Is Escorting Legal in the Netherlands? Rules, Age and Licences

Is escorting legal in the Netherlands? Yes, for adults who take part freely. Sex work between consenting adults is legal and regulated, and an agency that arranges it needs a licence from its municipality. This guide explains the main rules, what is changing and what a visitor can check before booking. It is general information, not legal advice. Check current rules with the municipality or a lawyer.

Is sex work legal for adults?

Yes. The Netherlands lifted its ban on brothels on 1 October 2000 and since then treats voluntary sex work by adults as legal work. The rules focus on protecting people: forced prostitution, exploitation, human trafficking and anything involving minors are serious crimes and are actively prosecuted.

What is the minimum age?

Today the national minimum age is 18. In May 2026 the Dutch cabinet announced that it wants to raise it to 21 as quickly as possible, because younger sex workers are more vulnerable to pressure and exploitation. This is a policy intention and, as of October 2026, we have no date for the change. Some municipalities already set a higher age in their local rules. Pink Society works with adults aged 21 and over only. See the announcement on rijksoverheid.nl.

Does an escort agency need a licence?

In most Dutch municipalities, yes. A business that arranges escort services is usually treated as a sex business and needs an operating licence from the municipality where it is based. Each municipality sets its own conditions. Typical requirements include:

• an integrity screening of the operator under the Bibob Act
• a management plan that describes how the agency works
• checks of identity, age and right to work for everyone who works for the agency
• rules on privacy, health and safety, and voluntary participation
• a clear, written way for companions and clients to raise complaints

We are applying for our licence in Amstelveen. Until it is granted, we do not take bookings. You can read how we work on our About page.

What is not allowed?

• working with a person who is under the legal age, or who is forced, pressured or controlled
• running an agency without the required licence
• using people who have no right to work in the Netherlands
• taking an unfair share of earnings through pressure or threats, which is the exploitation the government is trying to stop

What is changing?

Two developments are worth knowing about, and both come from the same May 2026 announcement:

• Higher minimum age. The cabinet wants 21 instead of 18.
• A possible ban on pimping. The government is only studying how such a ban could be designed. It is not yet a bill.
• Municipal supervision. A bill that gives municipalities clearer powers to supervise sex businesses and process data for enforcement is to go to Parliament.

Rules can change, so we review this page regularly.

How a visitor can check an agency

• Ask for the company name, Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number and licence details. A genuine agency shows them.
• Expect clear written terms on price, cancellation and what is and is not included.
• Expect to show ID. A real agency checks adults on both sides.
• Be careful with pressure, cash-only demands or vague answers about who you will meet.
• Never pay a deposit to a personal account or an unfamiliar payment link.

Our booking guide and our guide to your AVG privacy rights go into more detail.

Common questions

Is it legal to pay for company in the Netherlands?

Yes, when the companion is an adult and takes part freely, and the agency works within the law. Forced or underage participation is a crime.

Is it legal for tourists too?

The same rules apply to visitors as to residents. Local rules, such as areas where activity is not allowed, can differ by municipality.

Does Pink Society have a licence yet?

Our application is in progress in Amstelveen. We open for bookings only after it is granted. Details will appear in our footer.

What if the law changes the minimum age?

We already work with adults aged 21 and over, so a change to 21 would not affect us. We will update this page when the law changes.

Sources and further reading

Rijksoverheid.nl: cabinet plans to raise the minimum age to 21 and study a pimping ban (13 May 2026). Questions? Contact us or see our FAQ.