What documents are needed for the first day of work in Switzerland?

For the first day you need: valid ID card or passport, G permit (or receipt of application), signed employment contract, Swiss bank details (IBAN), health insurance certificate (LAMal or SSN), and Italian tax code.

How long does it take to obtain a G permit?

For EU citizens, the G permit is issued within 5–10 working days from the employer's application. You can begin working with the application receipt. The physical permit (card format) arrives by post in 2–4 weeks.

Do I need to open a Swiss bank account for my salary?

Yes, most Swiss employers require a Swiss account for the CHF salary payment. Banks most used by cross-border workers are PostFinance (economical, ~CHF 5/month), Raiffeisen, and cantonal banks. You need your G permit, employment contract, and ID.

Is it better to choose Swiss LAMal or Italian SSN as health insurance?

It depends on the personal situation. LAMal costs around CHF 400–600/month but covers care in Switzerland without long waits. The Italian SSN is free (or nearly so) but does not cover emergency care in Switzerland. The right of option must be exercised within 3 months of starting work and the choice is irrevocable.

Does a cross-border worker need to register with AIRE?

No, a cross-border worker with a G permit who maintains residence in Italy does not need to register with AIRE. Registration is mandatory only for those who transfer residence to Switzerland (B permit). The cross-border worker remains fiscally resident in Italy.

First Day at Work | Frontaliere Ticino

First Day at Work — free tools and expert guides for cross-border workers (frontalieri) between Switzerland and Italy. Compare salaries, tax, LAMal health insurance, pensions, and cost of living in Ticino. Updated 2026.

The first-day guide covers all practical steps for new cross-border workers: G permit collection, Swiss bank account opening, health insurance choice (LAMal or Italian NHS), AIRE registration, and first tax return.

Each step includes real timelines, required documents, and links to the relevant offices (Ticino Migration Office, INPS, Italian Revenue Agency) to complete procedures without errors.

The interactive checklist guides you week by week through the first 90 days, from signing your contract to full fiscal and social security stabilisation.

This page is part of Frontaliere Ticino, the reference platform for cross-border workers between Switzerland (Canton Ticino) and Italy. Find practical tools, updated data, and verified information.

Content is designed to help cross-border workers make informed decisions about taxation, pensions, transportation, cost of living, and administrative procedures.

Frequently asked questions

What documents are needed for the first day of work in Switzerland?: For the first day you need: valid ID card or passport, G permit (or receipt of application), signed employment contract, Swiss bank details (IBAN), health insurance certificate (LAMal or SSN), and Italian tax code.
How long does it take to obtain a G permit?: For EU citizens, the G permit is issued within 5–10 working days from the employer's application. You can begin working with the application receipt. The physical permit (card format) arrives by post in 2–4 weeks.
Do I need to open a Swiss bank account for my salary?: Yes, most Swiss employers require a Swiss account for the CHF salary payment. Banks most used by cross-border workers are PostFinance (economical, ~CHF 5/month), Raiffeisen, and cantonal banks. You need your G permit, employment contract, and ID.
Is it better to choose Swiss LAMal or Italian SSN as health insurance?: It depends on the personal situation. LAMal costs around CHF 400–600/month but covers care in Switzerland without long waits. The Italian SSN is free (or nearly so) but does not cover emergency care in Switzerland. The right of option must be exercised within 3 months of starting work and the choice is irrevocable.
Does a cross-border worker need to register with AIRE?: No, a cross-border worker with a G permit who maintains residence in Italy does not need to register with AIRE. Registration is mandatory only for those who transfer residence to Switzerland (B permit). The cross-border worker remains fiscally resident in Italy.