Regulations on the Application Act of the Federal Legislation on Foreigners and their Integration (RLALSI) (RLALSI)

[3] The Department of Institutions, Population Section, is responsible for the execution of federal and cantonal legislation concerning foreign nationals.

Office for Migration (Arts. 2, 3, 5 and 6 of the Law) [4]

[3] Art. amended by R 20.10.2009; in force since 1.11.2009 - BU 2009, 461.

[4] Marginal note amended by R 20.10.2009; in force since 1.11.2009 - BU 2009, 461.

[5] 1 The Population Section, Migration Office (hereinafter: Office), is competent to

a) issue, renew, amend, refuse, convert or revoke permits, authorizations and assurances (no-objections); [6]

b) issue and extend visas;

c) issue warnings;

d) issue notices;

e) order removal without formalities;

f) … [7]

g) formulate preliminary opinions concerning federal decisions regarding entry bans;

h) set, extend and suspend departure deadlines; [8]

i) define the procedures for transmitting official reports; [9]

l) collaborate with the State Secretariat for Migration for the proper functioning of the central migration system (SIMIC) and issue the relevant implementing provisions;

m) exercise the competencies referred to in the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons of 21 June 1999 (AFMP) and its subsequent protocols, the Convention establishing the European Free Trade Association of 4 January 1960 (EFTA) and federal and cantonal legislation concerning foreign nationals; [10]

n) request the provision of guarantees as provided for by the Ordinance on Entry and Visa Issuance of 15 August 2018 (OEV); [11]

o) manage the appeal procedures inherent in the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons of 21 June 1999 (AFMP), the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and their Integration of 16 December 2005 (FNIA) and the related ordinances; [12]

p) assume the secretariat and presidency of the Consultative Commission on the Labour Market; [13]

q) issue attestations concerning the period of stay and work of foreign nationals in the Canton of Ticino; [14]

r) execute penal expulsion (Art. 66a, 66a bis CP and 49a, 49a bis CPM) and examine its effective implementation.

3 For the collection of personal and biometric data, the Migration Office may avail itself of the collaboration of the Civil Status Office. [15]

[5] Art. amended by Reg. 31.5.2017; in force since 2.6.2017 - BO 2017, 141; previous amendments: BO 2009, 461; BO 2016, 420.

[6] Lit. amended by Reg. 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199.

[7] Lit. repealed by Reg. 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199.

[8] Lit. amended by Reg. 19.5.2021; in force since 21.5.2021 - BO 2021, 164.

[9] Lit. amended by Reg. 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199.

[10] Lit. amended by Reg. 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199; previous amendment: BO 2021, 164.

[11] Lit. amended by Reg. 19.5.2021; in force since 21.5.2021 - BO 2021, 164.

[12] Lit. amended by Reg. 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199; previous amendments: BO 2019, 375; BO 2021, 164.

[13] Lit. amended by Reg. 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199.

[14] Lit. amended by Reg. 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199.

[15] Para. amended by Reg. 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199.

[16] **1 The Cantonal Police is competent for:**

a) conducting personal and housing searches in accordance with federal legislation on foreigners and their integration; [17]

b) …;

c) forcibly accompanying the foreign national, upon order of the Office, in case of lack of cooperation without sufficient justification;

d) confiscating and securing travel documents in accordance with Art. 121 AIPA and withdrawing permits in accordance with Art. 72 OASA; [18]

e) issuing removal and rejection measures in accordance with Arts. 64-64f AIPA; [19]

f) verifying, before the application is sent to the Office, the identity document of those applying for a G cross-border commuter work permit.

**2 The Municipal Police forces may be instructed by the Office, through the Cantonal Police, to carry out the tasks referred to in para. 1 letters a) and c).**

[16] Art. amended by Reg. 31.5.2017; in force since 2.6.2017 - BU 2017, 141.

[17] Letter amended by Reg. 19.5.2021; in force since 21.5.2021 - BU 2021, 164.

[18] Letter amended by Reg. 19.5.2021; in force since 21.5.2021 - BU 2021, 164; previous amendment: BU 2019, 375.

[19] Letter amended by Reg. 6.11.2019; in force since 8.11.2019 - BU 2019, 375; previous amendment: BU 2012, 137.

1. The Labour Market Advisory Commission is responsible for advising on the issuance, renewal, amendment, and refusal of work permits submitted by citizens from non-EU/EFTA countries or other countries for which labour market access control is required. [20]

2. It is composed of a maximum of 8 members and their respective substitutes, of whom 2 represent the State, 3 represent employers, and 3 represent trade unions.

3. The presidency of the Commission is assumed by the Head of the Population Section, whose substitute is the Head of the Migration Office. [21]

[20] Para. amended by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199; previous amendments: BU 2012, 137; BU 2017, 141.

[21] Para. introduced by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

The Office may seek the opinion of regional employment offices or other offices, professional organizations, and joint industrial committees on economic, salary, and working conditions, or on other matters relating to work permits subject to its decision.

… [24]

[24] Art. repealed by R 24.6.2026; in force from 1.7.2026 – BU 2026, 199; previous amendment: BU 2017, 141.

[25] 1 The following are submitted to the Office

a) general applications intended to obtain new permits for exercising a dependent gainful activity; [26]

b) preliminary applications for a change of position or Canton for foreign persons, during the validity of the permit.

2 The acceptance of the application is limited to conditions related to the labor market. [27]

[25] Art. amended by R 31.5.2017; in force since 2.6.2017 - BU 2017, 141.

[26] Sub-para. amended by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[27] Sub-para. amended by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[28] 1 Nominative applications for the issuance, modification and/or renewal of a work or residence permit may be submitted via a digital platform and transmitted electronically to the Office. By sending the documentation electronically, the applicant declares that these are original copies. [29]

2 Upon the first issuance of the permit, the Office summons the applicant once the application has been received; the foreign national is obliged to appear before the competent authority.

3 In the case of an application for a G cross-border commuter work permit, the Office may waive the summons of the applicant. Interested foreign nationals are required to appear at the competent Cantonal Police station before submitting the application to the Office, for the verification of their identity document.

4 The Office may at any time require the applicant to appear in person to provide further information, particularly in the context of the procedure for the issuance, renewal or modification of their permit.

4bis The foreign national is obliged to retain the original documentation transmitted until the end of the procedure, in particular until the decision becomes final and binding. Upon request by the competent authorities, they must present updated documentation. [30]

5 From the electronic submission of the application, foreign nationals are authorized to commence dependent or independent gainful activity pending the Office's decision, subject to the provisions of the ALC and the LStrI. [31]

6 If the application is incomplete or if it is not duly completed within the deadlines prescribed by the Office, the latter may reject the application for lack of cooperation on the part of the interested foreign person.

[28] Art. amended by R 31.5.2017; in force since 2.6.2017 - BU 2017, 141; previous amendment: BU 2009, 461.

[29] Subpara. amended by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199; previous amendment: BU 2021, 164.

[30] Subpara. introduced by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[31] Subpara. amended by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199; previous amendments: BU 2019, 375; BU 2021, 164.

[32] 1 The Office defines the technical and organizational measures concerning

a) the electronic identification and authentication of users;

b) the permitted transmission formats;

c) the electronic confirmation of receipt of applications.

2 Electronic communications must ensure

a) the integrity, availability, and completeness of the transmitted data;

b) the traceability of operations performed;

c) protection against unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure.

[32] Art. introduced by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[33] 1 The Office shall adopt appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the security of personal data processed within the framework of electronic procedures.

2 In particular, the following must be ensured

a) the encryption of data during transmission and electronic management;

b) the recording and retention of logs relating to accesses and operations performed;

c) the restoration of data and system availability in the event of a technical or IT incident.

3 Access to personal data shall be limited to authorized collaborators.

[33] Art. introduced by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[34] 1 Data and documents transmitted electronically shall be stored for the period necessary to fulfil the tasks provided for by aliens legislation.

2 After the storage period has expired, the data shall be deleted, anonymised or archived in accordance with current legislation.

[34] Art. introduced by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[35] 1 Data security breaches likely to compromise the rights or personality of the data subjects must be reported to the Cantonal Data Protection Officer.

2 The Department of Institutions defines internal procedures for

a) managing IT incidents;

b) limiting the effects of security breaches;

c) restoring data security and availability;

d) documenting incidents.

[35] Art. introduced by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[36] For matters not regulated by this chapter, the cantonal law on the protection of personal data of March 9, 1987 (LPDP), the federal provisions concerning information systems in the migration sector, and the cantonal regulations on IT security for the administration shall apply.

[36] Art. introduced by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[37] 1 All foreign nationals who cannot avail themselves of the free movement of persons under the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) and its related Protocols, and who intend to engage in gainful employment, whether dependent or independent, require a permit from the first day of work.

2 The commencement of the activity is subject to the notification of the decision regarding the granting of the work permit or, alternatively, the start date stipulated in the employment contract. [38]

[37] Art. amended by R of 31.5.2017; in force since 2.6.2017 - BU 2017, 141; previous amendment: BU 2012, 137.

[38] Para. amended by R of 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

… [39]

[39] Article repealed by R 31.5.2017; in force from 2.6.2017 - BU 2017, 141.

[40] 1 The list of Municipalities in the border zone with Ticino is published in the Official Gazette.

2 The border zone is situated 20 kilometers from the border, on the Claro-Preonzo line. [41]

[40] Art. amended by R 19.5.2021; in force since 21.5.2021 - BU 2021, 164.

[41] Subpara. introduced by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

1 The Office may reject applications for new permits, changes of location and profession, and/or extensions submitted by employers who fail to comply with their tax and social security obligations (OASI/DI/APG, accident insurance, occupational pension scheme) in relation to their employees. [42]

2 The Office may request the corresponding supporting documents.

[42] Para. amended by R of 19.5.2021; in force since 21.5.2021 - BO 2021, 164.

[44] To satisfy the prerequisite regarding linguistic competencies under Art. 58a para. 2 LStrI, the foreign national must submit to the Office documentation proving their situation, such as a medical certificate, an opinion from the treating physician, or a decision from the AI Office attesting to limited cognitive abilities, mental disability, or other similar problems (senility, illiteracy, etc.).

Funding (Art. 8a Law)

[44] Art. introduced by R 19.5.2021; in force since 21.5.2021 - BU 2021, 164.

[45] 1 The General Secretariat of the Department of Institutions, through the Service for the Integration of Foreigners (SIS), is responsible for determining contributions for projects falling within the strategic objectives of the Cantonal Integration Program. [46]

2 The contribution for projects under the Cantonal Integration Program may amount to a maximum of 75% of the recognized costs specified in the budget. The total of public contributions, including those from other entities, may not exceed 75% of the recognized costs. [47]

3 The applicant shall submit a project to the SIS, along with a budget of costs and revenues. The SIS shall determine the documents that must accompany the application.

4 The definitive contribution shall be determined on the basis of the final account accompanied by the documents proving the expenditure. The definitive contribution may not exceed the sum determined in the budget. [48]

5 Requests for contributions must be submitted in advance and in writing, according to the directives established by the SIS.

[45] Art. introduced by R 19.5.2021; in force since 21.5.2021 - BU 2021, 164.

[46] Subparagraph modified by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[47] Subparagraph modified by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[48] Subparagraph modified by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[49] The population control offices are obliged to notify the Migration Office within 30 days of

a) changes and rectifications of identity, particularly concerning names, date of birth, sex, civil status, and citizenship;

b) deaths of foreign citizens holding a residence permit;

c) births of children of foreign persons, if they require a permit;

d) changes of address within the Canton or the same Municipality, as well as departures to another Canton or abroad, respectively;

e) notifications provided for by the implementing regulation of the federal law on the harmonization of registers concerning the population movement database;

f) the names of cross-border commuters who spend the night during the week.

[49] Art. amended by R 31.5.2017; in force since 2.6.2017 - BU 2017, 141; previous amendment: BU 2009, 461.

[52] 1 The Office shall collect for its activities the respective maximum emoluments established by the Ordinance (OEmol-LStrI).

2 For decisions rendered, the Office shall levy a fee of 250 francs. [53]

[52] Art. amended by R 6.11.2019; in force since 8.11.2019 - BU 2019, 375.

[53] Para. introduced by R 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BU 2026, 199.

[54] 1 For chancellery expenses and work (authorization for the issuance of an entry visa, revalidation and/or amendment of an insurance/entry authorization or an employment visa, declarations, attestations, information, return of original documents, telephone, telefax, photocopies, postal expenses, electronic communications, etc.), the Office levies a fee of up to 500 francs to cover costs.

2 For reminders regarding documents not submitted within the set deadlines, the issuance of reminder fees, and for non-appearance at the appointment scheduled for the biometric residence permit, the Office levies a fee of up to 500 francs to cover costs.

3 For the assignment and decisions regarding the extension of a departure deadline, the Office levies a fee of up to 500 francs to cover costs.

Cumulation (Arts. 7 and 8 of the Law)

[54] Art. amended by R 19.5.2021; in force since 21.5.2021 - BO 2021, 164; previous amendment: BO 2017, 141.

The taxes are cumulative among themselves.

[55] 1 The Office imposes penalties for infringements referred to in Articles 120 and 122 of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration of 16 December 2005 (FNIA), Article 116 of the Asylum Act of 26 June 1998 (AsylA) and Articles 9, 32 and 32a of the Ordinance on the Free Movement of Persons of 22 May 2002 (OFMP). [56]

2 For the purpose of calculating when the infringement occurred, the date of transmission of the application form shall be decisive. [57]

3 … [58]

4 The Office for Labour Market Surveillance is the competent authority for carrying out controls and prosecuting the violation of obligations concerning the announcement of vacant posts (Art. 117a FNIA). [59]

[55] Art. amended by R of 31.5.2017; in force since 2.6.2017 - BO 2017, 141.

[56] Para. amended by R of 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199; previous amendments: BO 2019, 375; BO 2021, 164.

[57] Para. amended by R of 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199.

[58] Para. repealed by R of 24.6.2026; in force since 1.7.2026 - BO 2026, 199.

[59] Para. introduced by R of 6.11.2019; in force since 8.11.2019 - BO 2019, 375.

This Regulation repeals

- the Regulation for the Implementation of Federal Legislation on Foreign Nationals of 8 June 1998 concerning EU/EFTA citizens and citizens of third states benefiting from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons of 2 July 2002 (RLaLPS-EU/EFTA);

- the Regulation for the Implementation of Federal Legislation on Foreign Nationals of 8 June 1998 concerning non-EU/EFTA citizens of 2 July 2002 (RLaLPS-non EU/EFTA).

This Regulation shall be published in the Official Bulletin of Laws and Executive Acts and shall enter into force immediately. [60]

Published in OB 2009, 288.

[60] Entry into force: 26 June 2009 - OB 2009, 288.