Quick overview: What you will find on this page
- Permits & Registration – What you need as an EU/EFTA or third country national.
- Advice centers – Free, confidential help in your language.
- Important offices – migration, AHV, health, cantonal registration offices.
- Laws – The most important legal basis for sex work in Switzerland.
- Emergency numbers – police, paramedics, victim support.
Sex work in Switzerland – basics
Sex work is legal in Switzerland as long as it is carried out voluntarily, by adults (aged 18 and over) and without coercion. It is considered self-employment - this means that you are responsible for registration, taxes and social security yourself.
The specific rules (registration requirements, work zones, permits for establishments) are regulated cantonally. What applies in Zurich is not automatically the same as in Bern, Geneva or Ticino. If in doubt, contact an advice center in your region (see below).
Requirements for foreign sex workers
EU/EFTA citizens
As an EU/EFTA citizen, you can rely on the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FZA). The following applies to self-employment:
- Up to 90 days per calendar year: Online reporting obligation via the SEM reporting procedure (at least 8 days before the start of work).
- Over 90 days: Apply for a residence permit (permit B) at the cantonal migration office. Proof of self-employment required (e.g. AHV registration).
- AHV registration: Register with the cantonal compensation office as self-employed.
Third country nationals (non-EU/EFTA)
It is very difficult for people from third countries to do sex work legally in Switzerland. The previous cabaret dancer statute (L permit) was abolished on January 1, 2016. Permits are only granted in exceptional cases (e.g. family reunification, hardship, asylum status with work permit).
Important: Never work without a valid residence and work permit - the risk of deportation, fines and exploitation is high. A counseling center (e.g. FIZ, Aspasie, ProCoRe) will clarify your specific situation free of charge and confidentially.
Registration & social security
- AHV/IV/EO: Registration as self-employed with the cantonal compensation office. Compulsory from the first franc of income.
- Health insurance: Mandatory in Switzerland. Registration within 3 months of taking up residence.
- Taxes: Self-employment must be declared in the tax return. Accounting recommended (e.g. simple cash book).
- Occupational pension provision (BVG/Pillar 2): Voluntary for the self-employed, but recommended.
- Cantonal reporting obligation: In many cantons (e.g. ZH, BE, GE) you have to register with the responsible registration office (often the police or cantonal office) before starting work.
Health & Protection
- Free & anonymous HIV/STI tests: At the Checkpoint or at the cantonal health centers / advice centers.
- Condoms & protective material: Many advice centers provide condoms, lubricants and information material free of charge.
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, HPV are recommended and some are covered.
- PrEP & DoxyPEP: Preventive medication against HIV or bacterial STIs – ask at a checkpoint or at your advice center.
- Experience of violence: You are entitled to victim assistance according to the OHG (Victim Assistance Act) – free of charge, confidentially, even without reporting it.
Cantonal details: Legalwork tool from ProCoRe
The rules differ greatly from canton to canton. Instead of keeping our own (and often outdated) list, we refer to the excellent “Legalwork” tool from ProCoRe – the Swiss umbrella organization for the rights of sex workers:
→ Open Legalwork tool (DE/FR/IT/EN)
There you will find for each canton: registration offices, permit requirements, permitted work zones, cantonal specialist offices.