Swiss sex workers reveal the harsh reality behind legalized prostitution
Sex work in Switzerland remains legal for adults, yet the daily reality for many in the industry is far from glamorous. While social media often paints escorting as a lucrative and flexible work, workers like Maria and Mia May describe a demanding profession filled with long hours and persistent challenges. Despite varying regulations across cantons, the legal framework has seen little change since 2014, leaving many in the trade to navigate inconsistent rules and public misconceptions.
Maria, now 41, entered sex work as a young woman over two decades ago. She recalls early struggles with setting boundaries and managing client expectations. Though she has considered leaving the profession, the flexibility and income keep her returning.
Mia May, a 24-year-old independent escort and erotic model, works gruelling schedules that often exceed 120 hours a week. Despite juggling multiple income streams, her annual earnings match those of a typical job—contrary to the myth of quick wealth. She stresses that self-determination, not financial ease, defines her work.
Switzerland's legal landscape adds another layer of complexity. Prostitution remains legal for adults, but cantons enforce vastly different rules. Zurich and Basel operate regulated brothels with mandatory health checks, while Geneva and Vaud impose stricter zoning and client registration. In Bern, regulations are more relaxed, whereas Ticino requires restrictive licensing. These inconsistencies push some workers underground, complicating enforcement.
Rebecca Angelini of ProCoRe, an advocacy group, warns that the industry's so-called 'golden era' is over. High competition and misleading portrayals on social media create false expectations. The lack of a clear legal definition for 'escort' further blurs the lines, leaving many workers classified under broader sex work regulations.
Both Maria and Mia May highlight the gap between public perception and reality. What outsiders see as glamorous often involves exhaustion, unpredictable income, and the constant need to assert professional boundaries.
The Swiss sex industry continues to operate under a patchwork of cantonal rules, with no major legal shifts since 2014. Workers face long hours, inconsistent earnings, and varying levels of protection depending on location. While the profession offers flexibility, the daily demands and regulatory hurdles paint a far less glamorous picture than often portrayed.
