Sex workers

If you are a sex worker or want to perform sex work in Utrecht, there are certain things you need to arrange for your work. Read all about sex work from your own home, sex work regulations, as well as health, safety and assistance.

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As of January 2025, sex workers are allowed to work from home. To ensure that everyone has a safe and healthy work environment, we conduct checks on home sex workers.

You do not need a permit and can start on your own. However, you must meet the following conditions (from the general municipal bylaws):

• 1 resident per residence is allowed to perform sex work. This resident must be registered at the address of the residence.
• You must have been registered at an address in the Netherlands for 3 months.
• Your work area must be clean.
• You may receive clients in your home between 06:00 am and 01:00 am.
• You must be at least 21 years old.
• The money you earn from sex work must only go to you. You are not allowed to work with someone who arranges clients for you. You are allowed to place ads yourself.
• You must meet the requirements for a home business in Utrecht.

If you live in a rental property, you need permission from your landlord to perform sex work from home. Contact your landlord about this.

Are you new to sex work, or have you just moved to the Netherlands? 

You must meet the following requirements to work as a sex worker.

• You are at least 21 years old.
• You have Dutch nationality or are a citizen of another country in the European Economic Area.
• You are registered with a Dutch municipality.
• You are registered with the Chamber of Commerce (please bring identification when registering).
• You are registered with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst). This happens automatically when you register with the Chamber of Commerce
• You have a citizen service number (BSN).
• You have a bank account number.

The following additional rules apply in Utrecht:

• There are no tolerance zones in Utrecht.
• There are no window brothels.

It is important to you and your customers that you work safely and pay attention to your health. Unsafe sex can lead to getting an STD (sexually transmitted disease).

STD test

If you think you have an STD, visit your general practitioner (GP) or the GGD Utrecht STD clinic for an STD test. If you have questions or want advice about safe sex and preventing HIV or other STDs, visit the Soa Aids Nederland website. You can also always contact your GP.

Assistance

Belle information and advice centre

Belle is the assistance and service organisation for sex workers over 18 who live or work in Utrecht. You can contact Belle for information and advice on sex work. For example:

• assistance regarding topics such as safety, a career switch, housing, administration, finances, legal questions, education and language courses. Belle can refer you to other organisations if necessary.
• medical care and education about STDs, HIV, pregnancy, safe working practices and work-related medical complaints.
• a meeting with a confidential counsellor.
• a meeting with a career coach.
• quitting sex work.

View Belle’s full range of services and opening hours

Help for women up to 23 years old

Are you or do you know a young woman who has or is developing dangerous contact with loverboys? Pretty Woman provides education and assistance to young women aged 12 to 23. This can be done 1 on 1 or in groups. For more information and contact details, visit www.prettywoman-utrecht.nl.

You may encounter annoying or aggressive customers in this line of work. Sex workers are sometimes exploited. Brothel operators, the municipality and the police are working to counter this. If you feel unsafe, please get in touch with your community police officers: call 0900 8844. In an emergency, always call 112.

In a risky situation:

• Trust your instincts. If you do not trust a client, do not go with them or do not let them in.
• In case of violence, threats or theft, try to leave the work area or car and warn others.
• Call the emergency number 112.
• Write down license plate number(s) and/or a description of persons who have been bothering you or behaving suspiciously.

Do you suspect that someone is being forced to work? Do you know the perpetrator, and does the perpetrator know you? Are you afraid to contact the police? Call Stichting M at 0800 7000 and report it anonymously (this is not the police).