Law & Permits

Yes. Sex work has been legal in Switzerland since 1942 and is recognized by the Federal Supreme Court as a legitimate occupation (BGE 137 III 593). Sex workers enjoy the same fundamental rights as all other workers, including freedom of contract, protection of property, and social security rights. However, pimping (Art. 195 of the Swiss Criminal Code), promoting prostitution of minors, and human trafficking (Art. 182 of the Swiss Criminal Code) are prohibited.

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That depends on the canton. Geneva, Bern, Neuchâtel, Ticino, and Valais require sex workers to register. In Zurich, Basel-Stadt, and many other cantons, there is no individual license required, but operators of brothels, salons, and other establishments must obtain a business license. If you are self-employed, you must also register as a self-employed person with the AHV in all of these cantons.

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Restricted areas are zones where street prostitution is prohibited—typically residential neighborhoods, areas near schools, hospitals, or religious buildings. These zones are designated by the canton or municipality. Zurich has restricted street prostitution to a few streets; Bern permits it only in the Kocherpark area; Basel has no official restricted zones in the downtown area. Indoor sex work (apartments, salons) is generally not affected by restricted zones.

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In principle, yes, provided the apartment is rented as residential space and there is no excessive commercial use (Art. 257f of the Swiss Code of Obligations). Note: Many lease agreements contain clauses prohibiting commercial use—publicly advertising a salon can lead to termination of the lease. Condominium associations may restrict sex work through their bylaws. Discreet, one-on-one meetings are generally permitted, but a fully equipped salon with a storefront is not.

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Pimping (Art. 195 of the Swiss Criminal Code) occurs when someone induces a person into prostitution, controls their freedom of action, or dictates the conditions of their sex work in order to derive financial gain from it. Forcing someone to remain in prostitution is also a criminal offense. Renting rooms at market rates or acting as an intermediary for a one-time fee is not a criminal offense. The boundaries are fluid in individual cases—consultation with a specialized agency (Aspasie, Xenia, FIZ) is recommended.

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Ages 18 and older (Art. 196 of the Swiss Criminal Code). Sexual acts with minors in exchange for payment are punishable by law in Switzerland—both for the minor offering the service (protective measure) and, in particular, for the client, who faces a prison sentence of up to three years. Switzerland raised the age limit from 16 to 18 in 2014.

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