Countries Where Escort Is Legal – The Top 10
While there are stringent laws in place, escort services are legalized across several countries in the world for their business opportunities.
In Germany, for example, the business reels €15 billion in economic activity annually. However, not every country is like Germany.
Albania and Serbia outrightly banned escort services because of human trafficking concerns. And then there are countries like Sweden and France, where the laws are somewhat confusing.
In France, particularly, you can’t buy escort services. However, selling the services is legal.
So, how will you know which is which?
This article will clear the air; it entails the countries where escorts are legal. We will go even further to explain the extent of the legality.
That said, let’s delve in!
Bangladesh
While Bangladesh is a religious country because of her Muslim roots, escorts are permitted. However, the services are well regulated.
For starters, an escort in Bangladesh is required to have an affidavit. In the affidavit, it must be clearly stated that the act is unforced and spontaneous.
Furthermore, all establishments that offer escort services are required to have a license. More importantly, they must be well managed with structured operations.
Lastly, the people involved in the act must all be adults – 18 years of age or above. The Bangladesh government frowns on issues of child prostitution and trafficking.
Colombia
Colombia, like many South American countries, allows escort services. Even better, the government has systems to check and balance prostitution in the country.
About the “checks and balances,” the first one is where to offer escort services. The Colombian government has authorized zones for brothels. And any brothel activities outside the authorized zones are punishable by law.
Also, the escorts in Colombia must be of age and not results of human trafficking.
The final “check and balance” are the health routines. Though not compulsory, the Colombian government subjects escorts to health checks.
Now, the efforts of the Colombian government might seem insignificant. But let’s compare it to other South American countries.
In Argentina, for example, no system caters to the welfare of escorts. And mind you, Argentina is almost twice the size of Colombia.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the few countries in Central America where escort services are COMPLETELY allowed. You’ll find escorts, especially around tourist attraction centers.
But while the BASIC parts of prostitution are legalized, associated acts such as pimping are highly prohibited.
Also, you can’t establish brothels in Costa Rica. They are not welcomed since such establishments breed illegal procuring of escorts.
But overall, Costa Rica is friendly to escorts. In fact, the government calls them for registration to enjoy social packages such as support assistance and free health checks.
Denmark
Denmark is arguably the friendliest among the countries that legalized escort services. Here, the government could even arrange escorts for impaired citizens.
A typical example of the said arrangement was the case of the infamous Torben Hansen.
Torben lives with cerebral palsy. As such, he has impaired speech and mobility and couldn’t approach anyone for sex. He questioned the Denmark government about her assistance for the people with impairments.
However, the government didn’t cover the cost of the escort services. But they arranged the meeting between the impaired and an escort.
Funnily enough, the reception of escort services has not always been a thing in Denmark. Prostitution generally was only legalized in 1999 because the Denmark government wanted to monitor the activities – to reduce coercion and trafficking.
Finland
Like in most European countries, escort services are also legal in Finland. However, the situation is somewhat tricky. Here is what we mean:
While prostitution is legal, you can’t publicly sell or purchase the services. And by extension, pimping is out of the equation.
So, how does escort work in Finland?
Though street and public services are banned, private establishments offer curated escorts. Examples of such places include nightclubs, massage parlors, and erotic restaurants.
Greece
Any list of escort-friendly countries is incomplete without Greece. History has it that the Greeks introduced exotic escorts in the 16th century.
So, it’s not a surprise that Greece completely legalized escorts.
Unlike in other countries, all parts of prostitution are permitted here – even pimping. But you should steer clear of pimping regardless!
Besides, escort services are one of the prominent employment opportunities for Greek women. As long as you’re over 18 years (21years to be safe), you can be an escort in Greece.
And fortunately, the services are highly regulated by the government. How?
For starters, escorts must register at a local prefecture and are subject to regular medical checkups. That way, there won’t be issues of sexually transmitted diseases.
More importantly, escorts must show proof of being unmarried and mentally healthy.
Furthermore, brothels in Greece are required to have a license for operation. Unfortunately, not many do.
Overall, Greece is friendly to escort services. However, the industry could be improved with better policies, especially regarding pricing.
Germany
Alongside Denmark, Germany is one of the best destinations for escorts in Europe – and globally. Here, the laws don’t only permit escort services but are actively controlling the circulation.
To show how well escorts are accepted in Germany, you must know that there are over 400,000 professionals in the country.
Plus, the industry is not just a game of numbers for the German government. It contributes to the country’s economy.
Do you know that escort services pull in almost the same revenue as prominent industries such as automobiles and fashion for the German government?
And here is the juicy part: the German government tax escorts and brothels.
But in the end, some of the revenue generated from the industry is reserved for social benefits. Also, the proceeds help to uphold the RIGHT system for escorts.
E.g., pensions, health insurance, a regular 40-hour-workweek, and worker unions.
Overall, Germany’s policies could be better. Nevertheless, they are better than most countries.
Note: since France initiated its policies to curtail “clients”, the chances are that the German government might follow suit.
Nevertheless, keep an open mind as there hasn’t been much success in France’s new policing.
Warning: study your preferred destination in Germany before offering escort services. While Germany is friendly to prostitution, her individual cities have the right to ban the acts in their environs.
Mexico
Like Germany, escort services are not only legalized but highly regulated in Mexico. And it can be funny because Mexico shares borders with the US (where prostitution is illegal).
Here is what’s funnier:
Mexico regulates the activities of escorts across all state levels. In other words, personnel must be duly registered. More importantly, they must always walk with their cards – either working or not. Why?
The cards are health passports that reveal the condition of the escort to prospects. Plus, it eliminates the instances of diseases or infections.
Health cards aside, the Mexican government created red light areas – schools and residential zones.
Outside the red light areas, escorts can do their business as long as they carry their health cards.
Most importantly, escorts can retire from their services. They only have to reach out to the government. And beautifully enough, the Mexican authorities have a SPECIAL program for former prostitutes.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has long been known for its flexible culture. In other words, escorts are not condemned here.
In fact, prostitution is legal in the Netherlands. And it has been so since 2000.
Also, brothels are permitted here. You can own as many as you want. However, you must follow zoning requirements.
Plus, you must be open to registration and taxation. The requirements also apply to escorts.
And like other countries with similar attitudes to escorts, personnel must be at least 18 years here. But funnily enough, the Netherlands government set the base age for clients at 16 years.
Switzerland
While Switzerland is the last choice on our list, it is not the least friendly country to escort personnel.
We only arranged this list alphabetically.
Besides, Switzerland (like Germany) is home to a higher population of escorts. And it has been so since the 2004 European Union treaty.
So, ignore the position!
And regarding the legalization of prostitution, Switzerland has her escorts in a well-drilled system. For starters, all personnel must be registered. More importantly, escorts must undergo regular medical checks.
Furthermore, only brothels are recognized. On the other hand, random street prostitution is prohibited.
And mind you, the brothels in Switzerland have regulations. They must not be located in red-lighted areas in the country.
Note: outside our picks, there are other countries you should know. However, they have confusing policing.
Notable Omissions
Belgium
The policies on escort services in Belgium are confusing. They ban brothels. Yet, the country is home to Villa Tinto.
FYI, Villa Tinto is like Silicon Valley to European brothels.
And despite the public violation of the brothel rules, the Belgian government put no effort into enforcing measures.
Canada
By law, Canada permits escort services. But there are a few conditions to note:
There’s no pimping – it’s illegal, granted!
You can’t own a brothel.
You can’t talk about prostitution publicly.
However, you can be an escort.
But a client must not purchase the services of a prostitute.
Italy
Italy is another historical country known for its support for escort services. Over the years, the laws have been changing.
Nevertheless, prostitution generally is allowed in Italy. However, the government frowns at forced sex.
If anyone is caught persuading an escort despite the latter’s inhibitions, they shall be fined €30.
Summary
European and South American countries have a friendly culture towards escort services. Nevertheless, ensure you check with the specific country to make the best decision.
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