Prostitution In Vienna: Legal Or Not?

Prostitution in Vienna, Austria, is a booming business. While it is generally legal, it is a highly precarious and exploitative field of work. In this paragraph, we will explore the complex nature of prostitution in Vienna, including its history, current regulations, and the ongoing challenges faced by sex workers in the city.

Prostitution in Vienna is regulated by law

In terms of regulation, prostitution in Vienna is permitted around the northern Gürtel, the Naschmarkt area, the northern third district, and the second district. It is important to note that street prostitution is generally illegal in Austria, and residents can apply for restrictions on the time and place where it is allowed if they feel harassed by its presence. Since 2011, there has been a massive campaign against street prostitution led by various interest groups, and sex workers have disappeared from some areas.

The legal framework surrounding prostitution in Vienna includes requirements for sex workers to undergo regular health checks and legal monitoring. Additionally, there are regulations on the operation of brothels, such as the minimum age of sex workers and the proximity to certain public buildings. The age of consent for sex workers and clients also varies across regions.

While prostitution is legal in Vienna, it is important to address the issue of human trafficking, which is often associated with the sex industry. There have been cases of human trafficking reported in Vienna, and it is a challenging aspect to control.

Sex workers in Vienna pay taxes

Prostitution in Vienna, Austria, is legal and regulated. Sex work has been a part of the country's history for centuries, with the practice being tolerated by the church and state during the Middle Ages.

In Vienna, prostitution is a booming business, with the city's red-light district attracting many tourists. The industry generates a significant amount of income, with estimates suggesting it brings in up to 1 billion euros per year. A portion of this revenue goes directly to the state in the form of income and sales taxes.

Sex workers in Vienna are considered self-employed and, as such, are required to pay taxes on their earnings. Since 1997, they have also been included in social insurance contributions. While the specifics of tax registration for sex workers in Vienna are unclear, it is likely that they follow a similar process to other self-employed individuals, which typically involves registering with a government or finance bureau and reporting earnings.

The requirement to pay taxes applies to all forms of sex work, including those working in brothels, as strippers, or providing escort services. While some sex workers may attempt to avoid paying taxes by working illegally, this is a minority and the majority comply with tax obligations.

The taxation of sex workers in Vienna is an important aspect of the industry's regulation and contributes to the city and country's overall economy.

Street prostitution in Vienna is illegal

In 2009, the city of Vienna identified five "hot spots" where street prostitutes could be found: Linzer Straße in the 14th district, Hütteldorfer Straße and the outer Mariahilferstraße in the 15th district, the Struwerviertel area, and the Prater area in the second district. However, since the new law was introduced, street prostitutes have vanished from Linzer Straße.

While prostitution is illegal in residential areas, certain zones within these areas have the right to define so-called "tolerance zones" where sex workers are permitted to work. These zones are not explicitly defined as such, but sex workers are allowed to operate as long as it is not a residential area.

The new law has not reduced the number of street prostitutes in Vienna. Instead, it has forced many women to work illegally in areas where prostitution is prohibited. According to Christian Knappik, an advocate for sex workers' rights, there are about 50 women working on the streets today, compared to 400 before the amendment to the prostitution act. He calls for the legalisation of street prostitution in areas where sex workers' safety is guaranteed and hourly hotels are available.

The Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior considers illegal prostitution a problem due to its association with crimes such as human trafficking, pimping, and rape, as well as the health risks posed by unregistered sex workers.

Sex workers in Vienna must undergo regular health checks

Prostitution in Austria is legal and regulated, except in the province of Vorarlberg. Vienna's red-light district is a booming business, rivalling that of Amsterdam and Hamburg. However, the city has struggled with the problem of illegal sex workers, particularly those working on the streets.

To address this issue, Vienna has implemented several measures, including mandatory health checks for sex workers. Sex workers in Vienna must undergo regular health examinations to obtain and maintain their legal status. This requirement is not new; it dates back to the 1800s when Dr Nusser of the Vienna police suggested that prostitutes be required to undergo medical examinations twice a week. While the frequency of these examinations has likely decreased, the requirement for regular health checks remains.

The process of becoming a legal sex worker in Vienna is straightforward. Applicants must meet specific requirements, including being between the ages of 18 and 30, possessing strong communication skills, and speaking English and German conversationally. They must also undergo a thorough health examination by a doctor. This examination must be done twice, with the second one taking place one week after the first.

Once the health checks are completed, sex workers receive a Green card, which serves as their health book. This Green card, along with the Blue card that grants the right to work as a sex worker in Vienna, are essential for anyone seeking to work legally in the industry. The mandatory health checks are designed to protect the health of both the sex workers and their clients, particularly in light of concerns about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

However, some critics argue that mandatory health checks for sex workers are based on stereotypes and stigmatisation. They claim that it reinforces the notion that sex workers are primarily responsible for spreading diseases. Additionally, the lack of consent in the medical context and the discriminatory treatment faced by sex workers during examinations have been raised as concerns. Despite these criticisms, Vienna continues to require regular health checks for sex workers as a condition of their legal employment.

Prostitution in Austria is only illegal in Vorarlberg

Prostitution in Austria is legal and regulated, with sex workers paying taxes and undergoing mandatory health checks. However, prostitution is only illegal in the province of Vorarlberg, located in the west of the country. Vorarlberg has the strictest prostitution laws in Austria, with prostitution integrated into the "Vice Squad Law" under the section "Sexual Offences for Commercial Ends". While prostitution itself is not forbidden in Vorarlberg, there are no licensed brothels in the region. The absence of brothels in Vorarlberg is due to the requirement for approvals from local councils, which rarely grant permission for brothels to operate. As a result, those seeking sexual services from the region often travel to Au, a town in Switzerland near the border.

The legal status of prostitution in Austria has evolved over time. Historically, prostitution was tolerated during the Middle Ages, and it was even taxed during the rule of Rudolph I of Habsburg (1273-1291). However, under Maria Theresa of Austria (1740-1780), prostitution was completely forbidden, and prostitutes were exiled. Austrian laws eventually shifted to view prostitution as a "necessary evil" that required regulation by the state. Over time, various regulations were implemented, such as mandatory medical examinations and health certificates for prostitutes.

Today, prostitution in Austria is regulated at both the regional and federal levels, resulting in a diverse regulatory landscape. While prostitution is generally permitted, there are differences in the laws across regions regarding the minimum age, permissible locations, and requirements for operating a brothel. For example, in Vienna, street prostitution is allowed but restricted in residential areas, near public transport stops, cemeteries, and allotments. Additionally, local residents can apply for restrictions on the time and place of prostitution if they feel harassed by its presence.

Despite the legal framework surrounding prostitution in Austria, challenges remain. The Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior considers illegal prostitution a problem due to its association with human trafficking, pimping, and rape. There are also health concerns related to unregistered prostitutes, with a significant proportion testing positive for sexually transmitted infections. Efforts are being made to address these issues, such as through the establishment of support organisations for sex workers and initiatives to transform illegal prostitution into regulated prostitution.

Frequently asked questions