What You Should Know as a Sex Worker
From: Team Intim
Vienna, March 3, 2026
Prostitution is legal in Vienna but strictly regulated—this is governed by the Vienna Prostitution Act of 2011 (WPG 2011). It protects the health and rights of sex workers and maintains public order. At the same time, there is a central police contact point and, most importantly, excellent, anonymous support and counseling services available to everyone working in the industry.
The 2011 Vienna Prostitution Act – What Are the Current Rules?
The law defines prostitution as commercial sexual activity and sets out clear obligations:
- Registration requirement: Every person must register with the City Hall (MA 15) and obtain a registration card (“green card”)—which includes regular health checkups.
- Permitted locations: Only in licensed establishments (studios, brothels) or one’s own home (if registered as self-employed).
- Prohibitions: No promotion of unsafe sexual practices (2023 amendment), restricted street solicitation (not in residential areas), possible time and location restrictions.
- Penalties: Violations of the law may result in fines or a suspension of operations.
Current consolidated version (as of February 2026):
→ RIS – Vienna Prostitution Act of 2011 (Consolidated Version)
- The reporting center at Deutschmeisterplatz 3 – what happens there?
Deutschmeisterplatz 3, 1010 Vienna is the headquarters of the Vienna Provincial Police Directorate (LPD Vienna) and the Registration Office for Prostitution Matters (Department SVA 1).
This is where the following items mainly end up:
- Advertisements/listings for prostitution establishments (studios, brothels, bars with private rooms)
- Questions regarding prohibitions, requirements, or police-related aspects of the law
Current contacts (as of March 2026):
- Address: Deutschmeisterplatz 3, 1010 Vienna
- Phone: +43 1 31310 21180 or 21182
- Email: lpd-w-sva-1-meldestelle@polizei.gv.at
- Office hours: Mon–Wed 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Thu 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Fri 7:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Office hours: Mon–Wed 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Thu 8 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1–4:30 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.–12 p.m. (Appointments recommended)
Important: In-person registration (registration card & health check) does not take place here, but at MA 15 (Thomas-Klestil-Platz 8, 1030 Vienna).
More about the departments:
→ polizei.gv.at – Office Hours, Vienna Police Department
Comprehensive Support & Counseling – You're Not Alone
The most important thing: There is free, anonymous, and multilingual support available for sex workers—whether regarding health, legal issues, violence, finances, leaving the industry, or crises.
Top places to visit in Vienna:
- Social Counseling Center for Sexual Health (MA 15)
Counseling, support, outreach, protection from violence, crisis intervention.
Address: Thomas-Klestil-Platz 8/1, 1030 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 4000 87791 / 87744
Email: sozialberatung-prostitution@ma15.wien.gv.at
→ wien.gv.at – Social Counseling Center for Sexual Health - LEFÖ – TAMPEP (for migrant women*)
Health prevention, counseling, outreach, multilingual.
Address: Kettenbrückengasse 15/4, 1050 Vienna
Tel: +43 699 122 33 102
Email: tampep@lefoe.at
→ lefoe.at/tampep - SOPHIE – Counseling Center for Sex Workers (Volkshilfe Vienna)
Legal issues, finances, violence, leaving the industry, online counseling.
Address: Oelweingasse 6-8, 1150 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 897 55 36
Email: sophie@volkshilfe-wien.at
→ sophie.or.at - Herzwerk Wien
Multilingual counseling, crisis intervention, social services.
Address: Beheimgasse 1, 1170 Vienna
Phone: +43 676 8969 2203
Email: herzwerk.wien@gmail.com
→ herzwerk-wien.at
24-hour hotlines for cases of violence or immediate emergencies:
- Women's Crisis Hotline Vienna: +43 1 71719 (24/7, anonymous)
- Women's Helpline Austria: 0800 222 555
Bottom line: Work legally—and accept help
Vienna’s Prostitution Act establishes clear rules, and the registration office at Deutschmeisterplatz 3 is available to answer questions regarding official procedures—but real protection and support come from the many counseling centers. Take advantage of them: they’re anonymous, free, and respectful. Reputable platforms like IntimCity prioritize transparency and verification—this ensures safety for everyone involved.
Do you have a personal question about registration, support, or an ad? Feel free to leave an anonymous comment or send us an InMail—we’ll be happy to assist you.
Stay safe, strong, and supported,
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on the Topic
Is prostitution legal in Vienna?
Yes, prostitution is legal in Vienna and throughout Austria, provided that the requirements of the Vienna Prostitution Act of 2011 (WPG 2011) are met. These include registration with the City Hall (MA 15), the control card (“green card”), and regular health examinations. Illegal forms (e.g., unregistered activity in private residences without a business license) are prohibited.
Where do I need to register as a sex worker?
In-person registration (issuance of the health card and medical examination) does not take place at Deutschmeisterplatz 3, but at the MA 15 Center for Sexual Health:
8 Thomas-Klestil-Platz / Entrance at 14 Schnirchgasse, 1030 Vienna
Phone: +43 1 4000-87765 or -87768
We recommend making an appointment.
What exactly does the reporting office at Deutschmeisterplatz 3 do?
The reporting office (Unit SVA 1, Vienna Police Department) is responsible for police and administrative matters:
- Reporting of Prostitution Establishments (Studios, Brothels, etc.)
- Answers to questions about bans and restrictions
- Reporting Violations of the Prostitution Act
This is not a counseling service for personal matters—that is what NGOs and MA 15 are for.
Is there anonymous and free counseling available for sex workers in Vienna?
Yes, there are several excellent, anonymous, and free options:
- MA 15 Social Counseling Center for Sexual Health (Thomas-Klestil-Platz 8, Tel. 01 4000 87791)
- LEFÖ – TAMPEP (for migrant women*, Tel. 0699 122 33 102)
- SOPHIE (Volkshilfe Vienna, Tel. 01 897 55 36)
- Herzwerk Wien (Tel. 0676 8969 2203)
All offer counseling on health, legal issues, violence, finances, leaving the industry, and more—often in multiple languages and with outreach services.
Who should I contact in cases of violence, coercion, or an emergency?
In case of violence or immediate danger, 24 hours a day:
- Women's Crisis Hotline Vienna: 01 71719 (24/7, anonymous, free of charge)
- /FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on the Topic 00 222 555 (nationwide, 24/7)
If you suspect human trafficking or forced prostitution: LEFÖ Intervention Center (01 796 92 98) or contact the police directly (133). You do not have to give your name—many agencies handle cases confidentially./
Team Intim
Vienna, March 2026