Countries where escorts are legal – top 10 countries
Despite having strict laws, escort services are legalized in several countries around the world due to their business opportunities.
In Germany, for example, this business brings in 15 billion euros a year. However, not all countries are like Germany.
Albania and Serbia have completely banned escort services because of problems with human trafficking. There are also countries such as Sweden and France where the laws are somewhat confusing.
In France, in particular, you cannot buy escort services. However, the sale of services is legal.
So how do we know which is which?
This article will clarify the situation; in this article we will talk about the countries where escort services are legal. Then we will talk about the degree of legality.
So, let’s go deeper!
Bangladesh
Although Bangladesh is a religious country due to its Muslim roots, escorts are allowed here. However, these services are well regulated.
To begin with, an affidavit is required from an escort in Bangladesh. The affidavit must clearly state that the act is not forced and spontaneous.
In addition, all establishments offering escort services must be licensed. More importantly, they should be well managed and structured.
Finally, all people involved in the act must be of legal age – 18 years of age or older. The government of Bangladesh does not approve of the problems of child prostitution and human trafficking.
Colombia
Colombia, like many South American countries, allows escort services. Even better, the government has a system to counterbalance and deter prostitution in the country.
In terms of checks and balances, the first is where to offer escort services. The Colombian government has designated zones for brothels. And any brothel activity outside the authorized zones is punishable by law.
In addition, escorts in Colombia must be of legal age and not be the result of human trafficking.
The final “check and balance” is medical procedures. Although not mandatory, the Colombian government subjects escorts to medical examinations.
Right now, the Colombian government’s efforts may seem insignificant. But let’s compare them with other South American countries.
Argentina, for example, does not have a system that cares about the welfare of female escorts. And note that Argentina is almost twice the size of Colombia.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the few countries in Central America where escorts are fully authorized. You will find escort services, especially in tourist centers.
But while basic prostitution has been legalized, related activities such as pimping are strictly prohibited.
In addition, brothels cannot be opened in Costa Rica. They are discouraged because such establishments generate the illegal recruitment of escorts.
But in general, Costa Rica is escort-friendly. In fact, the government encourages sex workers to register in order to take advantage of social packages such as support services and free medical check-ups.
Denmark
Denmark is probably the friendliest among the countries that have legalized escort services. Here, the government can even organize escorts for infirm citizens.
A typical example of this arrangement is the case of the infamous Torben Hansen.
Torben suffers from cerebral palsy. As a result, he has impaired speech and mobility and has been unable to approach anyone for sex. He approached the Danish government about helping people with disabilities.
However, the government did not cover the cost of the escort services. But they organized a meeting between the disabled person and the escort.
Funnily enough, the recognition of escort services was not always there in Denmark. Prostitution in general was only legalized in 1999 because the Danish government wanted to control the activity – to reduce coercion and human trafficking.
Finland
As in most European countries, escort services are also legal in Finland. However, the situation is somewhat confusing. Here is what we mean:
While prostitution is legal, you cannot publicly sell or buy services. And, therefore, pimping is taken out of the equation.
So, how does an escort work in Finland?
Although street and public services are prohibited, private establishments offer escorts. Examples include nightclubs, massage parlors and erotic restaurants.
Greece
Any list of escort-friendly countries would be incomplete without Greece. History says that the Greeks introduced the exotic escort in the 16th century.
It is therefore not surprising that Greece has fully legalized escorts.
Unlike other countries, all kinds of prostitution are allowed here – even pimping. But it is better to refrain from pimping!
In addition, escort services are one of the most common employment opportunities for Greek women. If you are over the age of 18 (21 to be safe), you can work as an escort in Greece.
And fortunately, these services are strictly regulated by the government. How?
For starters, escorts must register with the local prefecture and undergo regular medical examinations. This way, there will be no problems with sexually transmitted diseases.
More importantly, escorts must show proof that they are single and mentally healthy.
In addition, brothels in Greece are required to have a license to operate. Unfortunately, not many of them have such a license.
In general, Greece is friendly towards escort services. However, the industry could be improved through better policies, especially with regard to pricing.
Germany
Along with Denmark, Germany is one of the top escort destinations in Europe and around the world. Here, the laws not only allow escort services but also actively control them.
To show how well escorts are accepted in Germany, you should know that there are more than 400,000 professionals in the country.
Moreover, the industry is not just a numbers game for the German government. It contributes to the country’s economy.
Did you know that escort services generate almost as much revenue for the German government as well-known industries like cars and fashion?
And here’s the juicy part: the German government is taxing escorts and brothels.
But at the end of the day, some of the revenue generated from the industry is set aside for social benefits. In addition, the proceeds help support the RIGHT system for female escorts.
For example, pensions, health insurance, the regular 40-hour work week, and labor unions.
Overall, German policy could be better. Nevertheless, it is better than in most countries.
Note: Since France has begun its policy of reducing “customers”, there is a possibility that the German government will follow suit.
Nevertheless, keep an open mind, as France’s new policy has not been a great success.
Warning: research your preferred destination in Germany before offering escort services. Although Germany is prostitution friendly, its individual cities have the right to ban the act in their neighborhoods.
Mexico
Like in Germany, in Mexico escort services are not only legalized but also highly regulated. And this can be funny, because Mexico borders the USA (where prostitution is illegal).
But here’s something even funnier:
Mexico regulates escort services at all government levels. In other words, the staff must be properly registered. More importantly, they must always walk around with cards – they either work or they don’t. Why?
The cards are health passports that show the condition of the attendant to potential clients. It also eliminates the possibility of illness or infection.
In addition to medical records, the Mexican government has established “red light” zones – schools and residential areas.
Outside of “red light” zones, an escort can go about his business as long as he has his medical cards with him.
The most important thing is that escorts can retire. They only need to apply to the government. And strangely 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, escorting is not condemned here.
In fact, prostitution is legal in the Netherlands. And it has been so since 2000.
Also, brothels are allowed here. You can own as many as you want. However, you must follow the zoning requirements.
In addition, you must be open to registration and taxation. These requirements also apply to escort services.
And, as in other countries with similar attitudes towards escorts, staff must be at least 18 years old. But funnily enough, the Dutch government has set the base age for clients at 16.
Switzerland
Although Switzerland ranks last on our list, it is not the least friendly country for escort staff.
We have arranged this list in alphabetical order only.
In addition, Switzerland (like Germany) is home to more escorts. And this has been the case since the European Union Treaty was concluded in 2004.
So ignore it!
As for the legalization of prostitution, escorts in Switzerland are in a well-established system. For starters, all personnel must be registered. More importantly, female escorts must undergo regular medical examinations.
In addition, only brothels are recognized. On the other hand, casual street prostitution is prohibited.
And mind you, brothels in Switzerland have their own rules. They must not be located in red-light areas of the country.
Note: there are other countries outside of our selection that you should know. However, they have confusing rules.
Notable omissions
Belgium
Policies regarding escort services in Belgium are confusing. Brothels are banned in the country. Nevertheless, this country is home to Villa Tinto.
FYI, Villa Tinto is like Silicon Valley for European brothels.
And despite publicly violating brothel regulations, the Belgian government has made no effort to enforce the measures.
Canada
By law, escort services are legal in Canada. But there are a few conditions you should pay attention to:
You cannot pimp – it is illegal!
You cannot own a brothel.
You cannot talk publicly about prostitution.
However, you can be an escort.
But the client must not buy the services of a prostitute.
Italy
Italy is another historical country known for its support of escort services. The laws have changed over time.
Nevertheless, prostitution is generally legal in Italy. However, the government does not approve of forced sex.
If someone is caught persuading an escort despite the latter’s refusals, they will be fined 30 euros.
Summary
European and South American countries have a friendly culture towards escorts. However, make sure you check the specific country to make the best decision.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!