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Two travellers with hot chocolate by the River Limmat, in Zurich's old town (Switzerland)

Escort work in Switzerland: how to work legally

Switzerland has the highest price level in Europe, and prostitution has been legal there since 1942. But there is no single law: each of the 26 cantons sets its own rules. Here is what you need, step by step, to work within the law.

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Switzerland at a glance

  • Legal and regulated since 1942; each canton sets the rules.
  • With an EU passport: up to 90 days a year by notifying online in advance, or with an L or B permit.
  • Without an EU passport you cannot apply for a permit to do this work.
  • Health insurance, social security (AHV/AVS) and taxes, like any self-employed worker.

What the law says in Switzerland

In Switzerland prostitution is a legal economic activity, protected by economic freedom. Two adults may exchange sexual services for money as long as the person providing them does so of their own free will and without pressure from anyone.

Federal law (the Criminal Code) only punishes what is a crime throughout the country:

  • Paying for sex with a person under 18 (Article 196, since 1 July 2014).
  • Pushing someone into prostitution, exploiting or controlling them (Article 195).
  • Human trafficking (Article 182).

Everything else —where you can work, registration, working hours or venue permits— is decided by each canton, and sometimes by each city. So first of all, you need to know which canton you are going to work in.

Who can work as an escort in Switzerland?

You need the right to work in Switzerland before you start. With an EU passport there are several options; without one, almost none.

Your situationCan you work?What you need
EU or EFTA passport or ID card, up to 90 days a yearYesThe short-term work notification on easygov.swiss, at least 8 days before you start, plus registration in the canton.
EU or EFTA, up to 1 yearYesAn L permit from the canton's residents' office.
EU or EFTA, more than 1 yearYesA B permit (residence), from the canton's residents' office.
You live in a neighbouring country and go back homeYesA G permit (cross-border worker).
Non-EU passport with a B or C permit already grantedYesYour permit and registration in the canton are enough.
Non-EU passport without a permitNoYou cannot apply for a permit to do this work. Nor can you as a tourist.

The EU plus EFTA means the 27 European Union countries, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. If you hold dual citizenship with a country such as Spain, Italy or Portugal, you are in this group.

Step by step to start working legally in Switzerland

  1. Choose a canton and read its rules

    Each canton has its own law: some require registration with the police, others require licences for venues or set specific areas for street work. The main ones are listed below.

  2. Get your work permit

    Up to 90 days a year: notification on easygov.swiss. In the erotic sector it is compulsory from day one and must be sent at least 8 days in advance. Always carry a copy with you. For longer stays: an L or B permit from the canton.

  3. Register in the canton

    Where it is compulsory, with the cantonal police and before you start. In Geneva, for example, you first attend a free information session and then book an appointment with the police unit.

  4. Get health insurance

    If you live in Switzerland (L or B permit), Swiss health insurance is compulsory from the day you arrive. In Geneva they advise setting aside around 350 francs a month to pay for it.

  5. Register for social security (AHV/AVS)

    It is compulsory if you live or work in Switzerland for more than three months a year. If you are self-employed, you have to register yourself.

  6. Declare your income

    It is an economic activity and it is taxed. Depending on the canton, you file a tax return or tax is withheld at source.

Rules in the main cantons

These are the cantons with the clearest rules. If you are going to another one, check with its cantonal police or the canton-by-canton map on sexwork.ch.

Geneva

  • Cantonal prostitution law (LProst).
  • First, a free information session at the Aspasie association (rue des Pâquis 11), Monday to Friday at 11:00, in 7 languages, including English, Romanian, Spanish, Hungarian and Portuguese.
  • Then, free registration by appointment with the police unit (BTPI), before you start.
  • It is always considered self-employment: no one can impose hours, practices or clients on you.
  • Street work is allowed in almost the whole city, except near schools, churches, hospitals, parks or stops, and in a no-go area in Les Tranchées.
  • Working without a permit or registration is fined.

Zurich (city)

  • Municipal ordinance for the sector (PGVO).
  • Street work requires a permit from the city, and only in specific areas and at specific times; outside them, a fine of around 200 francs the first time.
  • For that permit they check that you are an adult, your right to work and your health insurance, and you must attend a talk by the Flora Dora association.
  • Venues need a permit, except the smallest ones.
  • Workers do not have to register with the police.

Bern

  • Prostitution sector law (PGG), since 2013.
  • Venues need a permit; since 2023, those with two places or fewer only have to give notice.
  • Working in a licensed venue is generally considered employment.
  • If you do not have a C permit or Swiss nationality, the venue withholds tax at source. If its accounts are not properly kept, a flat amount of 25 francs per day worked applies.

Vaud (Lausanne)

  • Cantonal law on the practice of prostitution (LPros).
  • You must declare the activity, and opening a salon requires authorisation.

Valais

  • Prior registration with the cantonal police is compulsory.
  • It is done only once and is free.

Taxes and social security in Switzerland

  • Taxes: anyone who lives or works in Switzerland pays tax. If you are self-employed, you register with the tax office and each year you receive a tax return with a special form.
  • Tax at source: if you do not have a C permit or Swiss nationality, in some cantons (such as Bern) the venue withholds it from your income and pays it for you.
  • AHV/AVS (pensions): compulsory for anyone who lives or works in Switzerland; people who work less than three months a year are exempt. Contributions depend on your income: the first year is based on an estimate and adjusted afterwards.
  • Health insurance: compulsory for anyone living in Switzerland. It is private, you choose it and you pay it monthly.

Amounts vary by canton and by your situation. Before you start, ask your canton's tax office (Steuerverwaltung / administration fiscale).

Health

In Switzerland there are no compulsory medical check-ups for this work. There are free or low-cost tests and advice at the associations in each city. In Geneva, Aspasie organises tests for sexually transmitted infections at a reduced price.

Swiss health insurance covers basic care, but first you pay a deductible (the part you cover yourself), for example 300 or 2,500 francs a year, depending on the insurance you choose.

Ways of working and erotic massage

Depending on the canton, you can work in a licensed salon or venue, as an escort, from your own flat by advertising, or on the street in permitted areas.

With an EU L or B permit as an employee, you can work in a massage salon in any canton. If you want to be self-employed, you need the self-employed permit.

Erotic massage: it is a sexual service and follows the same rules as the rest of the sector.

Always

  • You decide your hours, practices and clients.
  • Venues must give you a receipt for everything you pay.
  • Better to have a written contract if you rent a room.

Never

  • Work on a tourist visa.
  • Work before you have your permit or registration.

Price level in Switzerland

€€€€€

Switzerland has the highest price level in this guide: 171 compared with the European Union average (100), according to Eurostat (2025). Rates tend to be higher, but so are accommodation, rooms in venues and health insurance. Work out your costs before you go.

Help and support organisations in Switzerland

117 · 112Police and emergencies in Switzerland
AspasieGeneva · information, health and rights · aspasie.ch
Flora DoraZurich · city advice service · stadt-zuerich.ch
FIZZurich · support for victims of trafficking · fiz-info.ch
ProCoRe · sexwork.chSwiss network · rules in each canton · sexwork.ch

Frequently asked questions about Switzerland

Can I work in Switzerland for just a few days?

Yes, if you have an EU or EFTA passport or ID card: up to 90 days a year with the notification on easygov.swiss, sent at least 8 days in advance. In the erotic sector it is compulsory from day one. You must also register in the canton if it requires it.

I'm from outside Europe and don't have an EU passport. Can I work in Switzerland?

No. Without an EU or EFTA passport you cannot apply for a permit to do this work. You can only do so if you already have a B or C permit granted for another reason, for example family reunification.

Do I have to register with the police?

It depends on the canton. In Geneva and Valais, yes, before you start. In the city of Zurich there is no registration, but you need a permit from the city to work on the street.

How much does health insurance cost?

It depends on the insurer and the deductible. In Geneva they recommend setting aside at least 350 francs a month. It is compulsory if you live in Switzerland.

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    Sources

    Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules change: always check with the canton where you are going to work.