Legislation

Sex Work in Belgium

In Belgium, sex work is not prohibited. Individuals who provide sexual services are not punishable. However, there is a legal minimum age to start working in sex work, which is 18 years old. Working as a minor in sex work is therefore not allowed.

The person who receives the sexual services is the client. As a client, you are not punishable in Belgium, as long as the involved sex worker is of legal age. The client must adhere to the agreements made between the sex worker and the client. If a client fails to comply with these agreements, they can be prosecuted for violating sexual integrity or for rape.

Prostitution in Belgium is not prohibited when the involved individuals are over 18 years old. Neither the sex workers nor the clients are punishable in such cases.

In June 2022, sex work was decriminalized. This means that independent sex workers can now enlist the help of others, such as a driver, accountant, insurance company, or bank, without these individuals being punishable for their support. Due to decriminalization, it will be possible to enter into employment contracts for sex work starting from December 1, 2024, giving sex workers access to a wide range of social rights. Human trafficking remains punishable by law and continues to be a priority for the police and the prosecution.

The question of whether advertising for sex work is allowed is a complex or nuanced answer.

• It is allowed for sex workers to advertise their own sexual services. This can be done from the window of the premises where they are working. It is also permitted online, but only on websites or forums specifically dedicated to (advertising for) sex work. The idea behind this is that people who do not want to see advertisements for sex work cannot accidentally encounter them on the internet.
• Sex advertisement websites are allowed, provided they comply with certain conditions. All other forms of advertising remain prohibited.