Cross-border commuters in Graubünden, over 10,500 workers

Post on: 09.05.2025

In the first quarter of 2025, the canton of Graubünden recorded a record number of cross-border commuters: 10,521. They had never seen each other like this; many workers from the abroad, and in particular from Italy, crossing the border every day to work in the tourism, hotel and ancillary services sectors. The confirmation comes directly from the Office of the economy and tourism of Graubünden is relaunched by RSI during the broadcast Graubünden sera.

Tourism drives labour demand

The Maloja region, which includes the Upper Engadine, led this growth with an increase of 413 cross-border commuters, reaching 5,624 alone. & It is precisely here that the winter tourism sector has required the mostù Staff: Hotels, restaurants, ski resorts, and rental services have experienced a strong need of qualified human resources.

According to Luzius Stricker, head of the processing of economic data, " most of the new cross-border commuters work in the tourism sector", underlining the importance of this industry for the local economy.

Data growing in all regions, but Maloja dominates

After Maloja, the other regions follow with significantly lower numbers:

• Bernina: 1' 301 cross-border commuters (+38 compared to the previous quarter)
• Lower Engadine and Val Monastero: 1' 613
• Moesano: 758
• Plessur (including Chur): 417

These numbers confirm a trend in contrast to 2024, when the number of cross-border commuters was decreasing, probably due to the new tax agreement between Switzerland and Italy which penalizes those who started working in Switzerland from July 2023.

Italy protagonist: over 90% of cross-border workers

The vast majority of cross-border workers in Graubünden comes from Italy, attracted by stability; Of Swiss economy and the strength of the Swiss franc. In a context in which the Italy struggles to grow, the Swiss labor market continues to represent a valid opportunity; of income and stability for many Italian professionals and seasonal workers.

Un' turnaround compared to 2024

L increase recorded in the first three months of 2025 marks a significant inversion compared to the previous year and rekindles the debate on the management of cross-border flows, the economic repercussions for the canton and the tax relations between Switzerland and Italy.

The data seem clear: despite the new tax rules, the demand for labour in Graubünden continues to attract thousands of Italian cross-border commuters, strengthening the economic link between the two countries and reaffirming the centrality of the of tourism as a driver of employment in the Alpine regions.