Criminal records required for EU permits in the Moesa region

People from European Union countries applying for an L, B or G permit in the Moesa region will have to submit a criminal-record extract. The Canton of Graubünden is introducing the new practice as a pilot project until the end of 2026. Its effectiveness and administrative consequences will then be assessed.

The requirement applies to applications filed through municipalities and to those submitted online. Its stated purpose is to combat organised crime. The approach follows the Ticino model: since 2015, Ticino has required the document from foreign nationals applying for a permit, including citizens of EU and EFTA countries.

Graubünden’s decision follows an international operation against drug trafficking and money laundering. The investigation led to seven arrests in France and Italy at the end of February. Four of the people involved held residence permits in Roveredo. The cantonal authorities subsequently revoked those documents.

A regionally limited trial

For now, the check will not be extended to the entire canton. The regional approach allows a rapid response in the area affected by the case, but makes the year-end review especially important. The canton will have to determine whether the extract provides useful information, what burden it creates for applicants and public offices, and whether a geographically limited measure can be effective.

The issue extends beyond the Moesa region. In June, the National Council approved a motion calling for Ticino’s rules to be introduced throughout Switzerland. The Graubünden pilot will therefore serve as a practical test in the debate over free movement, administrative procedures and tools to prevent organised crime.

Submitting a criminal-record extract does not automatically produce a particular decision. The competent authorities will assess the information as part of the application and under the rules that apply to the permit requested.