Sex Workers; Registration of Employment

You must register as a sex worker in person with the authority in whose jurisdiction you intend to primarily carry out your work before beginning your work.

Prostitutes are individuals who provide sexual services. A sexual service is a sexual act performed by at least one person on or in front of at least one other person who is physically present, in exchange for payment, or the permitting of a sexual act to be performed on or in front of oneself in exchange for payment. Performances that are exclusively of a theatrical nature, in which no other person present is sexually involved, do not constitute sexual services.

When you register, you will receive important information (see below) and counseling regarding working as a sex worker during an information and counseling session.

The information and counseling session must include at least the following:

1. Basic information on the legal situation under the Prostitute Protection Act, the Prostitution Act, and other regulations relevant to the practice of prostitution that apply within the territorial jurisdiction of the authority responsible for the practice of prostitution,
2. Basic information on health insurance coverage and social security coverage in the event of employment,
3. Information on health and social counseling services, including counseling services related to pregnancy,
4. Information on how to access help in emergency situations, and
5. Information regarding the tax liability associated with the activity undertaken and the obligations under sales and income tax law that must be fulfilled in this context.

You will receive a certificate confirming your registration (registration certificate). The registration certificate is valid for two years for individuals aged 21 and older who are required to register, and for one year for those under 21. It can be renewed after its validity expires.

In addition, a so-called alias certificate may be issued. Instead of your first and last name, this certificate contains an alias of your own choosing—that is, a name you have selected to use in the course of your work.

You must always carry the original registration certificate with you while working. You may not work as a sex worker without a registration certificate. Anyone who engages in prostitution without a registration certificate or with an invalid one is committing an administrative offense. This can be punished with a fine of up to 1,000 euros.

Contact:

+(49) 09131 / 86 - 3036

+(49) 09131 / 86 - 2363

The registration requirement applies regardless of whether the activity is performed on a self-employed basis or as part of an employment relationship.

The registration certificate may not be issued if

1. the required information and supporting documents are not provided, in particular proof of health counseling,
2. the person is under 18 years of age,
3. the person, as an expectant mother, is in the last six weeks before giving birth at the time of registration,
4. the person is under 21 years of age and there are indications that they are being or are intended to be coerced by third parties into taking up or continuing prostitution, or
5. there are indications that the person is being or is to be forced into prostitution by third parties through the exploitation of a situation of distress, their helplessness associated with their stay in a foreign country, or their personal or economic dependence, or that this person is being or is to be exploited by third parties.

You must register in person with the agency in whose jurisdiction you intend to carry out most of your work.

The in-person registration and the information and counseling session should take place in a confidential setting.

During the counseling session, the competent authority shall provide the sex worker with information regarding the practice of prostitution in an appropriate format. The information shall be written in a language that the sex worker understands.

As proof of registration, the competent authority issues a certificate of registration to the person required to register.

Any restrictions regarding restricted areas must be observed.

You must register your business before you begin operating.

• Identity card, passport, passport substitute, or identity document substitute
• two photographs
  (recent passport-style photos without borders, 45 mm high and 35 mm wide)
• Proof of Health Counseling
• if applicable, proof that you are authorized to work as an employee or in a self-employed capacity
  (only foreign nationals who are not entitled to freedom of movement)

• 35 euros for the issuance of a registration certificate
• 35 euros for the issuance of an alias certificate