Germany's Prostitute Protection Act Explained: Registration, Rules and the Debate

Germany is one of the few large countries in the world where sex work is fully legal and regulated. That does not mean anything goes. Since 2017, the Prostitute Protection Act, or Prostituiertenschutzgesetz (ProstSchG), has imposed clear obligations on sex workers, businesses and clients. This guide explains the main rules and the political debate around them in 2026. It is general information, not legal advice.

A short history

The Prostitution Act of 2002 recognised sex work as a legal activity and allowed sex workers to sue for unpaid fees and access social insurance. The ProstSchG, which came into force on 1 July 2017, added a regulatory framework intended to protect sex workers and fight exploitation.

The main rules

Registration

Anyone who works as a sex worker in Germany must register with the competent local authority before starting work. Registration includes an information interview, and the authority issues a registration certificate, sometimes called a "whore pass" by critics, which can be issued under an alias. Registration must be renewed periodically, more often for workers under 21.

Health counselling

Before registering, sex workers must attend a confidential health counselling session at the public health office, which must also be repeated at regular intervals. This is counselling, not a compulsory medical examination.

Licences for businesses

Anyone who runs a prostitution business, such as a brothel, an escort agency or certain types of event, needs a licence. Operators must pass a reliability check and meet minimum standards for the premises, such as emergency call systems and separate sleeping quarters.

Compulsory condom use

Condom use is compulsory for sexual services in Germany, and advertising services without condoms is prohibited. Clients who break this rule can be fined.

Advertising restrictions

Advertising must not be explicit in a way that offends the public, and it is forbidden to advertise unprotected services or services involving pregnant workers.

What remains a crime

• Trafficking, forced prostitution and exploitation under the Criminal Code.
• Pimping that controls or exploits a sex worker.
• Paying for sex with a person under 18.
• Knowingly using the services of a victim of trafficking or forced prostitution.
• Working in a restricted zone (Sperrbezirk) where a city has designated one.

The 2025 evaluation

The law required an evaluation, which was carried out by the Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony (KFN) and published in 2025. It surveyed more than 2,300 sex workers, 800 officials, 3,400 clients and 280 business operators. Its main conclusions:

• The law had to a large extent achieved several of its objectives, particularly informing sex workers of their rights and health risks and improving conditions in licensed establishments.
• Only some sex workers register. The main reasons are fear of disclosure, concerns about data security and stigma, plus bureaucratic obstacles and immigration barriers.
• The evaluators recommended reforms rather than abolition of the law.

Abolitionist organisations have strongly criticised the evaluation's methodology, while sex worker rights groups have used it to argue against criminalising clients.

The Nordic model debate

In March 2026, the CDU/CSU's legal policy spokesperson called again for a ban on buying sex, and senior CDU figures have supported the idea. However, the ban is not in the coalition agreement. The federal family minister has instead set up an independent expert commission to propose stronger protections and support for people who want to leave sex work. As of late summer 2026, buying sex from a consenting adult remains legal in Germany.

Practical points for visitors and touring companions

• Touring companions must register before working in Germany. The registration certificate records the places where you intend to work, so tell the authority about every region you plan to visit and keep the details up to date.
• Check whether the city you visit has restricted zones or times.
• Clients must respect the condom obligation.
• If anything suggests coercion or someone under 18, leave and call 110 (police) or the Hilfetelefon on 116 016.

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Frequently asked questions

Do clients need to register in Germany?

No. Registration and health counselling apply to sex workers, and licences apply to businesses. Clients must respect the condom obligation and must never use the services of a person under 18 or a victim of exploitation.

Is the registration certificate public?

No. The certificate is issued to the sex worker and can be issued under an alias. Concerns about data security are one of the reasons many workers still do not register.