Puneet Varma (Editor)

Legal status of tattooing in the European Union

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Austria

You may get a tattoo at the age of 16 with parental consent (this can be written) and without parental consent from the age of 18 upwards.

Contents

Belgium

In Belgium, there is not a specific implementation decree regulating the sector of piercing and tattooing practices.

Bulgaria

No legislation exists.

Croatia

You may get a tattoo or piercing at the age of 16 with parental consent (parents must be present) and without parental consent from the age of 18 upwards. (tattooing or piercing of minors may vary depending on studios policy, some refuse to tattoo or pierce minors completely)

Cyprus

The legal age to get a tattoo in Cyprus is 18.

Czech Republic

No legislation found.

Denmark

The Danish tattoo law was valid from June 15, 1966. It is unlawful to tattoo someone under the age of 18. In addition to this it is unlawful to tattoo someone on the head, neck and hands.

Estonia

No legislation found.

Finland

You need to be 18+ to get a tattoo in Finland, however, you may be able to get a permit to get a tattoo under the age of 18.

France

The legal minimum age is 18 in France.

Germany

You must be over 18 years of age to get a tattoo freely without parental consent. You need to have parental or guardian consent at the ages of 16 and 17.

Greece

The minimum age is 18.

Greek tattoo law only covers tattoos and not permanent make-up.

Other key provisions (non exhaustive summary):

  • Only tattoo persons who are at least 18 years of age. Persons under the age of 18 may only be tattooed in the presence of a guardian who has given the required written consent.
  • Not advise on the customer's state of physical health or offer any medical opinion.
  • Not effect any medical procedure, be it on the recommendation, under the guidance or with the help of any form of medical specialist.
  • Not proceed in any manner whatsoever to remove a tattoo.
  • Hungary

    No legislation found.

    Ireland

    "There is no legislation regulating body piercing and tattooing. As a result there is no legal minimum age at which you can get a body piercing or tattoo." However, many tattoo shops will refuse to tattoo anyone under the age of 18.

    Italy

    You must be over 18 years of age to get a tattoo freely without parental consent. You need to have parental or guardian consent at the ages of 16 and 17.

    Latvia

    The legal age is 16.

    Lithuania

    The age is 18 or 16 with consent of parents.

    Luxembourg

    No legislation found.

    Malta

    The minimum age is 18.

    Netherlands

    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 children 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.

    Poland

    No regulation.

    Portugal

    Reportedly the age limit is 14 .

    Romania

    The minimum age is 18

    Slovakia

    No legislation found.

    Slovenia

    No legislation found.

    Spain

    16 with parent's consent. 14 or 15 in some parts of the country with parent's consent.

    Sweden

    No legislation, but most tattoo shops will refuse to tattoo you if you're under 18.

    References

    Legal status of tattooing in the European Union Wikipedia