Law regarding the protection of prostitutes

The law regarding the protection of prostitutes (ProstSchG) was enacted on July 1st, 2017. What this means for you:

Obligation to use of condoms:

Customers as well as prostitutes must ensure that condoms are always used during sexual intercourse.

Health counseling:

You have to attend a health consultation regularly:

  • If you are 21 years old or older: every 12 months
  • If you are younger than 21 years old: every 6 months

At health counseling, you will, for example, get information about sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, contraceptive methods, risks of alcohol and drug abuse, and health insurance. You will receive a certificate of participation in the health counseling, which you must have with you when you work. You also need the certificate to register your activity as a prostitute.

Where to go for health counseling certificate:
Public Health Department (Gesundheitsamt) in the city you work in.

Registration:

To legally work in prostitution, you have to register with the regulatory office (Ordnungsamt).

To register you need:

  • two photos
  • an ID or a passport
  • the certificate about the health counseling
  • a postal address (where you can receive official letters)

The registration is valid for a limited period of time and must be renewed regularly:

  • If you are 21 years old or older: valid for 2 years
  • If you are younger than 21 years old: valid for 1 year

If you wish, your registration certificate can also be issued anonymously in your work name. You must always have the registration certificate with you at work.

Where to go for registration:
Regulatory Office (Ordnungsamt) in the city you work in.