Does a cross-border worker laid off in Switzerland receive unemployment in Italy or Switzerland?

A G-permit cross-border worker who loses their job in Switzerland receives unemployment benefits in Italy (NASpI), not in Switzerland. EU Regulation 883/2004 provides that cross-border workers in total unemployment are the responsibility of the country of residence. According to Prof. Roberto Bentivoglio, Professor of Labor Law at USI: 'The cross-border worker must immediately request the PD U1 form in Switzerland to avoid losing the right to NASpI'.

What is the PD U1 form and how do you obtain it?

The PD U1 is the European form certifying insurance and contribution periods in Switzerland. It is requested from the Swiss unemployment fund (e.g., URC Bellinzona) and is needed to open the NASpI claim in Italy. Without the PD U1, INPS cannot totalize Swiss contributions.

How much NASpI does a cross-border worker receive?

NASpI equals 75% of the average monthly salary up to €1,425.21, plus 25% of the excess. It reduces by 3% per month from the 6th month (8th for over-55s). The Swiss salary is converted to EUR at the official INPS rate. The 2026 maximum is approximately €1,550/month.

For how many months can you receive NASpI after working in Switzerland?

NASpI duration equals half the contribution weeks in the last 4 years. With 4 full years of work in Switzerland, you can get up to 24 months of NASpI. Swiss contributions are totalized through the PD U1 form.

Can a cross-border worker on NASpI work part-time in Italy?

Yes, it is possible to combine NASpI with part-time work if the annual income does not exceed €8,500. The NASpI amount is reduced by 80% of the employment income. You must notify INPS within 30 days of starting the activity.

Unemployment Benefits | Frontaliere Ticino

Unemployment Benefits — 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.

Last updated: April 2026

By Frontaliere Ticino Editorial Team · Cross-border tax & pension specialists

Cross-border unemployment insurance is a complex area where Swiss and Italian regulations intersect. If you lose your job in Switzerland, unemployment benefits are generally paid by Italy (your country of residence), not Switzerland. However, the benefit amount is calculated based on Italian rules and your Italian contribution history, not your Swiss salary.

There is a critical exception: if you had at least 12 months of Swiss employment, you can request Switzerland to transfer your contribution record to Italian INPS via the U1 form (formerly E301). This allows INPS to factor your Swiss employment period into the Italian NASPI unemployment benefit calculation.

The guide covers the step-by-step procedure: obtaining the U1 attestation from the Swiss cantonal employment office (Ufficio del lavoro), filing the NASPI application with INPS within 68 days of job loss, and understanding the benefit duration and amount based on your combined Swiss-Italian contribution history.

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

Does a cross-border worker laid off in Switzerland receive unemployment in Italy or Switzerland?: A G-permit cross-border worker who loses their job in Switzerland receives unemployment benefits in Italy (NASpI), not in Switzerland. EU Regulation 883/2004 provides that cross-border workers in total unemployment are the responsibility of the country of residence. According to Prof. Roberto Bentivoglio, Professor of Labor Law at USI: 'The cross-border worker must immediately request the PD U1 form in Switzerland to avoid losing the right to NASpI'.
What is the PD U1 form and how do you obtain it?: The PD U1 is the European form certifying insurance and contribution periods in Switzerland. It is requested from the Swiss unemployment fund (e.g., URC Bellinzona) and is needed to open the NASpI claim in Italy. Without the PD U1, INPS cannot totalize Swiss contributions.
How much NASpI does a cross-border worker receive?: NASpI equals 75% of the average monthly salary up to €1,425.21, plus 25% of the excess. It reduces by 3% per month from the 6th month (8th for over-55s). The Swiss salary is converted to EUR at the official INPS rate. The 2026 maximum is approximately €1,550/month.
For how many months can you receive NASpI after working in Switzerland?: NASpI duration equals half the contribution weeks in the last 4 years. With 4 full years of work in Switzerland, you can get up to 24 months of NASpI. Swiss contributions are totalized through the PD U1 form.
Can a cross-border worker on NASpI work part-time in Italy?: Yes, it is possible to combine NASpI with part-time work if the annual income does not exceed €8,500. The NASpI amount is reduced by 80% of the employment income. You must notify INPS within 30 days of starting the activity.