Legal status of tattooing in the European Union
Austria
You may get a tattoo at the age of 17 with parental consent (this can be written) and without parental consent from the age of 18 upwards.[1]
Belgium
In Belgium, there is not a specific implementation decree regulating the sector of piercing and tattooing practices.[2]
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 16 with written consent of parent.
18 without permission from parents
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.[2][3]
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 16 (with consent from parents) 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. [4]
Greece
The minimum age is 18.
Greek tattoo law only covers tattoos and not permanent make-up.
Other key provisions (non exhaustive summary):[2]
- 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."[5] However, many tattoo shops will refuse to tattoo anyone under the age of 15.
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 18.
Lithuania
The age is 18 or 15 with consent of parents.
Luxembourg
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 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.[6]
Poland
18, or 16 with parental consent. .
Portugal
18, or 16 with parental consent. .
Romania
The minimum without parental consent is 18. With parental consent you can get away at some salons from the age 14. (Parental supervision)
Slovakia
Age 16 with parental concent but most tattoo parlours will refuse anyone under 18
Slovenia
No legislation found.
Spain
17 with parent's consent. Anyone the age of 18 or upwards does not need consent 14 or 15 in some parts of the country with parent's consent.
Sweden
16, but most tattoo shops will refuse to tattoo you if you're under 18.
References
- ↑ "Age limits". Infomobil. Archived from the original on 2011-08-17. Retrieved 2013-08-18.
- 1 2 3 http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/cons_safe/news/eis_tattoo_reg_052003_en.pdf
- ↑ http://tattoo.dk/engelske/law_on_tattooing.html
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=591