Information portal on the legal framework for sex work in Belgium

Legal framework for sex work in Belgium

This website provides clear and accessible information about the legal framework for sex work in Belgium, based solely on legislation, royal decrees and official public sources.

Belgium thoroughly reformed its legislation between 2022 and 2024. Voluntary sex work by adults has been removed from the scope of criminal law and integrated into labour law, with a specific employment contract, a mandatory employer accreditation system and detailed safety regulations. This site helps you understand these rules, your rights and your obligations.

What you will find here

Whether you are a sex worker, employer, legal professional, social worker or simply a citizen seeking information, this site gives you access to the essential information about the laws and regulations governing the sector.

  • The principles of decriminalisation and what remains prohibited (pimping, trafficking, exploitation, minors).
  • The sex work employment contract created by the law of 3 May 2024, the rights it guarantees and the conditions to be met.
  • The obligations of employers: mandatory accreditation, hygiene requirements, panic button, person of reference.
  • The possible statuses: employee under contract or self-employed.
  • The advertising rules: what is allowed, what is prohibited, platform obligations.
  • The inspections and controls: who monitors what, integrity investigations, data protection.
  • Social protection: social security, unemployment, health insurance, pension.
  • Belgium's position in the international context.

Pages

Reference texts

The content of this site is based on the following legal texts, all published in the Belgian Official Gazette:

  • Law of 21 March 2022 — Reform of sexual criminal law.
  • Law of 3 May 2024 — Sex work under employment contract.
  • Royal Decree of 18 May 2024 — Rules for advertising platforms.
  • Royal Decree of 12 September 2024 — Designation of competent inspection services.
  • Royal Decree of 20 October 2024 — Working conditions: safety, hygiene and well-being.
  • Royal Decree of 20 October 2024 — Employer accreditation procedure.
  • Law of 15 January 2024 — Municipal integrity investigations.
  • Brussels Decree of 16 May 2024 — Urban planning permits.
  • Law of 16 March 2026 — Update to the Social Criminal Code.

Official sources

Editorial rule: every piece of information on this site is based on a law or royal decree published in the Belgian Official Gazette.