3. Cyprus – escorting is legal, but both brothel ownership and pimping are illegal. Cyprus – Prostitution is legal in Cyprus and the island proves a very profitable space for many escorts. Sex trafficking is quite common, however, so the authorities are usually on the alert. Brothel ownership and pimping are illegal.
Because escorting gets such a bad rep even in today’s day and age, most people believe it is a completely illegal activity, when in all actuality escorting is a highly regulated business in many countries. Of course, there are various limits to providing such services in each state, so we thought we’d offer you a quick guide to what is legal and where. This information is courtesy of prostitution.procon.org and was last updated in April 2015. Please note that all details here are subject to changes in the law. Europe – Where it’s legal
1. Austria – legal since January 1st 1975. Service providers are required to be at least 19-years-old, register, pay taxes and undergo frequent medical check-ups. Brothels are illegal, so agencies should be careful how they organize their business. Pimping is also illegal.
2. Belgium – both escorting and agencies are legal, but pimping is illegal, so agency owners, best be careful how you market your escorts.
3. Cyprus – escorting is legal, but both brothel ownership and pimping are illegal.
4. Czech Republic – the same holds true as for Cyprus. Only escorting is legal and regulated.
5. Denmark – escorting and prostitution were legalized on March 17, 1999, but brothels and pimping are still illegal.
6. Estonia – escorting and prostitution are legal, but brothel ownership and pimping are not.
7. Finland – escorting is legal, but selling and purchasing sex in public is not. It is also illegal to purchase sex services from a victim of trafficking. Brothel ownership and pimping are illegal as well.
8. France – escorting is legal and escorts are expected to pay taxes. There are laws against soliciting in public. Brothel ownership became illegal in 1946, and pimping is a criminal felony.
9. Germany – Escorting and prostitution were legalized in 1927, but as of 2002 have been better regulated with the Prostitution Act that improved the legal rights of sex workers.
10. Greece – escorting and prostitution are legal, but all service providers must be at least 21, they must register and undergo health examinations every two weeks. Brothel ownership and pimping are also illegal, so agencies should not encounter any difficulties here.
11. Hungary – escorting and prositution are legal, but brothel ownership and pimping are not.
12. Iceland – while selling sexual services is legal, paying for them is not as of 2009, so framing your services is very important in this country. Make sure your clients come out of these interactions okay, and they’ll keep coming back to you. Brothel ownership and pimping are illegal as well.
13. Ireland – escorting and prostitution is legal, but brothel ownership and pimping are illegal.
14. Italy – the same stands true as for Ireland – escorting is legal, but brothel ownership and pimping are not.
15. Latvia – escorting and prostitution are legal, but service providers are required to undergo a monthly health examination.
16. Luxembourg – escorting is legal. Brothel ownership and pimping are not, however.
17. Norway – the same as in Finland, selling sexual services is legal, but purchasing such services is not. Brothel ownership and pimping are also illegal.
18. Poland – escorting and prostitution are legal, but brothel ownership and pimping are illegal.
19. Portugal – the same holds true as for Poland: escorting and prostitution are legal, but brothel ownership and pimping are illegal.
20. Slovakia – the same as above;
21. Spain – escorting and prostitution have a limited legality; they are not considered crimes, but the exact legal status is unclear. Tread lightly with your businesses in Spain. Brothel ownership is illegal only in some regions, while pimping is illegal nation-wide.
22. Sweden – escorting and prostitution also have a limited legality in Sweden. Selling sex is not a crime as of 1999, but buying sexual services still is. Clients could face fines and even up to six months in prison. Brothel ownership is illegal and can lead to four years in prison. Pimping is also illegal.
23. Switzerland – escorting and prostitution are legal, but escorts must register with the city and health authorities, as well as get regular medical check-ups. Brothel ownership was also legalized in 1992, but pimping is still illegal.
24. United Kingdom – escorting and prostitution are legal, but street walking or “persistent” solicitation are not. Brothel ownership and pimping are illegal. Europe – Where it’s illegal: Albania, Croatia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Slovenia. This is just a quick introductory guide of the countries in Europe where escorting is legal. The information here is not only subject to change, but is oversimplified in every sense of the law. Whichever country you might be working in, it’s important to consult every regulation you can find, and even discuss your services with a lawyer. You can also read our post about keeping your escorting legal to learn five approaches to framing your business. Stay tuned for the rest of our legality map!
