General framework in Belgium
Since the 2022 reform and the law of 3 May 2024, Belgium has a comprehensive legal framework for sex work. Here are the basic principles, the terminology used and the division of responsibilities.
1. Basic principles
Belgium chose to decriminalise voluntary sex work between adults. This means the activity is no longer a criminal offence in itself. At the same time, the law severely punishes all forms of exploitation, trafficking and involvement of minors.
What changed
Before 2022, sex work existed in a legal grey area. The law of 21 March 2022 reformed the Criminal Code to create a clear framework. The law of 3 May 2024 then created a genuine employment contract with concrete rights and protections. Since 1 December 2024, employers must obtain accreditation to hire sex workers.
Sex work in mainstream law
Sex work under contract is treated like any other employment: social security contributions, health insurance, pension, unemployment benefits, family allowances. The employer has the same obligations as in any other sector, plus specific obligations linked to the nature of the activity.
- Mandatory written contract — signed individually before the start of work, stating the employer's accreditation number (law of 3 May 2024, art. 6).
- Absolute right of refusal — at any time, the worker may refuse a client, an act, interrupt or stop a sexual activity, without any negative consequence (art. 7).
- Free departure — the worker may leave the job without notice or compensation (art. 8).
- Criminal prohibitions maintained — pimping, trafficking, exploitation of vulnerability, involvement of minors remain severely punished crimes.
2. Terminology
Belgian legislation uses two main terms, each in different legal contexts.
Sex work (travail du sexe)
Used in the law of 3 May 2024 and in labour law. Refers to "the performance of acts of prostitution under a sex worker employment contract" (art. 2, 1°).
Prostitution
Used in the Criminal Code (law of 21 March 2022) and in urban planning texts. Found in articles on pimping (art. 433quater/1), advertising (art. 433quater/2), and Brussels urban planning regulations.
3. What is allowed and what is prohibited
✓ Allowed
- Sex work as an adult (18+), voluntarily.
- Working under employment contract with an accredited employer or as a self-employed person.
- Advertising one's own services behind a window in a dedicated location or on a specialised platform.
- Working from home under strict conditions.
✗ Prohibited and punished
- Minors — any involvement is a crime. 10 to 20 years imprisonment.
- Pimping — organising another's prostitution for profit. 1 to 5 years, €500-€25,000 fine.
- Aggravated abuse — exploiting vulnerable persons. 10 to 15 years.
- Coercion — threats, imposed debts, confiscation of documents.
- Preventing departure — making it harder to leave prostitution.
4. Who does what?
Federal
- Criminal law: offences, penalties, prosecution
- Labour law: employment contract, workers' rights, employer accreditation
- Social security: contributions, health insurance, pension, unemployment
- Inspections: Labour law enforcement, Well-being at work, Social security
Regions
- Urban planning: permits for premises. Brussels has specific regulations for prostitution salons, sex shops and peepshows.
- Housing: building standards
- Social support: guidance and support services
Municipalities
- Public order: local regulations
- Integrity checks: assessing risks of criminal links (law of 15 January 2024)
- Administrative police: the mayor can close premises