Cross-border work: the border guards' army does not 'march' only in Ticino (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• The number of border workers in Switzerland increased by 5.7% compared to the second quarter of 2022.
• The Border Canton saw an increase of 3.5% on an annual basis.
• Other areas, starting from Geneva, have greater increases.

Key facts

• What: increase in border crossers in Switzerland
• When: Q2 2022
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Federal Statistical Office
• Amount: 5.7%

Could the new tax agreement between Switzerland and Italy finally take effect on July 18 stem the imperious advance of 'G' permits active in Ticino? It is to this question that now a part of Ticino politics would like to give an answer hoping to nibble some consensus in view of the federal elections that are scheduled for next October.

The objective data, which has refocused the debate on the presence of our workers in Ticino, is represented by the 79,181 'G' permits that the Federal Statistical Office has registered as of 30 June (last survey available and above all last survey before the signing of the tax agreement). This means that the global number of border workers employed in Ticino has increased by 3.5% on an annual basis - although, let us remember again, not all 79,181 'G' permits are active -, with the number of border workers with an active 'G' permit in Switzerland reaching 391 thousand, which means - according to the cold law of numbers - +5.7% compared to the second quarter

Operational details

The new tax agreement between Switzerland and Italy finally in force since 18 July has aroused several reactions among Ticino economic operators, who hope to stem the advance of 'G' permits active in the canton. It is to this question that now a part of Ticino politics would like to give an answer hoping to nibble some consensus in view of the federal elections that are scheduled for next October. The objective data, which has refocused the debate on the presence of our workers in Ticino, is represented by the 79,181 'G' permits that the Federal Statistical Office has registered as of 30 June (last survey available and above all last survey before the signing of the tax agreement). This means that the global number of border workers employed in Ticino has increased by 3.5% on an annual basis - although, again, not all 79,181 'G' permits are active -, with the number of border workers with an active 'G' permit in Switzerland reaching 391 thousand, which means - according to the cold law of numbers - +5.7% compared to the second quarter of 2022. But it is not only Ticino that has to face this problem. Other cantons such as Graubünden and Valais, which border Italy, are also affected by this wave of border crossers. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, in the second quarter of 2022, there were 24,451 active 'G' permits in Graubünden, while - Registration of frontier workers: Frontier workers working in the service sector must register with the Federal Statistical Office and must provide information on their income and employment. In conclusion, the problem of border workers in Switzerland is complex and cannot be solved by a single measure. The Swiss government and the cantons concerned must work together to find a solution that meets the needs of all stakeholders.

Key points

With regard to the 'Professional, scientific and technical activities' segment, as of 30 June the active 'G' permits were 9,701 compared to 9,077 in the second quarter of 2022. An exponential growth, therefore, the umpteenth from the pre-pandemic to today.

According to data from the Federal Tax Service (SIF), the number of border workers in Switzerland is constantly increasing. In 2022, the number of 'G' permits issued was 12,543, an increase of 15.6% compared to 2021. This trend is even more evident if we consider the fact that in 2020, during the pandemic, the number of permits issued had fallen to 6,514, and then increased again in 2021 and 2022.

Ticino is the canton with the largest number of border crossers, with over 4,000 'G' permits active as of 30 June. However, the other cantons, such as Graubünden, Valais and Vaud, also have a significant number of border crossers. In particular, Graubünden is the second canton with the largest number of border crossers, with over 2,000 active 'G' permits.

According to SIF data, 70% of border crossers in Switzerland come from EU countries, while 30% come from non-EU countries. The largest number of border crossers come from Italy, followed by Poland, Romania and Bulgaria.

Article 14 of the Federal Immigration Law (LFI) stipulates that border workers must be registered in the list of border workers at the competent tax office. Frontier workers must also present a

For a precise net salary calculation, use our tax comparator: compare take-home pay between G and B permits with all 2026 deductions.

Source: laprovinciadicomo.it