Is Sex Work:

🟢 Decriminalised?

🟢 Legal & Regulated?

🟠 Nordic Model/Partly Criminalised

🔴 Illegal?

In your Location 🌏

🟢 Legal Sex Work

Definition: Sex work is legal, but regulated by laws that establish specific conditions, such as licensing, zoning, and health checks.

Example: In Germany, sex work is legal but heavily regulated. The Prostitutes Protection Act requires sex workers to register, undergo regular health checks, and work in licensed establishments.

Key Features: Requires specific permits, may limit where and how sex work can occur, and can involve health and safety regulations

🟢 Decriminalised Sex Work

Definition: Sex work is not criminalised, meaning it’s treated as a regular occupation, but there are fewer legal restrictions. Some say this model focuses on protecting sex workers' rights and safety. Others see as a more dangerous for sex workers and clients.

Example: New Zealand has decriminalised sex work under the Prostitution Reform Act 2003. This allows sex workers to operate like any other profession, with protections against violence, exploitation, and discrimination. Though few charges are brought.

Key Features: No criminal penalties for sex work; focuses on safety and worker rights. Laws may still require safe sex practices, such as mandatory condom use.

🟢 Regulated Sex Work

Definition: A form of legal sex work where certain activities are allowed but still heavily controlled. This includes mandatory health checks, licensing, and working within regulated establishments.

Example: Australia (specific states like Queensland and New South Wales) requires that sex work must occur within licensed brothels, with strict regulations for worker health and safety.

Key Features: Often requires registration and working in licensed establishments, but with more government oversight and less personal autonomy than in decriminalised systems.

🚨Illegal Sex Work - Don't Do It!🚨

Definition: When sex work is illegal, and both selling and purchasing sexual services are criminal offences. This model criminalises the act of engaging in sex work, making it difficult for workers to report exploitation or seek legal protection.

Example: In Saudi Arabia, sex work is strictly illegal, and both sex workers and clients face severe criminal penalties

Key Features: Both sex work and associated activities are illegal, leading to the risk of arrest, exploitation, and lack of legal protection.

⚠️This resource contains information for sex workers on sex work laws and clients. This page and associated links are intended for information purposes only, and should not be viewed as a definitive guide to the law. ⚠️

What Countries is Sex Work :

🟢

🟢

🟠

🔴

🟢 Decriminalised

🇳🇿Aotearoa/New Zealand

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch

🛂 Immigration Status:

✅ A visa that lets you work in any job to do sex work legally.

❌ Temporary visa holders

❌ Student or working holiday

⚠️ Doing sex work on the wrong visa could get you deported or banned from coming back.

💰 Tax

Sex workers must pay tax to Inland Revenue Department (IRD)

✅ Legal:

✅ Sex work is decriminalised — it’s treated like any other job.

✅ You can work independently, in a brothel, or with others.

✅ Brothels must meet local council rules (e.g. building and zoning rules).

✅ You have the legal right to say no to any client or service.

✅ Condoms must be used for oral and anal sex. $2000 fine.

✅ Must pay tax to IRD

🚫 Illegal:

👉 You must be 18 or older to work or pay for sex — no exceptions.

👉 It’s illegal to force or pressure anyone into sex work.

👉You must not knowingly spread STIs, including HIV.

💡 Local councils can set rules about where sex workers or brothels can operate, so check your area for any specific bylaws.

🇧🇪 Belgium/België

🛂 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

💰 Tax

You must pay tax to Federal Public Service - Finance

✅ What’s LEGAL

✅ Selling sexual services (if you’re 18+ and doing so voluntarily)

✅ Working independently as a self-employed sex worker

✅ Advertising your services (online or in print)

✅ Refusing any act or client

✅ Clients paying for sex

✅ Working in licensed venues or through non-coercive platforms

✅ Assessing social programs

❌ What’s ILLEGAL

❌ Working under the age of 18 (illegal for both seller and buyer)

❌ Forcing someone into sex work (coercion, manipulation, or trafficking)

❌ Third parties profiting from sex work through force, control, or exploitation

❌ Advertising sex with minors or deceptive advertising

❌ Operating in areas where local rules prohibit sex work without proper permits

❌ Using violence, threats, or manipulation against sex workers

🇦🇺 🚨Australia🚨

Sex work is legal in parts of Australia, but the laws are different in each state and territory. In all areas, you must be 18 or older to do sex work legally.

🛂 Immigration Status:
✅ Citizen, permanent resident, or having the correct working visa. It’s important to ensure your visa status aligns with the work you are doing to avoid legal issues.

❌ On a tourist visa
❌ On a visa that doesn’t allow work
❌ Working outside your visa conditions
❌ A temporary visa holder without explicit work rights

💰 Tax - Sex workers, must pay taxes.

You must register with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and submit your tax returns as required. This includes keeping records of your income and expenses, and paying Goods and Services Tax (GST) if you are earning above the threshold. Not paying taxes can result in fines or legal consequences.💰

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Canberra etc

✅ Legal:

✅ Sex work is legal and regulated.

✅ Brothels and escort agencies are allowed to operate.

✅ Sex workers can work independently or as part of an agency.

❌ Illegal:

❌ Exploitation or coercion of sex workers is prohibited.

❌ Illegal drugs and unsafe work conditions are not allowed

New South Wales (NSW)

Sydney etc

✅ Legal:

✅ Brothels, escort agencies, and independent sex work are legal and regulated.

✅ Laws focus on health and safety, ensuring a safe working environment.

❌ Illegal

❌ Soliciting in public places.

❌ Operating without registration or compliance with health and safety standards.

❌ Exploiting, trafficking, or coercing sex workers is illegal.

Queensland (QLD)

Brisbane, Gold Coast etc

✅ Legal:

✅ Sex work is legal and regulated under the Prostitution Licensing Authority (PLA).

✅ Brothels are legal if licensed by the PLA.

✅ Independent sex work is allowed with conditions.

❌ Illegal:

❌ Operating an unlicensed brothel or agency.

❌ Soliciting in public places. Street work.

❌ Coercion, trafficking, and any forms of exploitation are prohibited.

Victoria (VIC)

Melbourne etc

✅ Legal:

✅ Sex work is legal and regulated.

✅ Licensed brothels, escort agencies, and independent sex work are allowed.

❌ Illegal:

❌ Unlicensed brothels or agencies.

❌ Soliciting in public places (except for designated areas in some cases).

❌ Trafficking or exploitation is strictly prohibited.

South Australia (SA)

Adelaide etc

✅ Legal:

✅ Sex work is legal and regulated.

✅ Independent sex workers and brothels are allowed.

❌ Illegal:

❌ Soliciting in public places.

❌ Unlicensed brothels or agencies.

❌ Exploitation, coercion, or trafficking is prohibited.

Western Australia (WA)

Perth etc

✅ Legal:

✅ Brothels are legal only if they meet certain conditions.

✅ Independent sex work is allowed under certain conditions.

❌ Illegal:

❌ Unlicensed brothels and agencies.

❌ Soliciting in public places.

❌ Trafficking, exploitation, and coercion are strictly prohibited.

Tasmania (TAS)

Hobart etc

✅ Legal:

✅ Sex work is decriminalised.

✅ Brothels, escort agencies, and independent sex work are allowed.

❌ Illegal:

❌ Exploiting or trafficking sex workers is prohibited.

❌Soliciting in public places is not allowed.

Northern Territory (NT)

Darwin, Alice Springs etc

✅ Legal:

✅ Sex work is legal and regulated.

✅ Brothels and escort agencies are allowed with a licence.

✅ Independent sex work is also allowed under certain conditions.

❌ Illegal:

❌ Operating without a licence.

❌ Soliciting in public places.

❌ Trafficking, exploitation, and coercion are illegal.

🇨🇴 Colombia

Bogotá etc

🛂 Immigration Status:

✅ Colombian citizens or legal residents

✅ Foreign national with:
👉 ✔️ A visa that allows you to live and work (like a migrant or resident visa)
👉 ✔️ You have legal status and pay taxes on your income

❌ On a tourist visa
❌ Working without a valid visa or overstaying your visa

✅ Legal

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

✅ Operating independently is legal – sex workers can work on their own without a pimp or agency.

✅ Brothels and “tolerance zones” are allowed in some cities under local regulation.

✅ Health services are available and supported by various public and NGO programs.

❌ Illegal

❌ Human trafficking, coercion, or exploitation of sex workers (especially minors) is criminalised.

❌Sex work by people under 18 is illegal.

❌Sex work by undocumented migrants can lead to detention or deportation.

❌Third-party control (pimps, exploitative brothel owners) is illegal if it involves coercion or abuse.

❌Street-based sex work may be restricted or prohibited in some cities due to local ordinances (zoning laws or public decency rules).

❌Advertising for sex work can be legally risky and is generally discouraged or policed under broader moral or media laws.

🟠/🟢 Legal and Regulated

🇩🇪 Germany/Deutschland

Berlin, Munich etc

✅ 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.

🛂 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.

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Holland, Amsterdam etc

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.

✅ 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

🇪🇸 Spain/España

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

✅ 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.

🇵🇹 Portugal/República Portuguesa

Lisbon, Porto etc

🛂 Immigration Status

✅ EU passport holders

❌ Non-EU/migrants

💰 Tax - Contact Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira

✅ 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.

🇬🇧 England

London etc

✅ 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.🚨

🇬🇧 Wales/Cymru

Cardiff etc

🛂 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

✅ Legal

✅ 18+ is legal.

✅ Selling or buying sex between consenting adults

✅ You can work alone indoors (e.g. from your own home or hotel).

❌ Illegal:

❌ Working together with other sex workers (even for safety) is classed as a brothel and is illegal.

❌ Street work (loitering, soliciting) is illegal.

❌ It’s also illegal to manage or profit from another person’s sex work (pimping or brothel-keeping).

💡 You have the legal right to say no to any client or service at any time.

🚨Please note above link is to South Wales Police sex worker guidelines 🚨

🛂 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

🇬🇧 Scotland

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

🛂 Immigration

✅ British passport holders

✅ Irish passports holders

❌ 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

✅ 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.

🚨Trigger Warning sexist language🚨

🇲🇽 Mexico

Mexico City etc

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

✅ 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.

🇧🇷 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

✅ 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.

🇦🇷 Argentina

Buenos Aires, Mendoza

🛂 Immigration

✅ Legal residents and citizens can work independently.

❌ Tourist visas

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

✅ 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

🇦🇹 Austria/Österreich

Vienna etc

🛂 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

✅ 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.

🇬🇷 Greece/Ελλάδα

Athens etc

🛂 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

✅ 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.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Zürich, Geneva etc

🛂 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

✅ 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.​

🇹🇷 Turkey/Türkiye

Istanbul, Ankara

🛂 Immigration:

✅ Female Turkish citizen

❌Males

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

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

✅ 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.

🇸🇳 Senegal

Dakar etc

🛂 Immigration

✅ Legal for women

❌ Illegal for males

🚨 Complex contact immigration. Seek advice before travelling 🚨

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

✅ 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.

🇸🇬 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

✅ 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

🚫 🟧 Partially Criminalised / Nordic Model

Buying sex is illegal NOT being a sex worker

🇳🇴 Norway

Oslo, Bergen etc

✅ Legal

✅ Selling sex is legal for adults (18+).

✅ Sex workers can work independently (but not in pairs or groups due to laws against brothels).

✅ Support services are funded by the government to assist with exiting sex work.

✅ Healthcare and harm reduction services (including STI checks) are available through public services.

✅ Police protection is available, but sex workers report fear of eviction or surveillance.

❌ Illegal

❌ Buying sex or third-party involvement (e.g., advertising, running a brothel) is illegal

❌ Undocumented migrants are not legally allowed to engage in sex work and face detention or deportation.

❌ Work visas for sex work do not exist.

🛂 Immigration

✅ Citizens and EU citizens can legally do sex work.

✅ EU citizens may have some access to general employment rights, but not explicitly for sex work.

❌ Undocumented migrants/Non-citizens are not legally allowed to engage in sex work and face detention or deportation.

❌ Work visas for sex work do not exist.

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

🇸🇪 Sweden

Stockholm, Gothenburg etc

🛂 Immigration

✅ Citizens and EU citizens

EU citizens may have some access to general employment rights, but not explicitly for sex work.

❌ Undocumented migrants/Non-citizens

❌ Work visas for sex work do not exist.

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

✅ Legal Aspects

✅ Selling sex is legal for adults (18+).

✅ Sex workers are not criminalized for working independently.

✅ Access to healthcare (including STI/HIV services) is available, but not always tailored to sex workers.

✅ Social support services are provided to help people exit sex work, though these may be viewed as coercive.

✅ Police protection is available if the worker is a victim of violence or trafficking.

✅ Anti-discrimination protections exist in theory, but enforcement is inconsistent.

❌ Illegal

❌ Buying sex or third-party involvement (e.g., advertising, running a brothel) is illegal

❌ Undocumented migrants are not legally allowed to engage in sex work and face detention or deportation.

🇫🇷 France

Paris etc

🛂 Immigration

✅ Citizens and EU citizens can legally do sex work.

❌ Undocumented migrants

❌ Work visas for sex work do not exist.

❌ Legal residency for foreign sex workers is not granted through sex work.

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

✅ Legal Aspects

✅ Selling sex is legal for adults (18+).

✅ Sex workers can legally work alone without being arrested.

✅ Government-funded support programs exist for exiting sex work (in theory)

✅ Police must refer sex workers to support services instead of prosecuting them.

✅ Health services are available through the national healthcare system.

❌ Illegal

❌ Buying sex or third-party involvement (e.g., advertising, running a brothel) is illegal.

❌ Buying sex is illegal, punishable by a fine of up to €1,500, rising to €3,750 for repeat offenders.

❌ EU citizens (except for Israel) may have some access to general employment rights, but not explicitly for sex work.

🇮🇸 Iceland

Reykjavík etc

🛂 Immigration

✅ Citizens can legally do sex work.

❌ Undocumented migrants are not legally allowed to engage in sex work and face detention or deportation.

❌ Work visas for sex work do not exist.

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

✅ Legal Aspects

✅ Selling sex is legal for adults (18+).

✅ Independent sex work is not criminalized.

✅ National health insurance covers all residents, including sex workers.

✅ Government services support individuals trying to exit sex work.

✅ Police can offer protection if sex workers are exploited or abused.

❌ Illegal

❌Undocumented migrants are not legally allowed to engage in sex work and face detention or deportation.

❌ Buying sex or third-party involvement (e.g., advertising, running a brothel) is illegal

❌ Work visas for sex work do not exist.

❌ Citizens may have some access to general employment rights, but not explicitly for sex work.

🇮🇱 Israel

Tel Aviv-Yafo etc

✅ Legal

✅ Selling sex is legal for adults (18+).

✅ Sex workers can work independently.

✅ Health care access is available for citizens and legal residents.

✅ Violence against sex workers is punishable by law.

✅ Government rehabilitation programs and NGOs support those wishing to leave sex work.

✅ Anti-trafficking laws are strict and enforced.

✅ Citizens may have some access to general employment rights, but not explicitly for sex work.

❌ Illegal

❌ Buying sex or third-party involvement (e.g., advertising, running a brothel) is illegal

❌ Undocumented migrants are not legally allowed to engage in sex work and face detention or deportation.

🛂 Immigration

✅ Citizens can legally do sex work.

❌ Undocumented migrants are not legally allowed to engage in sex work and face detention or deportation.

❌ Work visas for sex work do not exist.

❌ B/1 work visa in Israel does not permit engaging in sex work

💰 Tax - Sex workers must pay tax

🇨🇿 Czech Republic/Czechia

Prague etc

🛂 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

✅ 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.

🇬🇧 Northern Ireland

Belfast etc

🛂 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

✅ 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.

🇮🇳 India

Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Chennai etc

✅ 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

🛂 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

🔴 Illegal

Do not do it!

🇺🇸 United States of America (USA)

✅ Sex Work is only legal 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.

California Sex Work Law

🛂 Immigration

✅ American Citizen

no visa specifically for engaging in sex work

❌ No visa for sex work

New York Sex Work Law

💰 Tax

Sex workers must pay tax

❌ Illegal

❌ Aged under 18

❌ Prostitution/sex work in all other states

❌ Brothel ownership outside Nevada

❌ Illegal / Fully Criminalised

❌ 🇷🇺Russia

❌ Sex work is fully illegal. Male sex work is especially dangerous due to anti-LGBTQ+ laws and homophobic policing. Punishable by fines, arrest, and sometimes fabricated charges (e.g., public indecency).

💬 Example Cases / Reports

🚨 Human Rights Watch (2022) reported increasing violence and surveillance against LGBTQ+ individuals after the expansion of the “gay propaganda” ban to all ages. Click here for more information

🚨The Russian LGBT Network and other NGOs have documented police blackmail and abuse of gay and male sex workers, especially in St. Petersburg and Moscow.
(In russian- translate needed). Click here for more information

⚖️ Law

🚨 Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses: Outlines penalties for engaging in prostitution and related activities.​ Click here for more information

🚨 Federal Law No. 135-FZ (2013): Known as the "gay propaganda" law, it prohibits the promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships among minors.​ Click here for more information

🚨 Supreme Court Ruling (November 2023): Classified the international LGBT public movement as extremist, leading to a ban on LGBTQ+ activism. Cick here for more information

❌ 🇨🇳 China

Prostitution is illegal for all genders. Male sex work is underground and faces digital surveillance, forced rehabilitation, and police raids.

⚖️ Law

🚨 Regulation of prostitution in China as a case study of law in everyday life. Click here for more information

🚨 Criminal Law of the PRC (Article 358–362)

❌ 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (UAE)

❌ Prostitution is illegal in the UAE. Engaging in or facilitating prostitution is a criminal offense under the UAE Penal Code.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

⚖️ Law

🚨 Article 368 of the UAE Penal Code criminalizes "habitually practicing prostitution," which includes male sex work. Penalties can range from 3 to 15 years of imprisonment. ​Click here for more information

❌ 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

❌ Homosexuality and sex work are illegal. Penalties range from flogging to capital punishment in Saudi Arabia.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

📜 Law

While there isn't a codified penal code, Saudi Arabia's legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits prostitution and same-sex relations. ​Click here for more information

🧑‍⚖️ Penalties:

Punishments can include imprisonment, fines, and, in some cases, corporal punishment.

❌ 🇮🇷 Iran

Sex work and same-sex activity are both illegal under Islamic law. Penalties for male sex workers include flogging, long prison sentences, or death.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

📜 Law:

While there isn't a codified penal code, Iran's legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits prostitution and same-sex relations. ​Click here for more information

🧑‍⚖️ Penalties: Punishments can include imprisonment, fines, and, in some cases, corporal punishment. Click here for more information

❌ 🇵🇰 Pakistan

Extremely high-risk. Same-sex acts are criminalised under sodomy laws. Police abuse and extortion are common.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

📜 Law

While there isn't a codified penal code, Pakistan's legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits prostitution and same-sex relations. ​Click here for more information

🧑‍⚖️ Penalties:

Punishments can include imprisonment, fines, and, in some cases, corporal punishment. Click here for more information

❌ Qatar 🇶🇦

Sex work and same-sex activity are both illegal under Islamic law. Penalties for male sex workers include flogging, long prison sentences, or death.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

📜 Law

While there isn't a codified penal code, Qatar's legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits prostitution and same-sex relations. ​Click here for more information

❌ 🇴🇲 Oman

Sex work and same-sex activity are both illegal under Islamic law. Penalties for male sex workers include flogging, long prison sentences, or death.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

📜 Law:

While there isn't a codified penal code, Oman's legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits prostitution and same-sex relations. ​Click here for more information

🧑‍⚖️ Penalties:

Punishments can include imprisonment, fines, and, in some cases, corporal punishment. Click here for more information

❌ 🇧🇭 Bahrain

Sex work and same-sex activity are both illegal under Islamic law. Penalties for male sex workers include flogging, long prison sentences, or death.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

📜 Law:

While there isn't a codified penal code, Bahrain's legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits prostitution and same-sex relations. ​Click here for more information

🧑‍⚖️ Penalties:

Punishments can include imprisonment, fines, and, in some cases, corporal punishment. Click here for more information

❌ 🇰🇼 Kuwait

Sex work and same-sex activity are both illegal under Islamic law. Penalties for male sex workers include flogging, long prison sentences, or death.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

📜 Law:

While there isn't a codified penal code, Kuwaits's legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits prostitution and same-sex relations. ​Click here for more information

🧑‍⚖️ Penalties:

Punishments can include imprisonment, fines, and, in some cases, corporal punishment. Click here for more information

❌ 🇾🇪 Yemen

Sex work and same-sex activity are both illegal under Islamic law. Penalties for male sex workers include flogging, long prison sentences, or death.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

📜 Law:

While there isn't a codified penal code, Yemen's legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits prostitution and same-sex relations. ​Click here for more information

🧑‍⚖️ Penalties:

Punishments can include imprisonment, fines, and, in some cases, corporal punishment. Click here for more information

❌ 🇮🇶 Iraq

Sex work and same-sex activity are both illegal under Islamic law. Penalties for male sex workers include flogging, long prison sentences, or death.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

📜 Law:

While there isn't a codified penal code, Iraq's legal system is based on Islamic Sharia law, which prohibits prostitution and same-sex relations. ​Click here for more information

🧑‍⚖️ Penalties:

Punishments can include imprisonment, fines, and, in some cases, corporal punishment. Click here for more information

❌ 🇸🇾 Syria

All sex work illegal

⚠️ Law enforcement varies by region (government vs. rebel-controlled areas)

❌ 🇱🇧 Lebanon

⚠️ Homosexuality criminalized

❌ Sex work is Illegal

❌ 🇯🇴 Jordan

⚠️ Homosexuality criminalized

❌ Sex work is Illegal

🇵🇸 Palestine (West Bank)

⚠️ Strong social stigma, not safe in Gaza (under Hamas)

❌ 🇺🇦 Ukraine

Prostitution is criminalised; male sex workers may be detained or fined.

✅ Buying sex work is legal

❌ Illegal

❌ Selling sex (any gender)

❌ Public solicitation

❌ Operating a brothel

❌ Pimping/coercion into sex work

❌ 🇭🇺 Hungary

⚠️Legal framework exists, but permits are difficult to obtain. Unlicensed sex work is punishable by fines and police harassment.

✅ Must be over 18 years old.

✅ Must register with local authorities as a private entrepreneur.

✅ Must undergo regular medical check-ups (including STI screening).

✅Allowed to operate only in zones designated for prostitution (if any exist in the municipality).

❗Hungary has recently brought in anti LGBTQAI+ laws ❗

❌ 🇲🇾 Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, George Town,

❌ Sex work is illegal under multiple laws whether you're male, female, or any gender.

⚠️ Double Jeopardy:

Male sex workers may face charges related to both prostitution and same-sex relations, leading to compounded legal penalties.

❌ 🇮🇩 Indonesia

Sex work is not explicitly criminalized at the national level in Indonesia. However, various laws and local regulations are used to penalize sex work-related activities

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.​

❌ 🇵🇭 Philippines

Quezon City, Manila etc

Prostitution/sex work is illegal in the Philippines under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and other related laws.

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers

❌ 🇿🇦 South Africa

Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban etc

Sex work is fully criminalized in South Africa. Both the selling and buying of sexual services are illegal.​

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.

❌ 🇳🇬 Nigeria

Lagos, Kano etc

Various laws and local regulations are used to penalize sex work-related activities.

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws. Under Sharia law in some northern states, including flogging and imprisonment.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.

❌ 🇺🇬 Uganda

Kampala, Gulu etc

Sex work is fully criminalized in Uganda. Both the selling and buying of sexual services are illegal under the Penal Code Act

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.

🇬🇾 Guyana

Georgetown, Linden, and New Amsterdam etc

Sex work is illegal in Guyana. the act of prostitution and related activities such as brothel keeping, solicitation, and living off the earnings of prostitution are prohibited

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.

🇸🇷 Suriname

Nieuw Nickerie and Lelydorp

Sex work is illegal

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers

🇹🇴 Tonga

Nuku'alofa

Sex work is legal in Tonga; however, associated activities such as soliciting in public places, brothel-keeping, and procuring are criminalized under the Criminal Offences Act

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.

🇼🇸 Samoa

Apia etc

Sex work is illegal in Samoa. Both the act of engaging in sex work and related activities are criminalized under the Crimes Act 2013. Section 72

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.

🇫🇯 Fiji

Suva, Nasinu, and Lautoka

Sex work is legal in Fiji; however, associated activities such as soliciting in public places, brothel-keeping, and procuring are criminalized under the Crimes Decree 2009

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.

🇻🇺 Vanuatu

Port Vila etc

Sex work is legal in private settings in Vanuatu. However, associated activities such as soliciting in public places, brothel-keeping, and procuring are criminalized under the Penal Code.

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.

🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby and Lae

Male sex work is illegal under laws prohibiting prostitution and same-sex sexual activity

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.

🇨🇰 Cook Islands

Avarua etc

Niue and Tokelau: Similar to other islands, sex work is criminalised under local laws, with no protections or formal recognition for sex workers.

⚠️ Risks and Consequences

⚠️ Legal Penalties: Individuals involved in sex work may face fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences under various laws.​

⚠️ Police Raids: Sex workers are subject to police raids, which can result in detention, harassment, or forced rehabilitation programs.​

⚠️ Health Risks: Limited access to health services and legal protections can increase health risks for sex workers.