Belgium — Legal Help

Belgium became the first country in Europe to fully decriminalise sex work under the Loi du 21 mars 2022 amending the Penal Code, and in 2024 passed a Sex Workers' Social Status Act granting employment contracts, sick leave and pensions. Age of consent is 16 (harmonised in 2022); the minimum age for sex work is 18. Cannabis remains illegal but possession of up to 3g by an adult is generally not prosecuted; harder drugs carry criminal penalties.

If detained, call your embassy — they issue emergency passports and lawyer lists but do not intervene in cases. General emergencies: 112.