Sex Work Legality in Europe: What You Need to Know

When it comes to sex work legality, the rules governing paid sexual services across European nations. Also known as prostitution laws, it varies so much that what’s legal in one city could land you in jail five hours away. There’s no single European rule—each country writes its own script, and the consequences aren’t just legal, they’re personal.

Take Netherlands, a country where brothels are licensed and sex workers pay taxes. Also known as legalized prostitution, it’s one of the few places where workers can openly register, get health checks, and walk away from a bad client without fear of arrest. Meanwhile, in Sweden, the law targets buyers, not sellers—making it illegal to pay for sex, but not to sell it. Also known as the Nordic model, this approach claims to protect workers, but many say it pushes them deeper underground, making them more vulnerable. In Germany, sex work is regulated like any other job, with social security and labor rights. Also known as regulated prostitution, workers can sign contracts, open bank accounts, and even get health insurance through their profession. But in countries like Poland or Romania, even talking about it can be risky—police often use anti-prostitution laws to harass workers, and clients face fines or worse.

The real difference isn’t just about what’s written on paper—it’s about how these laws affect safety, money, and dignity. In places where sex work is criminalized, workers avoid reporting violence because they’re scared of being arrested. In places where it’s legal, they can walk into a clinic without shame. The price of a service? It’s not just about demand—it’s about risk. In a country where clients can be jailed, prices go up because workers need to cover the danger. In a country where agencies are licensed, prices are more transparent and predictable.

And it’s not just about the workers. Clients need to know the rules too. Booking an escort in Vienna is different than booking one in Marseille. One might require a signed contract. The other might require you to avoid mentioning the service online. One city has a hotline for workers to report abuse. Another has no legal recourse at all. The difference between a safe experience and a nightmare often comes down to one thing: whether the law protects the person doing the work—or punishes them for it.

Below, you’ll find real guides that break down exactly how this plays out in practice—from which cities let you hire legally, to how agencies adapt when laws change, to what happens when trafficking gets mixed into the mix. No theory. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you go, book, or pay.