Belgium became the first European country to effectively decriminalise sex work on 18 March 2022.

For a long time, there was a tolerated policy for sex work, but no legal framework. This caused many problems as anyone working with sex workers, such as an accountant or driver, also became part of criminal practices. Without a legal framework, a sex worker, for instance, could not go to a bank to get a property credit.  To give sex workers recognition and protection (such as social status and a safety net in case of reduced income), the exploitation of sex work for adults is being decriminalised step by step. Self-employed sex workers can thus legally engage in sex work without the obstacles of the past. In the next phase, licensed operators and thus employment contracts will be allowed. Advertising prostitution of an adult person is only allowed when advertising one's own sexual services, such as a window in a space where one already engages in prostitution today. Advertising is also permitted on internet platforms or newspapers and magazines specifically for that purpose. Think of the classic small advertisement in a newspaper. Internet platforms must immediately report all cases of abuse and exploitation to the police and the public prosecutor's office.

The purchase of sexual services does not constitute a criminal offence.

The law provides a specific criminal law framework as an additional safeguard for abusive prostitution of adults who are not covered by the provisions on human trafficking. Thus, the exploitation of sex work is decriminalised but if an element of trafficking or abuse is found to exist, the acts remain punishable. Human trafficking.law

A law was enacted in April 1995, with the specific intent of repressing human trafficking. This law was reviewed and amended in August 2005; however, since then, human trafficking has been redefined and concerns whosoever exploits a person by making a person work in conditions contrary to dignity. Therefore, human trafficking is not only concerned with the exploitation of another solely with regard to prostitution but also is concerned with the exploitation of consenting victims, whether they be foreign citizens or not. It is punished by one to five years’ imprisonment and a fine. Restrictions on business activity and the closure of establishments may also be imposed.

The country has established a policy to aid the victims of human trafficking who agree to break away from their exploitation and are willing to defend their interests in the context of a legal procedure against their exploiters.

At Antwerp the more progressive local authority has proceeded in the development of a new prostitution zone with a private promoter, with the aim of replacing an older prostitution zone that should have been demolished long ago. Working conditions have improved, but only for those persons whose situation is legal.

 Some localities give financial support to social projects that go towards facilitating cohabitation between prostitutes and the inhabitants (Schaerbeek).

The local authority at Liège has decided to close the windows in February 2009.