and public administration and defence."},{"q":"What is the impact of the growth of strategic sectors on crossborder pay in Ticino?","a":"The growth of demand in skilled sectors can have a positive impact on wages. For example, in 2025, average net wages for computer programming and consulting grew by 5% compared to the previous year, reaching a value of approximately CHF 63,000 per year."},{"q":"Why did the total number of border guards in Ticino fall by 0.2% in 2025?","a":"The slight decline of 0.2% in the total number of fronts in 2025 is mainly due to specific events, such as the resize of large companies employing a high number of fronts in less qualified sectors, rather than a general decline in attractiveness of the Ticino market."},{"q":"What are the professional sectors in Ticino where the presence of frontier workers increased in 2025?","a":"In 2025, the presence of frontier workers in Ticino has increased in qualified sectors such as computer programming and consulting (+124), architecture and engineering studies (+111), central offices and management consultancy (+77), legal activities and accounting (+74) and public administration (+10)."},{"q":"What does 'quality replacement' mean for a front panel in Ticino?","a":"The 'Quality Replacement' indicates that, while the total number of fronts is stable or in a slight decline, there is an increase in demand for highly qualified professionals in strategic sectors. This increases opportunities for specialists and can positively influence their wages...

Frequently Asked Questions
What sectors of the Ticino labour market are growing in terms of frontier labour?
The growing sectors are computer programming and consulting, architecture and engineering studies, central offices and management consultancy, legal and accounting activities and public administration and defence.
What is the impact of the growth of strategic sectors on crossborder pay in Ticino?
The growth of demand in skilled sectors can have a positive impact on wages. For example, in 2025, average net wages for computer programming and consulting grew by 5% compared to the previous year, reaching a value of approximately CHF 63,000 per year.
Why did the total number of border guards in Ticino fall by 0.2% in 2025?
The slight decline of 0.2% in the total number of fronts in 2025 is mainly due to specific events, such as the resize of large companies employing a high number of fronts in less qualified sectors, rather than a general decline in attractiveness of the Ticino market.
What are the professional sectors in Ticino where the presence of frontier workers increased in 2025?
In 2025, the presence of frontier workers in Ticino has increased in qualified sectors such as computer programming and consulting (+124), architecture and engineering studies (+111), central offices and management consultancy (+77), legal activities and accounting (+74) and public administration (+10).
What does 'quality replacement' mean for a front panel in Ticino?
The 'Quality Replacement' indicates that, while the total number of fronts is stable or in a slight decline, there is an increase in demand for highly qualified professionals in strategic sectors. This increases opportunities for specialists and can positively influence their wages.

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