Beginner’s Guide to Adult Work in Munich: What to Know Before You Start

If you're thinking about starting adult work in Munich, you're not alone. Every month, dozens of new people join the scene-some looking for extra cash, others building a full-time business. But Munich isn’t just another city. It has its own rules, rhythms, and risks. What works in Berlin or Hamburg doesn’t always apply here. And if you walk in blind, you could end up wasting time, money, or worse.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

In Germany, sex work is legal. That’s the good news. But legality doesn’t mean freedom. The law treats adult work like any other job-you need to register, pay taxes, and follow health regulations. In Munich, you’re required to register with the local Ordnungsamt (Public Order Office). No exceptions. Skip this step, and you’re operating illegally, even if you’re not breaking any other rules.

You’ll need a valid ID, proof of address, and a clean criminal record. No felony convictions, especially around fraud or exploitation. If you’re from outside the EU, your residency status matters. Work permits don’t automatically cover adult work. You’ll need to check with the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners’ Office) before you start.

Health checks are mandatory every three months. You must get tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia at an approved clinic. The city keeps a list of these clinics. You can’t just go to your regular doctor. Failure to complete a check means you can’t legally work. And if you’re caught working without a valid certificate, you could face fines or even a temporary ban.

Where Do People Actually Work?

Munich’s adult work scene isn’t like what you see in movies. There are no red-light districts with street walkers. The city cracked down on that years ago. Today, most work happens online or in private apartments.

Online platforms like AdultWork.com are the most common starting point. You’ll find hundreds of profiles from Munich-based workers. Most use these sites to book appointments, set rates, and screen clients. The platform handles payments, which reduces risk. But you still need to be careful. Never share your real address. Use a PO box or a virtual office for correspondence.

Private apartments are the next big option. Many workers rent small, furnished flats in quieter neighborhoods-Schwabing, Haidhausen, or Bogenhausen. These areas are popular because they’re central but not tourist-heavy. Landlords usually don’t care what you do as long as you pay rent on time and keep noise down. But you’ll need to be upfront. Some landlords will kick you out if they find out. Others won’t ask questions.

Independent escort agencies exist, but they’re rare in Munich. Most are small, family-run operations. They take 30-50% of your earnings. In return, they handle marketing, scheduling, and sometimes security. But not all are trustworthy. Some charge upfront fees-this is a red flag. Legitimate agencies never ask for money before you start working.

Setting Your Rates and Boundaries

What you charge depends on three things: your experience, your look, and your location. In Munich, new workers typically start at €60-€100 per hour. After a few months, most settle between €100-€180. If you’re bilingual, have a unique style, or offer specialized services, you can go higher.

But don’t just pick a number and stick with it. Watch what others are charging on AdultWork.com. Filter by Munich. See who’s getting booked. What do their profiles say? What services do they list? That’s your market research.

Boundaries are just as important as pricing. Decide upfront what you will and won’t do. No one should pressure you. If a client asks for something that makes you uncomfortable, say no. You don’t owe them a reason. Block them. Report them. Your safety comes before their expectations.

Use a screening system. Ask for their full name, job, and a recent photo. Run a quick Google search. If they mention “VIP,” “special,” or “no condom,” that’s a warning sign. Trust your gut. If something feels off, walk away.

Staying Safe and Avoiding Scams

Scams happen. Always. In Munich, the most common one is the “advance payment” trick. Someone messages you saying they’ll pay €500 upfront for a 2-hour session-but only if you send them a photo of your ID or bank details first. That’s not real. That’s a fraud. Real clients pay after the service, through the platform or in cash.

Never meet someone in a hotel you don’t control. Never go to their place. Always meet in your own space or a public location for the first time. If you’re meeting someone for the first time, tell a friend where you’re going, who they are, and what time you’ll be back. Use a check-in app like Life360 or just send a text every hour.

Keep your phone charged. Always have a backup. Carry pepper spray if you feel safer with it. Munich has good public transport, but late-night rides can be sketchy. Use Uber or a licensed taxi. Don’t rely on strangers offering rides.

Don’t post your face on social media. Use a stage name. Don’t link your adult work profile to your Instagram or Facebook. Clients can-and do-stalk people online. If they find your real life, it can end badly.

Taxes, Paperwork, and Long-Term Planning

You’re a business owner now. That means taxes. You must register as a Selbstständige (self-employed person) with the Finanzamt (tax office). You’ll get a tax ID and need to file quarterly reports. You can hire a bookkeeper for €30-€50/month. It’s worth it. Messing up taxes can cost you more than you make.

Keep receipts for everything: rent, internet, phone, transportation, even makeup or clothing you use for work. These are deductible expenses. You can claim up to 70% of your income as business costs. That cuts your tax bill significantly.

Save for health insurance. Even though you get regular tests, you still need full coverage. If you’re under 30, you can stay on your parents’ plan. After that, you’ll need your own. Public insurance is cheaper but less flexible. Private insurance gives you more control but costs more. Figure out what works for you.

Think about the future. This isn’t a lifelong career for most people. Plan how you’ll transition out. Save money. Learn a new skill. Take a course in digital marketing, writing, or design. Many former workers end up running their own blogs, YouTube channels, or coaching businesses. You don’t have to stay in this forever.

What No One Tells You

The loneliness hits hard. You’ll work alone. You’ll see people for short bursts. You’ll build connections, but they’re transactional. That’s normal-but it can wear you down. Talk to someone. Join a support group. There are a few in Munich, like Prostitution Information Center or Arbeiterwohlfahrt. They offer free counseling, legal advice, and even therapy.

People judge. You’ll hear whispers. You’ll get sideways glances. Some friends will drift away. That’s not your fault. But you don’t owe anyone an explanation. You don’t need to justify your choices. Your worth isn’t tied to your job.

And yes, it can be empowering. You’re in control. You set your hours. You decide your rates. You protect your boundaries. That’s powerful. If you can handle the stress, the paperwork, and the stigma, this can be one of the most honest ways to earn money in this city.

Just don’t rush it. Take your time. Learn. Ask questions. Watch. Listen. Read. Talk to others who’ve been there. Munich isn’t the easiest place to start-but if you do it right, it can be one of the most stable.

If you’re serious about starting, don’t rush. Learn the rules. Talk to others. Build your profile slowly. Stay safe. Stay smart. Munich doesn’t make it easy-but it doesn’t make it impossible either.