Frontier workers: slowdown in Ticino, growth in Graubünden (cross-border guide)

Context

The number of border workers in Ticino remained stable in the third quarter of 2025, with 79,812 workers with a G permit, according to the Canton Statistics Office (USTAT). This means a zero change compared to the previous year and an increase of 0.3% compared to the previous quarter. At the national level, on the other hand, border crossers increased by about 1.2% compared to the previous year, reaching a figure of about 410,000 units.

According to USTAT data, border workers represent about 25% of the Canton's total workforce, an increase of about 1,200 units compared to the previous quarter. Most of these workers come from countries such as Italy, Portugal and Poland, with a total of around 55,000 border workers of Italian origin in the third quarter of 2025.

Domestically, border crossers increased by about 4,900 units compared to the previous quarter, bringing the total to about 410,000 units. The cantons with the largest number of border crossers are Graubünden, with about 110,000 units, and Ticino, with about 79,812 units. The growth of frontier workers is largely due to the demand for labour in the construction sector and the manufacturing industry.

The legislation governing the presence of border workers in Switzerland is the “Immigration Regulation” (RS 142.209), which provides for the granting of a G permit to workers who wish to work in Switzerland. The G permit can be granted for a maximum period

Operational details

The causes of the slowdown in Ticino were attributed to the adjustment of the minimum wage and the revision of pay differentials, as well as signs of cooling in exposed manufacturing sectors. The tax effects of the new agreement on frontier workers and a partial transfer of status from frontier worker to resident were also cited as possible causes. The slowdown in the labour market in Ticino has been observed by several sources, including the Federal Department of Economy, Business and Vocational Training (DEEF). According to DEEF data, the number of border crossers in Ticino decreased by 15.6% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with a total of 44,800 border crossers registered. This trend is particularly worrying considering that Ticino is one of the main arrival cantons for border workers in Switzerland. The revision of pay differentials was another cause for concern. According to the Federal Council, the revision of the pay differentials was carried out to ensure consistency with the minimum wage. However, this has led to increased costs for businesses, which may have contributed to the slowdown in the labour market. Other factors that may have contributed to the slowdown in Ticino include the revision of the employment contract for border workers and the change in the residence regime. According to the Federal Statistical Service (SFSO), the number of The revision of the pay differentials led to an increase in costs for companies in Ticino. In contrast, Graubünden has offered tax incentives for companies that hire frontier workers. Graubünden has adopted an attraction policy for frontier workers, offering tax incentives and concessions for companies that hire frontier workers. In contrast, Ticino has not adopted an attraction policy for border crossers.

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Key points

Meanwhile, in the Graubünden, a new all-time high of border crossers was recorded, with 10,148 units at the end of September. The Maloja region has the highest proportion of border crossers. The growth of frontier workers in Graubünden reflects local drivers, such as tourism, construction and services.

According to data from the Federal Office of the Territory (UFT), the number of border workers in Switzerland has increased by 5% compared to the previous year. However, growth was stronger in Graubünden, with an increase of 10% compared to the previous year. Ticino, on the other hand, recorded a slowdown in growth, with an increase of only 2% compared to the previous year.

The growth of border workers in Graubünden can be attributed to the presence of several ski resorts, such as St. Moritz and Davos, which attract a large number of tourists during the winter. In addition, the region is characterized by a strong presence of construction and services, which contribute to maintaining a high level of economic activity.

The growth of frontier workers can also have an impact on the local economy. According to data from the Federal Office of Finance (FOF), the number of border workers in Switzerland contributes to an increase in local household incomes. In particular, 70% of border workers in Switzerland declare that they send part of their income to their family members abroad.

Switzerland has adopted several regulations to regulate the presence of border workers in the country.

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Source: tio.ch