Legal status of tattooing in European countries explained

Legislation controlling tattooing varies among countries in Europe. 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 European country

CountryAge (with authorisation)Age (without authorisation)Notes
No legislation[1]
1618Parental consent can be written.[2]
1618Parents must be present to give consent for children.
No legislation[3]
1618Parents must be present to give consent for children.
1618
No legislation
18The Danish tattoo law was valid from 15 June 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.[4]
18
Unspecified age18Permit required for anyone under 18.
1618Parental consent required for anyone under 18.
No legislation[5]
1618Greek tattoo law only covers tattoos and not permanent make-up. Other key provisions, in a 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.
18As in the UK, a person under 18 may not be tattooed except for medical reasons, per the Tattooing, Piercing, Acupuncture and Electrolysis (Guernsey and Alderney) Law, 2000. In practise the law is rarely enforced.[6] [7]
No legislation
No legislation16 is de facto with parents present throughout Ireland, but there is no legislation. From the age of 18 without parental authorisation.[8]
18As in the UK, a person under 18 may not be tattooed except for medical reasons, per the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1984.[9]
No legislationOne must be over 18 years of age to get a tattoo freely without parental consent. Those over the age of 16 must have parental consent.
1618Unlike in the UK, the Isle of Man or Guernsey, the minimum age to obtain a tattoo in Jersey is set at 16 (with parental consent), under the Piercing and Tattooing (Jersey) Law 2002.[10]
18
1618In Lithuania one can get a tattoo from the age of 16, or in the presence of a guardian or a parent who has given the required written consent if one is under this age.
18
1618[11]
16In 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.[12]
No legislation
1618
1618
18
1618
No legislation
14–1718Age varies by region.
No legislation
18In the United Kingdom, tattoos are regulated by both the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969[13] and the Tattooing of Minors (Northern Ireland) Order 1979.[14] The former applies to Great Britain and the latter applies to Northern Ireland. Both acts in principle define a minor (in relation to obtaining a tattoo) as any person under the age of 18. However, both acts allow for exceptions in which any person below the minimum age may obtain a tattoo for medical reasons, when performed by a duly qualified medical practitioner or by a person working under their direction.[15]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in the world . 15 July 2020 . inkhappened.com . 6 June 2023.
  2. Web site: Age limits . Infomobil.org . 2013-08-18 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110817083950/http://infomobil.org/en/content/age-limits-2 . 2011-08-17.
  3. Web site: Justice and Consumers . European Commission . 3 April 2019.
  4. Web site: The Danish Law on Tattooing . Tattoo.dk . 2019-04-03.
  5. Web site: de . Jugendschutzgesetz 2013: Ab wann sind Tattoos und Piercings erlaubt? . 7 September 2011 . T-online.de . 2013-08-18.
  6. Web site: Piercing law almost impossible to enforce . 26 January 2010 . guernseypress.com .
  7. Web site: Tattooing and Piercing . 4 March 2016 . gov.gg . 2016-03-04.
  8. Web site: Children and rights in Ireland . Citizensinformation.ie . 2013-08-18.
  9. Web site: Isle of Man Government - Body piercing . gov.im .
  10. Web site: Piercing and Tattooing (Jersey) Law 2002 . jerseylaw.je .
  11. Web site: CONTROL OF TATTOOING ACT . justiceservices.gov.mt . 4 February 2019.
  12. Tattooing, permanent makeup and piercing in Amsterdam; guidelines, legislation and monitoring . J. A. R. van den . Hoek . R. A. . Coutinho . A. . Boonstra . J. . Worp . 1 January 2006 . Eurosurveillance . 11 . 1 . 5–6 . 29208151 . 10.2807/esm.11.01.00591-en . free.
  13. News: Tattooing Of Minors Act 1969 . 1969 . Legislation.gov.uk . 14 October 2019.
  14. News: Tattooing Of Minors (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 . 1979 . Legislation.gov.uk .
  15. News: Tattooing Of Minors Act 1969 . 1969 . Legislation.gov.uk . 14 October 2019.