Partner Contribution – created in collaboration with discreto.ch.
If you’re looking for adult listings in Zurich, you first run into a volume problem and then a trust problem. Offers are scattered across platforms, forums, social media channels and messenger groups. The same photos appear under different names. Listings stay online even though the person no longer works in the city. And because it’s a sensitive topic, few dare to ask openly – which is exactly what benefits those who want to make money with fake profiles.
There’s another issue: „ZurichSalon prostitution. Anyone who provides premises in buildings or vehicles for the practice of prostitution must obtain a permit from the office designated by the city police before commencing operations (Art. 11 PGVO). This does not apply to those who provide no more than two premises and where prostitution is practiced by at most one additional person (Art. 11 para. 2) – these are the so-called mini brothels. Requirements for the permit include, among other things, a building permit valid for sexual commercial use and assurance of proper business management (Art. 12). Operators must comply with statutory working conditions, provide prevention materials free of charge, and ensure that only capable persons work in the business (Art. 13). The city police conduct inspections; businesses maintain a daily roster of active persons (Art. 14). In case of violations, the permit can be revoked and the business can be closed after a warning (Art. 18).
Street prostitution. Anyone who wishes to use public ground for this purpose needs a personal permit (Art. 8); requirements are legal capacity, a residence permit with the right to engage in gainful employment, and proof of health insurance (Art. 9). The city council sets the areas and times (Art. 7). According to the city police information sheet, registration takes place in person at the counter at Selnaustrasse 27, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., combined with a consultation with employees of the Social Department (Flora Dora).
The approved zones and times according to the current city police information sheet:
- Niederdorf zone, bounded by Seilergraben – Neumarkt – Rindermarkt – Marktgasse – Limmatquai: street prostitution 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., window prostitution 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Allmendstrasse zone, from the southern motorway exit towards Zurich (PP Brunau / under the motorway bridge) to the level of the Sihlcity car park spiral: 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Depotweg zone (stroll area) in Altstetten: Sunday to Thursday 6:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
The stroll area at Depotweg is operated by the Social Department; the on-site team at Depotweg accompanies sex workers. Services include counselling, health promotion, a doctor’s surgery every two weeks, and STI tests in collaboration with Isla Victoria. Guests have clear rules: access only by vehicle via Aargauerstrasse, no pedestrians, walking pace on the corso, and services take place exclusively on the premises.
Important for you as a guest: The fine regulations apply not only to the provider. Under Art. 17 para. 1 lit. a PGVO, anyone who seeks or uses such a service outside the approved area or time is also subject to a fine. Stopping outside the zones and times is therefore not a grey area.
The regulation is adjusted from time to time, and municipal rules outside the city differ. For binding information, the Zurich City Police, Administrative Police, Commercial Police Department is responsible.
Safety and respect
Consent is specific, not blanket. What was discussed applies; what was not discussed does not apply. Agreements are made beforehand, not renegotiated on the spot. A „no