Escort work in Greece: how to work legally
In Greece the law allows you to work with a personal licence and only in licensed venues. But the requirements are so strict that in practice almost nobody gets one. Here is what the law asks for, so you know before you go.
Greece at a glance
- Legal and regulated by Law 2734/1999.
- You need a personal licence, renewed every 3 years.
- You can only work in licensed venues: not on the street, in hotels, in flats or online.
- Very strict requirements: most people who work there do so without a licence.
What the law says in Greece
Law 2734/1999 regulates prostitution and provides for three licences: the personal certificate to work, the licence to open and run a venue, and the licence to hire service staff.
Pimping, human trafficking and any sexual service involving minors remain crimes.
Support organisations and political parties have been calling for years for the law to change because it is almost impossible to comply with, but as of October 2026 no reform has been passed.
Who can work as an escort in Greece?
On top of having the right to live and work in Greece, the law sets personal conditions that do not exist in other countries.
| Requirement | What the law asks for |
|---|---|
| Age | Being a legal adult. |
| Marital status | Not being married: only single, divorced or widowed people. |
| Residence | Legal residence. With an EU passport you have free movement; without one, you need a residence and work permit. |
| Documents | ID, a criminal record certificate and medical certificates, including an HIV test. |
Requirements for working legally in Greece
Meet the personal conditions
Be a legal adult, not be married and have legal residence in Greece.
Gather the documents
ID, criminal record certificate and medical certificates (including HIV).
Apply for the personal licence
It is a personal certificate to work, valid for 3 years and then renewed.
Work only in a licensed venue
The venue also needs its own licence and must keep a minimum distance from schools, churches and other public buildings.
Pass the health checks
Very frequent tests for sexually transmitted infections for as long as you work (see “Health”).
Where you can work
Only in licensed venues. Greek support organisations sum up what the law does not allow:
- Working on the street.
- Working in hotels.
- Working online or in your own home or the client’s.
Venues must be a minimum distance from schools, churches, nurseries, hospitals, parks, libraries and squares, which leaves very few possible locations.
Erotic massage
There is no separate regulation. Any sexual service outside a licensed venue and without a personal licence falls outside the law.
Health
With a licence, health checks are compulsory and very frequent: tests for sexually transmitted infections every 15 days, for syphilis every month and for HIV every 3 months.
The reality: why almost nobody has a licence
Greek support organisations (Red Umbrella Athens and Positive Voice) explain that the requirements are “practically impossible” to meet: the condition of not being married, the venue distances, renewal every 3 years and tests every 15 days. A 2025 academic study confirms that most people work outside the law.
If you want to work 100 % legally, Greece is currently the hardest of the six countries. Before you go, talk to a support organisation or a lawyer.
Price level in Greece
€€€€€
Greece stands at 87, below the European Union average (100), according to Eurostat (2025). It is the cheapest country in this guide.
Help and support organisations in Greece
Frequently asked questions about Greece
Is escort work legal in Greece?
The law allows it with a personal licence and only in licensed venues. Working as an outcall escort, in hotels or online is not permitted.
Can I apply for the licence if I am married?
No. The law only grants it to single, divorced or widowed people.
How often are the health checks?
With a licence, tests for sexually transmitted infections every 15 days, for syphilis every month and for HIV every 3 months.
Is it easy to get the licence?
No. Greek support organisations say the requirements are practically impossible to meet and that most people work without a licence. If you want to work legally, other countries in this guide are much simpler.
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Any questions about Greece? Ask us
If you can't find your situation in the guide, write to us. We will reply by email with the legal information for the country you are interested in.
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- Legal information only: we do not offer jobs or contacts with venues or clients.
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Sources
- Red Umbrella Athens: legal framework (Law 2734/1999)
- Red Umbrella Athens: why the law needs to change
- Positive Voice: requirements and pending reform
- NSWP: how the laws are implemented (Greece)
- Academic study on regulation in Greece
- 1109 anti-trafficking line
- UNHCR Greece: emergency numbers
- Eurostat 2025: price levels (via Statistics Norway)
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules change: always check with the Greek authorities or a support organisation before you travel.