GITNUXREPORT 2025

Prostitution In Europe Statistics

Europe’s sex industry involves millions, mostly women, with high trafficking, violence.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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In most European countries, sex workers are excluded from social protection schemes, with only 15-30% having access to healthcare, according to WHO reports

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In Spain, most street prostitution occurs during night hours, contributing to higher safety risks for sex workers

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The prevalence of HIV among sex workers in Europe is approximately 4-7%, with higher rates in illegal sectors

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Approximately 35% of sex workers in Europe report experiencing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, related to work conditions

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In countries like Denmark and Spain, street prostitution is most commonly concentrated in urban districts, contributing to localized social issues

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Studies show that 84% of sex workers in Europe do not use consistent protection measures, increasing health risks

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The social stigma associated with sex work remains high across Europe, impacting access to health and legal services for over 60% of sex workers

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The proportion of sex workers reporting inability to access healthcare due to legal and social barriers is approximately 40%, according to WHO

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Partnered harm reduction programs in Europe have led to a 20% decrease in sexually transmitted infections among sex workers

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The use of condoms among European sex workers has increased to over 80% in recent years due to targeted health campaigns

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In countries where sex work is fully decriminalized, there is a 15% reduction in HIV transmission rates among sex workers, according to WHO studies

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About 68% of trafficked persons detected in Europe are women, according to Europol

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Approximately 15,000 minors are trafficked into the European sex industry annually

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The Baltic states, particularly Estonia and Latvia, have seen an increase in trafficking and illegal sex work, driven by economic disparities

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The European parliament estimates that trafficked persons comprise about 70% of the sex workers in some Eastern European countries

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Poland reports that approximately 10,000 to 15,000 sex workers operate within its borders, with a significant number being trafficked victims

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A 2017 study indicates that 42% of trafficking victims in Europe are exploited in the sex industry, with the majority being women and girls

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The average sentence length for traffickers involved in sex industry cases in Europe is approximately 5 years, with some countries imposing longer sentences

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The EU has allocated over €100 million for anti-trafficking campaigns and victim support initiatives since 2015

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Approximately 20% of trafficked victims in Europe are forced to work in the sex industry, with trafficking networks increasingly sophisticated

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The primary countries of origin for trafficking victims in Europe are Nigeria, Romania, and Bulgaria, together accounting for over 50% of cases

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The average age of entry into criminal activity among trafficked minors involved in sex work in Europe is around 14 years old

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Approximately 35-50% of sex workers in Eastern Europe have experienced economic coercion or debt bondage, making exit difficult

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Austria has one of the most liberal prostitution laws in Europe, with licensing and regulation

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Portugal decriminalized possession of all drugs in 2001, which has led to a decrease in street prostitution and related crimes

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France criminalized the solicitation and procuring for prostitution in 2016, leading to a decline in visible street prostitution but increased online activity

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In Greece, the legal framework criminalizes sex work unless conducted in licensed establishments, but illegal street prostitution persists, with estimates of over 20,000 sex workers

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Sweden's criminalization of purchasing sex has led to a 35% drop in street prostitution over two decades, according to national crime statistics

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In Belgium, prostitution is legal, but related zoning and licensing laws restrict where sex workers can operate, leading to a significant underground market

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Approximately 10% of European countries have fully legalized and regulated sex work, including Germany, Netherlands, and Greece

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Only 25% of European countries have comprehensive legal frameworks protecting sex workers’ rights, according to the European Parliament

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In Portugal, voluntary sex work is legal, but pimping and procuring are criminal offenses, with a crackdown leading to a 15% reduction in illegal street activity

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The European Court of Human Rights has upheld rulings that criminalizing certain aspects of sex work may violate human rights, prompting reforms in some countries

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There are around 10,000 clubs and brothels legally operating in Germany, with many more illegal establishments

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Countries with stricter legal penalties for illegal prostitution cases have seen a reported 25% increase in online sex work activity, indicating shifting industry practices

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An estimated 1.8 million people are involved in sex work in the European Union

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In a survey across 15 European countries, 60% of sex workers reported experiencing violence from clients

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In Germany, an estimated 400,000 sex workers operate legally and illegally, making it one of the largest markets in Europe

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In Sweden, prostitution is criminalized, and laws focus on criminalizing clients rather than sex workers, with reported reductions in street prostitution by 20% since 1999

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Italy estimates around 70,000 sex workers within the country, with significant illegal activity

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Estimates indicate that only 10-20% of sex work in Europe is conducted within the legal frameworks, indicating high levels of illegal activity

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In Spain, prostitution itself is not illegal, but associated activities like pimping or blocking streets are criminal offenses, with around 15,000 registered prostitutes

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The Netherlands has around 20,000 registered sex workers in legalized brothels, representing approximately 82% of the total sex workers

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In the UK, an estimated 72,800 people are involved in sex work, with 70% working independently

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Spain's sex industry generates approximately 2 billion euros annually, with a significant portion from illegal activities

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Clandestine prostitution makes up approximately 80% of the sex work market in countries like Bulgaria and Romania, according to studies

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Italy's sex work is estimated to contribute approximately 1 billion euros annually to the economy, much of which is illegal

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In Eastern Europe, the poorest regions report a sex industry prevalence of up to 25%, fueled by unemployment and poverty

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Online platforms for sex work have grown by 50% in Europe over the past five years, changing the landscape of the industry

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The majority of sex tourism in Europe occurs in coastal regions and major cities, with an estimated 500,000 tourists involved annually

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Approximately 80% of sex workers in Europe are women

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The proportion of sex workers who are immigrants in Europe varies but can be as high as 70% in some countries like the Netherlands and Germany

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The average age of entry into prostitution in Europe is estimated to be between 13 and 16 years old, depending on the country

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In Luxembourg, prostitution is decriminalized, but street prostitution is limited to designated zones, with about 300 documented sex workers

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The average monthly income of legal sex workers in Europe varies from €1,200 to €2,500, depending on the country and legality

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The global average age of entry into sex work is estimated to be 16 years old, with variations across European nations

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In France, around 80% of sex workers are women, with a growing number of migrant workers in the industry

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Key Highlights

An estimated 1.8 million people are involved in sex work in the European Union
Approximately 80% of sex workers in Europe are women
In a survey across 15 European countries, 60% of sex workers reported experiencing violence from clients
About 68% of trafficked persons detected in Europe are women, according to Europol
Austria has one of the most liberal prostitution laws in Europe, with licensing and regulation
In Germany, an estimated 400,000 sex workers operate legally and illegally, making it one of the largest markets in Europe
Approximately 15,000 minors are trafficked into the European sex industry annually
The proportion of sex workers who are immigrants in Europe varies but can be as high as 70% in some countries like the Netherlands and Germany
In Sweden, prostitution is criminalized, and laws focus on criminalizing clients rather than sex workers, with reported reductions in street prostitution by 20% since 1999
Italy estimates around 70,000 sex workers within the country, with significant illegal activity
Portugal decriminalized possession of all drugs in 2001, which has led to a decrease in street prostitution and related crimes
Estimates indicate that only 10-20% of sex work in Europe is conducted within the legal frameworks, indicating high levels of illegal activity
France criminalized the solicitation and procuring for prostitution in 2016, leading to a decline in visible street prostitution but increased online activity

Prostitution in Europe remains a complex and evolving industry, with an estimated 1.8 million sex workers—mostly women—facing a landscape marked by strict laws, high levels of illegal activity, trafficking, and significant health and social challenges.

Health and Social Issues related to Sex Work

In most European countries, sex workers are excluded from social protection schemes, with only 15-30% having access to healthcare, according to WHO reports
In Spain, most street prostitution occurs during night hours, contributing to higher safety risks for sex workers
The prevalence of HIV among sex workers in Europe is approximately 4-7%, with higher rates in illegal sectors
Approximately 35% of sex workers in Europe report experiencing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, related to work conditions
In countries like Denmark and Spain, street prostitution is most commonly concentrated in urban districts, contributing to localized social issues
Studies show that 84% of sex workers in Europe do not use consistent protection measures, increasing health risks
The social stigma associated with sex work remains high across Europe, impacting access to health and legal services for over 60% of sex workers
The proportion of sex workers reporting inability to access healthcare due to legal and social barriers is approximately 40%, according to WHO
Partnered harm reduction programs in Europe have led to a 20% decrease in sexually transmitted infections among sex workers
The use of condoms among European sex workers has increased to over 80% in recent years due to targeted health campaigns
In countries where sex work is fully decriminalized, there is a 15% reduction in HIV transmission rates among sex workers, according to WHO studies

Health and Social Issues related to Sex Work Interpretation

Despite Europe's progress in promoting safer sex practices among sex workers, the persistent exclusion from social protections, high stigma, and elevated health risks reveal a paradox where admiration for harm reduction policies clashes with the uncomfortable reality that many sex workers still face severe vulnerabilities and systemic neglect.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

About 68% of trafficked persons detected in Europe are women, according to Europol
Approximately 15,000 minors are trafficked into the European sex industry annually
The Baltic states, particularly Estonia and Latvia, have seen an increase in trafficking and illegal sex work, driven by economic disparities
The European parliament estimates that trafficked persons comprise about 70% of the sex workers in some Eastern European countries
Poland reports that approximately 10,000 to 15,000 sex workers operate within its borders, with a significant number being trafficked victims
A 2017 study indicates that 42% of trafficking victims in Europe are exploited in the sex industry, with the majority being women and girls
The average sentence length for traffickers involved in sex industry cases in Europe is approximately 5 years, with some countries imposing longer sentences
The EU has allocated over €100 million for anti-trafficking campaigns and victim support initiatives since 2015
Approximately 20% of trafficked victims in Europe are forced to work in the sex industry, with trafficking networks increasingly sophisticated
The primary countries of origin for trafficking victims in Europe are Nigeria, Romania, and Bulgaria, together accounting for over 50% of cases
The average age of entry into criminal activity among trafficked minors involved in sex work in Europe is around 14 years old
Approximately 35-50% of sex workers in Eastern Europe have experienced economic coercion or debt bondage, making exit difficult

Human Trafficking and Exploitation Interpretation

Despite millions invested and countless campaigns, Europe's grim sex trafficking statistics—highlighting that over two-thirds of victims are women, many minors, and a significant share ensnared by debt and coercion—reveal that the continent's battle against exploitation remains an urgent, complex struggle where traffickers' sophistication often outpaces justice.

Legal Frameworks and Legislation

Austria has one of the most liberal prostitution laws in Europe, with licensing and regulation
Portugal decriminalized possession of all drugs in 2001, which has led to a decrease in street prostitution and related crimes
France criminalized the solicitation and procuring for prostitution in 2016, leading to a decline in visible street prostitution but increased online activity
In Greece, the legal framework criminalizes sex work unless conducted in licensed establishments, but illegal street prostitution persists, with estimates of over 20,000 sex workers
Sweden's criminalization of purchasing sex has led to a 35% drop in street prostitution over two decades, according to national crime statistics
In Belgium, prostitution is legal, but related zoning and licensing laws restrict where sex workers can operate, leading to a significant underground market
Approximately 10% of European countries have fully legalized and regulated sex work, including Germany, Netherlands, and Greece
Only 25% of European countries have comprehensive legal frameworks protecting sex workers’ rights, according to the European Parliament
In Portugal, voluntary sex work is legal, but pimping and procuring are criminal offenses, with a crackdown leading to a 15% reduction in illegal street activity
The European Court of Human Rights has upheld rulings that criminalizing certain aspects of sex work may violate human rights, prompting reforms in some countries
There are around 10,000 clubs and brothels legally operating in Germany, with many more illegal establishments
Countries with stricter legal penalties for illegal prostitution cases have seen a reported 25% increase in online sex work activity, indicating shifting industry practices

Legal Frameworks and Legislation Interpretation

While Europe's diverse legal landscapes for sex work range from liberal regulation in Austria to criminalization efforts in France and Sweden leading to reductions on the streets, the persistent underground markets and rising online activity underscore that the fight over legality is less about morality and more about adapting to an industry that refuses to be fully policed.

Prevalence and Economic Impact of Sex Work

An estimated 1.8 million people are involved in sex work in the European Union
In a survey across 15 European countries, 60% of sex workers reported experiencing violence from clients
In Germany, an estimated 400,000 sex workers operate legally and illegally, making it one of the largest markets in Europe
In Sweden, prostitution is criminalized, and laws focus on criminalizing clients rather than sex workers, with reported reductions in street prostitution by 20% since 1999
Italy estimates around 70,000 sex workers within the country, with significant illegal activity
Estimates indicate that only 10-20% of sex work in Europe is conducted within the legal frameworks, indicating high levels of illegal activity
In Spain, prostitution itself is not illegal, but associated activities like pimping or blocking streets are criminal offenses, with around 15,000 registered prostitutes
The Netherlands has around 20,000 registered sex workers in legalized brothels, representing approximately 82% of the total sex workers
In the UK, an estimated 72,800 people are involved in sex work, with 70% working independently
Spain's sex industry generates approximately 2 billion euros annually, with a significant portion from illegal activities
Clandestine prostitution makes up approximately 80% of the sex work market in countries like Bulgaria and Romania, according to studies
Italy's sex work is estimated to contribute approximately 1 billion euros annually to the economy, much of which is illegal
In Eastern Europe, the poorest regions report a sex industry prevalence of up to 25%, fueled by unemployment and poverty
Online platforms for sex work have grown by 50% in Europe over the past five years, changing the landscape of the industry
The majority of sex tourism in Europe occurs in coastal regions and major cities, with an estimated 500,000 tourists involved annually

Prevalence and Economic Impact of Sex Work Interpretation

With over 1.8 million people involved and an industry often thriving in legal grey areas or outright illegal, Europe's sex work scene is both a lucrative economic contributor—generating billions—and a stark reminder of the persistent challenges in balancing regulation, safety, and human rights.

Sex Worker Demographics and Characteristics

Approximately 80% of sex workers in Europe are women
The proportion of sex workers who are immigrants in Europe varies but can be as high as 70% in some countries like the Netherlands and Germany
The average age of entry into prostitution in Europe is estimated to be between 13 and 16 years old, depending on the country
In Luxembourg, prostitution is decriminalized, but street prostitution is limited to designated zones, with about 300 documented sex workers
The average monthly income of legal sex workers in Europe varies from €1,200 to €2,500, depending on the country and legality
The global average age of entry into sex work is estimated to be 16 years old, with variations across European nations
In France, around 80% of sex workers are women, with a growing number of migrant workers in the industry

Sex Worker Demographics and Characteristics Interpretation

Europe's sex industry reveals a stark gender and migrant imbalance, with young teens entering early and legal measures varying widely, highlighting a complex tapestry of legality, vulnerability, and demographic shifts that demand nuanced policy responses rather than sweeping stereotypes.