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Registering prostitution activities for the first time

  • Service description

    Since the Prostitute Protection Act came into force on 1 July 2017, binding regulations for the practice of prostitution have applied nationwide. Anyone who engages in prostitution in Germany is obliged to register with the authorities and undergo health counselling beforehand.

    The obligation to register and provide counselling applies without exception to all people who provide sexual services in return for payment. Health counselling and registration must take place in person.

    A certificate of registration will be issued. This is valid nationwide.

    Persons between the ages of 18 and 21 must have their registration certificate renewed after one year. For persons over 21 years of age, the registration must be renewed after two years.

  • Procedure

    Prior to registration, a health consultation by the public health department is required. This must be repeated every 12 months, and every 6 months for under 21-year-olds. You will be informed about topics such as pregnancy, contraception, protection against diseases or the risk of alcohol and drug consumption. A certificate will be issued at the appointment. You must present this when registering for prostitution.

    You will then register with the relevant district office. In an information and counselling session, you will be informed about your rights and obligations, health and social counselling services or the availability of help in emergency situations, among other things.

  • Who should I contact?

    Contact the public order office in your district or city.

  • Prerequisites

    • Certificate of health counselling (not older than 3 months)
    • Identity card, passport, replacement passport or identity card
    • If you have a foreign nationality and are not entitled to freedom of movement, you must prove that you are authorised to pursue employment or self-employment in Germany
    • 2 passport photos
  • What fees are incurred?

    You will receive a certificate as proof of registration.

    An alias certificate can also be issued on request. The alias name is freely selectable.

  • Processing time

    You will receive the registration certificate within 5 working days.

  • Legal basis

  • Legal remedy

    You can lodge an appeal against a negative decision.

  • What else should I know?

    Both certificates - registration certificate and health counselling certificate - must always be carried when engaging in prostitution. Anyone who is unable to present any or only invalid certificates during inspections must expect to be fined.

  • Short text

    Anyone who engages in prostitution in Germany is obliged to register with the authorities.

  • Author

    Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal
  • Typing

    3b

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