- As a sex worker, you also have to arrange your finances to be able to do your work
- This could include opening a bank account or taking out insurance
- Sometimes, it’s useful to have a PIN device if you are self-employed
- A bank or insurer may not refuse to accept you as a client because you are a sex worker
- Are you having problems with a financial institution? We can help you
Opening a bank account
You need a bank account to arrange your finances. Are you self-employed? In that case, you need a business account. Otherwise, you need a regular bank account.
As a sex worker, it can be difficult to open a bank account because not all banks accept people in your profession. A bank is not allowed to refuse you as a client because you are a sex worker.
Examples of banks that often do accept sex workers are Bunq, Knab, ING, Revolut and Openbank.
You have the right to open a bank account if:
- You are 18 or older
- You have a valid proof of ID: Dutch passport, Dutch ID card, passport or ID card from an EEA country (these are all EU countries plus Lichtenstein, Norway and Iceland) or an Alien’s ID (formerly known as a W document)
- A permanent residence or domicile in the Netherlands, or
- A postal address at an emergency organization or government institution
Is a bank refusing to accept you as a client? You can file a complaint with that bank. How do you file a complaint?
Taking out a mortgage
You want to buy a house. And that requires money. Usually, you take out a mortgage for that with a bank. A bank is not allowed to refuse you as a client because you are a sex worker.
Taking out a mortgage is the same for you as a sex worker, as it is for someone with a different profession. How much you can borrow depends on how much you earn. You can talk to a bank to take out a loan. Or get advice from a mortgage adviser.
Is the bank refusing your mortgage application because you are a sex worker? You can file a complaint with that bank. How do you file a complaint?
Applying for a PIN device
If you have a PIN device, clients can pay you on the spot.
At most banks, it is difficult for sex workers to get a PIN device. Zettle does sometimes accept sex workers as clients.
Have you tried to get a PIN device? And were you unsuccessful because you’re a sex worker? Our Reporting and Advice Point for sex workers may be able to help you.
Taking out insurance
We recommend that you take out these types of insurance if you are a sex worker:
- Liability insurance
- Legal aid insurance
- Disability insurance
- Healthcare insurance
Have you not been helped properly by an insurer?
Is an organization refusing to accept you as a client? Are you unable to resolve your issue with the organization? Let us know. Our Reporting and Advice Point can help you.
Tax Authorities
As a sex worker in the Netherlands, you will have to deal with the Tax Authorities.
This can include:
- Paying taxes
- Tax returns