Legalised Countries Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

Europe | United Kingdom Sex Work Information

South America Sex Work Information

Africa Sex Work Information

Asia Sex Work Information

North America Sex Work Information

United States of America Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇺🇸 America | USA

⚠️ Sex work is only legal in the State of Nevada.

⛔️ Sex work is illegal in all other states

🛂 Immigration

✅ American Citizen

no visa specifically for engaging in sex work

❌ No visa for sex work

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More Information here

✅ Legal Only in Nevada

✅ Only in licensed brothels in 10 rural counties.

✅ Legal for male and female sex workers, but most brothels do not hire male workers.

✅ Be over 18

✅ Register with the local sheriff

✅ Undergo regular STI/HIV testing

📜 Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 244.345 – Counties may license and regulate brothels.

❌ Illegal

❌ Aged under 18

❌ Prostitution/sex work in all other states

❌ Brothel ownership outside Nevada

ℹ️ More information here

Examples of State Laws:

• California Sex Work Law here

• New York Sex Work Law here (PDF)

Deutschland|Germany Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇩🇪 Deutschland | Germany

🛂 Immigration status

✅ EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen👉 Register your residence if staying long-term

✅ Non-EU Citizen

You must have:

👉A valid residence permit, and

👉a work permit

❌ Tourist visa
❌ Working without registering
❌ Not having the right type of visa or work permit

⚠️ If you come from a non-EU (third) country and do not have the proper work permit (you have travelled to Germany as a tourist, for example), you are not allowed to engage in sex work in Germany. However, even if you do work without permit, you still have certain rights e.g. to health-care or education.

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

It has to be paid either by the sex workers themselves (for each day they provide sexual services) or by brothel operators.

ℹ️ More Information here

✅ Legal

✅ Selling sex as an adult (18+) is legal.

✅ Operating independently or in licensed brothels is legal.

✅ Brothels, erotic massage studios, and escort services are legal and regulated under the Prostitution Protection Act (2017).

✅ Registration is required for all sex workers, including health consultation and ID checks.

✅ Condom use is mandatory during all sexual services.

✅Sex workers can access healthcare, tax registration, and social security.

✅ Foreign nationals from EU countries can legally work in sex work.

✅ Sex workers have legal protections under labor and anti-discrimination law.

❌ Illegal

❌ Unregistered sex work is illegal (working without registering or completing health checks).

❌ Sex work by minors (under 18) is illegal.

❌ Non-EU nationals need a valid visa or residence permit; working while on tourist or student visas is illegal.

❌ Human trafficking, coercion, and pimping are criminal offences.

❌ Unlicensed brothels or those not complying with local zoning and health rules are illegal.

❌ Street prostitution is restricted or banned in many cities and must follow designated zones.

ℹ️ More information here

Netherlands Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Holland, Amsterdam, Roterdam

Sex work is legal and regulated in the Netherlands. It’s treated as a legitimate form of work, but there are strict rules in place.

🛂 Immigration Status:

✅ An EU citizen

✅ a resident and work permit (if you're not an EU citizen)

❌ Non EU citizen

💰 Tax

👉 Step 1: Register with the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst)
You need to register as a self-employed person (eenmanszaak) with the KvK (Chamber of Commerce).
🌐 www.kvk.nl

👉 Step 2: Get a VAT Number (BTW-nummer)
After registering with KvK, you'll get a VAT number to charge and report tax. This is automatic after registration.

👉 Step 3: File Taxes Regularly
You’ll need to file taxes quarterly (VAT) and yearly (income tax). You may also be eligible for business deductions.

👉 Step 4: Keep Records
Keep clear records of your income, clients, and business expenses. This protects you legally and helps with deductions.

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal:

✅ Sex work is legal if you're 21 or older

✅ You can work in licensed brothels, or independently (including online or escort work).

✅ Sex workers must be registered with local authorities in some cities.

✅ Brothels must have a license and follow local health, safety, and zoning rules.

❌ Illegal:

❌ Street-based sex work is banned in most cities (unless in designated zones).

❌ Unlicensed brothels or working without proper permits can lead to fines or closure.

💡 Local councils control licensing, so the rules can be different in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and other cities. Always check with the municipality (gemeente) for local laws

ℹ️ More Information here

Czechia|Czech Republic Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇨🇿 Czechia|Czech Republic

🛂 Immigration

✅ EU citizens can legally do sex work. Non-EU migrants must have legal residency and work rights

❌ There is no visa category for sex work.

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ Sex work is not criminalised.

✅ Working independently is tolerated.

✅ Some cities have tolerance zones or allow brothels to operate under business licenses.

✅ Health services for sex workers are supported in Prague and other urban centers.

❌ Illegal

❌ Organised pimping and human trafficking are criminal.

❌ There is no nationwide regulatory framework; lack of legal clarity can lead to inconsistent enforcement.

🚨Notes on Male Sex Work 🚨

🚨Male sex work, while legal under the same frameworks as female sex work, is less visible and often more precarious. It tends to be underground, less protected by outreach programs, and more vulnerable to violence, stigma, and police harassment.

🚨Recent reports indicate a rise in violence against male sex workers, particularly those working in informal or street-based settings or serving foreign clients.

🚨LGBTQ+ male sex workers may face dual stigma – both for their work and their sexual orientation – leading to reluctance to report crimes.

🚨Health and support services often remain geared toward cisgender female sex workers, with few resources tailored to men, trans, or nonbinary workers.

🚨There is no government recognition or data collection specific to male sex workers, making it harder to design targeted safety or health interventions.

🚨NGOs such as Rozkoš bez Rizika and Bliss Without Risk have occasionally worked with male and trans sex workers, but services remain limited and underfunded.

ℹ️ More information here

España|Spain Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇪🇸 España|Spain

Madrid, Barcelona etc

(Legal but Unregulated Nationally; Regulated Locally)

🛂 Immigration status

✅ EU nationals do not need a work permit or residence permit, but do require a Community Residence Card (“Permiso de Residencia Comunitario”)

❌ Migrants cannot obtain a work permit (“Permiso de Trabajo”) specifically for sex work/prostitution

💰Tax - Contact Agencia Tributaria

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ Selling sex as an adult is legal nationwide.

✅ Working independently is not a crime.

✅ In cities like Barcelona and Seville, local laws regulate street sex work and tolerance zones.

✅ Brothels operate in a legal grey area but are widespread and generally tolerated.

✅ Sex workers can rent rooms and work from private venues.

❌ Illegal

❌ Pimping, coercion, or exploitation is illegal.

❌ Street-based work is restricted or banned in many areas via municipal ordinances.

❌ Human trafficking is criminalised.

ℹ️ More information here

República Portuguesa| Portugal Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇵🇹 República Portuguesa| Portugal

Lisbon, Porto etc

🛂 Immigration Status

✅ EU passport holders

❌ Non-EU/migrants

💰 Tax - Contact Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira

ℹ️ More Information here

✅ Legal

✅ Selling sex independently is legal.

✅ No law criminalises the act of exchanging sex for money between consenting adults.

✅ No requirement for registration or health checks.

✅ Operating from private apartments or homes is tolerated.

❌ Illegal

❌ Third-party involvement (pimps, brothel owners, agencies) is criminalised.

❌ Brothels are illegal under anti-pimping laws.

❌ Advertising sexual services can be legally risky.

❌ Immigration: Foreign sex workers must have legal residency; undocumented sex workers risk removal.

ℹ️ More information here

England | United Kingdom Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇬🇧 England | United Kingdom

🛂 Immigration

✅ British passport holders and Irish passports

❌ It is not possible to get work visa for sex work in the UK.

💰 Tax

As a sex worker you are required to pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ It is legal to sell or pay for sex between consenting adults (must be 18 or older).

✅ You can work independently/alone as a sex worker.

❌ Illegal

❌ England & Wales- Working together with others (even for safety) = brothel = illegal

❌ Working in pairs or groups.

❌ Street-based sex work is illegal (e.g. soliciting)

❌ Brothel-keeping is illegal

🚨Police surveillance and raids still happen, especially where laws around brothels and public order are strict.🚨

ℹ️ More information here

Cymru|Wales| United Kingdom Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇬🇧 Cymru| Wales | United Kingdom

🛂 Immigration

✅ British passport holders and Irish passports

❌ It is not possible to get work visa for sex work in the UK.

💰 Tax

As a sex worker you are required to pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ It is legal to sell or pay for sex between consenting adults (must be 18 or older).

✅ You can work independently/alone as a sex worker.

❌ Illegal

❌ England & Wales- Working together with others (even for safety) = brothel = illegal

❌ Working in pairs or groups.

❌ Street-based sex work is illegal (e.g. soliciting)

❌ Brothel-keeping is illegal

🚨Police surveillance and raids still happen, especially where laws around brothels and public order are strict.🚨

ℹ️ More information here

Alba|Scotland| United Kingdom Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇬🇧 Alba| Scotland | United Kingdom

🛂 Immigration

✅ British passport holders and Irish passports

❌ It is not possible to get work visa for sex work in the UK.

Sex work is partially legal in Scotland, but many related activities are criminalised.

💰 Tax

As a sex worker you are required to pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ It is legal to sell or pay for sex between consenting adults.

✅ You can work alone indoors.

❌ Illegal

❌Street-based sex work (soliciting or loitering) is a criminal offence.

❌Brothels (working together indoors or with a receptionist/security) are illegal

❌You can be charged for public order offences even if working legally indoors.

💡 The Scottish government has discussed changing the laws, so things may shift in the future.

ℹ️ More information here

Uaisceart Éireann| Northern Ireland | United Kingdom Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇬🇧Uaisceart Éireann | Northern Ireland | United Kingdom

🛂 Immigration

✅ Citizens and Irish passport holders

❌ Working holiday visas do not allow for sex work. Engaging in sex work while on a temporary visa, including a working holiday visa, is illegal and can lead to deportation

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

It is not a crime to sell sexual services in exchange for money if:

✅ You are 18 years or older

✅ You are working independently

✅ You are not breaking other laws (e.g. brothel-keeping, trafficking).

✅ A solo sex worker, offering services privately (like in your own accommodation), and not using third-party services (like security or a receptionist), your work is not a criminal offence.

❌ Illegal (Since 2015)

Even though selling sex is legal:

❌ Working with others (for safety, in shared flats or brothels) is illegal.

❌ Advertising and managing others' work is illegal.

❌ Street-based work is still criminalised under local laws and public order offences.

ℹ️ More information here

Uaisceart Éireann| Northern Ireland | United Kingdom Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇬🇧Uaisceart Éireann | Northern Ireland | United Kingdom

🛂 Immigration

✅ Citizens and Irish passport holders

❌ Working holiday visas do not allow for sex work. Engaging in sex work while on a temporary visa, including a working holiday visa, is illegal and can lead to deportation

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

It is not a crime to sell sexual services in exchange for money if:

✅ You are 18 years or older

✅ You are working independently

✅ You are not breaking other laws (e.g. brothel-keeping, trafficking).

✅ A solo sex worker, offering services privately (like in your own accommodation), and not using third-party services (like security or a receptionist), your work is not a criminal offence.

❌ Illegal (Since 2015)

Even though selling sex is legal:

❌ Working with others (for safety, in shared flats or brothels) is illegal.

❌ Advertising and managing others' work is illegal.

❌ Street-based work is still criminalised under local laws and public order offences.

ℹ️ More information here

Österreich | Austria Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇦🇹 Österreich | Austria

🛂 Immigration

✅ Citizens of European Union

✅ Asylum seekers

❌ Residence permit from another EU country are not allowed to work as sex workers.

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ Sex work is legal for adults (18+).

✅ Registration: Sex workers must register with local health authorities and undergo regular health checks.

✅ Health Checks: Mandatory, typically every six weeks, to monitor for STIs.

✅ Brothels: Legal and regulated; must comply with zoning and health regulations.​

❌ Illegal

❌Street prostitution: Regulated; may be restricted or banned in certain areas.

❌Pimping and trafficking: Criminal offenses with severe penalties.

❌Undocumented migrants: Prohibited from engaging in sex work; may face deportation.

ℹ️ More information here (GOV PDF)

Hellas | Hellada | Greece Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇬🇷 Hellas| Hellada|Greece

🛂 Immigration:

✅ Greek nationals and EU/EEA citizens

✅ Valid work visa and residence permit

❌ Non-EU nationals

❌ Undocumented migrants: Cannot legally engage in sex work; may face legal consequences.

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ Sex work is legal for adults (18+).

✅ Registration: Required with municipal authorities; sex workers must obtain a "Certificate of Profession" and a residence permit for specified quarters.

✅ Health Checks: Compulsory regular health examinations.

✅ Brothels: Legal if licensed and located at least 200 meters from schools, churches, and other public buildings.​

❌ Illegal

❌ Street prostitution: Illegal; offenders may face fines or imprisonment.

❌ Unregistered sex work: Considered a criminal offense.

❌ Undocumented migrants: Cannot legally engage in sex work; may face legal consequences.

ℹ️ More information here

Switzerland Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

🛂 Immigration:

✅ Swiss nationals and foreign nationals with certain residence permits (C and B) are also allowed to work as sex workers.

❌Undocumented migrants: Prohibited from engaging in sex work; may face deportation.

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here (GOV PDF)

✅ Legal

✅ Sex work is legal for adults (18+).

✅Registration: Varies by canton; some require registration and regular health checks.

✅Health Checks: Encouraged; some cantons mandate regular examinations.

✅Brothels: Legal and regulated; must comply with local zoning and health regulations

❌ Illegal

❌ Street prostitution: Regulated; may be restricted to designated areas.

❌ Pimping and trafficking: Criminal offenses with severe penalties.

❌ Undocumented migrants: Prohibited from engaging in sex work; may face deportation.​

ℹ️ More information here (PDF)

Turkey|Republic of Türkiye Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇹🇷 Türkiye | Turkey

🛂 Immigration:

✅ Female Turkish citizen

❌Males Can NOT do sex work

❌ Undocumented migrants: Prohibited from engaging in sex work; may face deportation.

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ Sex work is legal for women over 18 who are registered.

✅ Age of 21 and who are unmarried can legally work as sex workers in state-run brothels

❌Illegal for male sex workers.

✅ Registration: Required; sex workers must obtain an ID card and undergo regular health checks.

✅Brothels: Legal and licensed; must comply with health regulations.​

❌ Illegal

❌ Unregistered sex work: Illegal; offenders may face fines or imprisonment.

❌ Male sex work: Not legally recognized; men cannot register as sex workers.

❌ Pimping and unlicensed brothels: Criminal offenses with severe penalties.

❌ Undocumented migrants: Prohibited from engaging in sex work; may face deportation.

ℹ️ More information here

Mexico| México Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇲🇽 México | Mexico

Local regulation: In places like Mexico City and Tijuana, sex work is regulated, and workers can register with local authorities..

🛂 Immigration

Mexican citizens and legal residents may work in sex work.

💰 Tax - Sex worker must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ Selling sex as an adult is legal under national law.

✅ Health cards may be required in regulated zones.

✅ Sex workers can operate independently or in zones of tolerance.

❌ Illegal

❌Sex work by minors (under 18) is criminalised.

❌Street work may be restricted or criminalised by municipal law in certain states.

❌Third-party control is illegal if it involves exploitation or coercion.

❌Human trafficking and forced prostitution are federal crimes.

❌Undocumented migrants may be detained or deported if caught in sex work, though enforcement varies.

❌Advertising sex work is legally risky and can be penalised under morality or media laws.

ℹ️ More information here ( NSWP PDF)

Brazil Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇧🇷 Brazil

São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro etc

🛂 Immigration

✅ Brazilian citizens and legal residents can engage in sex work.

❌ Tourist visa

❌ Working without proper documentation or overstaying your visa

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

(MINISTRY OF FINANCE FEDERAL REVENUE SERVICE GENERAL-COORDINATION OF TAX POLICY PDF)

✅ Legal

✅ Selling sex as an adult (18+) is legal.

✅ Independent sex work (without third-party involvement) is allowed.

✅ Health services are available through Brazil’s universal healthcare system (SUS)

✅ Sex workers can unionise, and some protections exist under labor law.

✅ No formal registration or licensing system exists for sex workers.

❌ Illegal

❌ Operating or owning a brothel is illegal (even if consensual).

❌ Third-party involvement (pimping, managing, profiting from another’s sex work) is illegal.

❌ Sex work by minors (under 18) is criminalised.

❌ Sex trafficking and exploitation are serious federal crimes.

❌ Undocumented migrants involved in sex work may face immigration consequences.

ℹ️ More information here

Argentina Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇦🇷 Argentina

Buenos Aires, Mendoza

🛂 Immigration

✅ Legal residents and citizens can work independently.

❌ Tourist visas

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

(The tax system in Argentina GOV PDF)

✅ Legal

✅ Selling sex independently as an adult is legal.

✅ Sex workers have the right to freedom of association, including forming unions.

✅ Health services including HIV/STI testing and condoms are offered through public health programs and NGOs.

❌Illegal

❌Brothels and third-party managed sex work are illegal.

❌Sex work by people under 18 is illegal.

❌Human trafficking, coercion, and pimping are criminal offences.

❌Advertising sex work is often restricted or policed under anti-trafficking or decency laws.

❌Undocumented migrants may be detained or deported.

❌Street sex work is heavily policed in some cities, though tolerated in others

ℹ️ More information here

Other Countries:

🇦🇷 Argentina

• Law: National Penal Code (Articles 125-127) and the Abolitionist Law (Ley 12.331).

• Context: Exchanging sex for money is legal, but operating brothels or pimping is strictly forbidden.

🇧🇴 Bolivia

• Law: Penal Code (Articles 321-322).

• Context: Sex work is legal and regulated for registered workers in licensed establishments.

🇨🇴 Colombia

• Law: Sentencia T-629/10 (Constitutional Court Ruling).(PDF)

• Context: The court recognizes sex work as a protected labor activity under specific conditions.

🇺🇾 Uruguay

• Law: Sex Work Law No. 17.515.

• Context: Explicitly states that sex work is legal and provides a framework for registration and health monitoring.

🇻🇪 Venezuela

• Law: Administrative Regulations of the Ministry of Health.

• Context: Regulated industry requiring mandatory health cards and monthly checkups.

Senegal Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇸🇳 Senegal

🛂 Immigration

✅ Legal for women

❌ Illegal for male sex workers

🚨 Complex contact immigration. Seek advice before travelling 🚨

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅Sex work is legal for women over 21 who are registered.

❌ Illegal for males

✅ Registration: Mandatory with the police; sex workers must carry a valid health card.

✅ Health Checks: Compulsory monthly examinations

❌ Illegal

❌ Unregistered sex work: Illegal; offenders may face fines or imprisonment.

❌ Pimping and brothel-keeping: Criminal offenses with severe penalties.

❌ Soliciting in public: Prohibited; both sex workers and clients can be penalized.

❌ Undocumented migrants: Face legal challenges; protections are limited.

ℹ️ More information here

Singapore Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇸🇬 Singapore

Singapore City

🛂 Immigration

✅ Legal for women

🚨 Males 🚨

Male sex work is not explicitly criminalized, the absence of legal recognition and regulatory frameworks means that individuals engaging in such activities operate in a legal gray area, facing potential risks under related laws

💰Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ Selling sex (solo, privately)

✅ Over age 18

✅ Private, consensual sex between men is no longer criminalized as of 2023, following the repeal of Section 377A

❌ Illegal

❌ Public solicitation (e.g. offering services on the street

❌ Sex work with minors under 18

❌ Operating or working in a brothel

❌ Living off earnings of prostitution (pimping/management)

❌ Advertising sexual services (online or offline)

❌ Loitering/street work for prostitution purposes

❌ Unlicensed sex work venues

ℹ️ More information here

India Sex Work Information

⚠️ MSWI.net is informational only and does not endorse or encourage sex work.

🇮🇳 India

🛂 Immigration

✅ You are an Indian citizen

✅ Valid visa with work rights and stay within visa conditions

❌ No official path for foreign nationals to enter India for sex work, so even with a work visa, sex work is not a recognized or protected job

❌ Tourist, student, or business visa

⚠️ Many migrants may be vulnerable to arrest, detention, or deportation

⚠️ Lack of legal recognition for male sex workers: Indian law does not explicitly recognize male sex workers, leading to a lack of specific legal protections.

⚠️ Stigma despite decriminalization of homosexuality: Although Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized consensual same-sex relations, was decriminalized in 2018, societal stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals persist.

💰 Tax

Sex workers must pay tax

File taxes to avoid future issues or to access benefits

ℹ️ More information here

✅ Legal

✅ aged over 18 is illegal

✅ Selling sex is not a crime: The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 (ITPA) does not criminalize the act of engaging in sex work itself, regardless of gender.

✅ Private, consensual sex work: Engaging in sex work in private spaces between consenting adults is not illegal under Indian law. ​

❌ Illegal

❌ Sex work with anyone under 18

❌ Public solicitation: Soliciting clients in public places is prohibited under the ITPA.

❌ Brothel-related activities: Operating or managing a brothel, or living off the earnings of another person's sex work, is criminalized.

❌ Any trafficking or coercion is a serious crime

ℹ️ More information here (PDF)