Kantone
Alle 26 Kantone der Schweiz – Sexarbeit-Guide
Vollständige Übersicht aller Schweizer Kantone mit Regulierungs-Details, Anlaufstellen und Sperrgebieten.
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1
Zürich
The canton of Zurich is considered one of the most liberal and best regulated locations for sex work in Switzerland. With the sex drive in Sihlquai-Areal (now Verfassungsboxen Depotweg), which opened in 2013, Zurich has attracted attention across Europe. The estimated 4,000 to 6,000 sex workers in the canton work predominantly in indoor areas (salons, establishments, their own apartments).
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2
Bern
The canton of Bern passed its own prostitution law (ProstG) in 2013, one of the most detailed in Switzerland. It regulates the activities of sex workers as well as salon and brothel operators. With “Xenia”, Bern maintains one of the oldest and most renowned advice centers in Europe (since 1985).
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3
Basel-Stadt
Basel-Stadt is the only canton with an almost purely urban character and a correspondingly compact sex work scene. Estimated 800-1,200 sex workers, almost exclusively indoors (salons in the Webergasse, Klybeck, Kleinhüningen area). No street prostitute.
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4
Genf
Geneva has one of the strictest prostitution laws in Switzerland (LProst 2009, revised 2017). Mandatory registration, high fines for violations, and at the same time an internationally oriented industry with a high number of foreign sex workers. Aspasie – the oldest Swiss advice center (since 1982) – is based in Geneva.
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5
Waadt
The canton of Vaud, with Lausanne as its center, introduced a prostitution law (LPros) in 2004, which is viewed critically by sex workers because of restrictive advertising and zoning rules. Estimated 1,500-2,500 sex workers, mixed from salons, indoor apartments and reduced street prostitution in Lausanne.
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6
Tessin
Ticino passed its own prostitution law (LProst) in 2017, which introduced a cantonal registration requirement. The industry is characterized by its proximity to Italy: many sex workers commute, and a large proportion of the clientele comes from northern Italy. Main centers: Lugano, Chiasso, Mendrisio.
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7
St. Gallen
The canton of St. Gallen does not have its own prostitution legislation, but rather applies federal law and general police/trade regulations. Around 600-800 estimated sex workers, primarily indoors in salons (city of St. Gallen, Wil, Rorschach).
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8
Luzern
The canton of Lucerne has a relevant sex work scene, especially in the city of Lucerne and around Lake Sempach. Around 400-600 sex workers, almost exclusively indoors (salons, apartments).
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9
Aargau
With over 200 registered salons (2023), the canton of Aargau is one of the densest locations for indoor sex work in German-speaking Switzerland. Its convenient location between Zurich, Basel and Bern makes it attractive for commuter clients.
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10
Solothurn
Solothurn is the headquarters of Lysistrada - one of the most important Swiss advice centers for sex workers, founded in 2002. The canton itself has a moderate number of salons, primarily in Olten, Solothurn and Grenchen.
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11
Freiburg
Bilingual canton with a moderate sex work scene, primarily in Freiburg-Stadt and Bulle. Estimated 200-400 sex workers, almost exclusively indoors.
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12
Graubünden
Characterized by tourism with seasonal fluctuations (Davos, St. Moritz, Arosa). Small scene outside of the season, increased demand in high season. Approximately 150-300 active sex workers.
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13
Zug
Small, wealthy canton with a correspondingly small but wealthy clientele. Estimated 100-200 sex workers, primarily in salons in Zug and Cham.
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14
Schwyz
Rural-conservative character, few salons (primarily in Pfäffikon SZ and the Einsiedeln area). Estimated 80-150 active sex workers.
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15
Neuenburg
Small western Swiss canton with its own prostitution regulations (loi sur la prostitution, 2014). Estimated 200-350 sex workers, mainly in Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds.
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16
Wallis
Bilingual tourism canton (Sion, Sierre, Visp, Brig + tourism strongholds Zermatt, Verbier, Crans-Montana). Strongly seasonal. Own cantonal prostitution regulations with reporting requirements.
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17
Thurgau
Rural in character with a small indoor scene, primarily concentrated in Frauenfeld and Kreuzlingen. Around 100-200 active sex workers.
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18
Schaffhausen
Smallest German-speaking Swiss canton, small scene (estimated 50-100 people), primarily in Schaffhausen city. The proximity to the border with Germany shapes the clientele.
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19
Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Very small, rural scene with few salons. More liberal practice than the Catholic Appenzell Innerrhoden.
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20
Appenzell Innerrhoden
Smallest canton in Switzerland, very Catholic-conservative. Virtually no visible sex work scene.
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21
Glarus
Small mountain canton with minimal scene. A few salons, primarily in Glarus and Näfels.
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22
Uri
Very rural, with good transport links thanks to the Gotthard route but conservative. Virtually no visible indoor scene.
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23
Nidwalden
Small central Swiss canton, economically attractive (tax haven), socially conservative. Few salons.
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24
Obwalden
Rural Catholic, tourism canton (Engelberg, Sachseln). Very small scene.
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25
Basel-Landschaft
Canton of Basel-Stadt, many salons in the suburbs (Pratteln, Muttenz, Allschwil) as alternative locations for business close to the city.
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26
Jura
Smallest canton in western Switzerland, rural. Very small scene, primarily in Delémont and Porrentruy.