Legal status of tattooing in European countries
Appearance
Legislation controlling tattooing varies among the countries of the European Union (EU). In many countries there is no particular legislation. In countries that do have legal controls, they relate mainly to the minimum age of clients. Greece and Denmark impose further stipulations.
Legal controls by EU country
Country | Age (With Parental Consent) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Austria | 17 | Parental consent can be written[1] |
Belgium | No Legislation[2] | |
Bulgaria | No Legislation | |
Croatia | 16 | Parents must be present to given consent. |
Cyprus | 16 | |
Denmark | 18+ | It is unlawful to tattoo someone on the head, neck and hands.[2][3] |
Estonia | No Legislation | |
Finland | 18+ | Permit required for anyone under 18. |
France | 16 | |
Germany | 16 [4] | |
Greece | 18+ | Greek tattoo law only covers tattoos and not permanent make-up. Other key provisions, in a non-exhaustive summary:[2]
|
Hungary | No Legislation | |
Ireland | No Legislation[5] | |
Italy | 17 | |
Latvia | 18+ | |
Lithuania | 18+ | |
Luxembourg | 18+ | |
Malta | 18[6] | |
Netherlands | 16 | In the Netherlands, the age at which persons may decide for themselves to have a tattoo and piercing is 16 years. This age limit is suspended for earlobe piercing but pertains to all other areas. Informed consent forms, with information concerning health (including allergies) must be available and must be signed by the client. In the case of young adults under 16 years, a parent or guardian must sign. If they have signed but are not present with the client, the tattooist or piercer must verify their consent by telephone. Signed consent forms must be kept by the studio in a locked file for ten years.[7] |
Poland | 16 | |
Portugal | 16 | |
Romania | Unknown | |
Slovakia | 16 | |
Slovenia | No Legislation | |
Spain | 14-17 | Age varies by region |
Sweden | 16 |
References
- ^ "Age limits". Infomobil.org. Archived from the original on 2011-08-17. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
- ^ a b c "Justice and Consumers". European Commission - European Commission. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
- ^ "The Danish Law on Tattooing". Tattoo.dk. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
- ^ "Jugendschutzgesetz 2013: Ab wann sind Tattoos und Piercings erlaubt?". T-online.de. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
- ^ "Children and rights in Ireland". Citizensinformation.ie. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
- ^ "CONTROL OF TATTOOING ACT". Retrieved 4 February 2019.
- ^ Hoek, J. A. R. van den; Coutinho, R. A.; Boonstra, A.; Worp, J. (1 January 2006). "Tattooing, permanent makeup and piercing in Amsterdam; guidelines, legislation and monitoring". Eurosurveillance. 11 (1): 5–6. doi:10.2807/esm.11.01.00591-en. Retrieved 3 April 2019 – via www.eurosurveillance.org.