Minimum age to get a tattoo in various European countries (2023):
18 years exclusively
18 years, from 16 years with authorisation
18 years, from 14–17 years (varies by region) with authorisation
18 years, no minimum age with authorisation
16 years exclusively
No regulation
No data
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.
The 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.[3][4]
Greek tattoo law only covers tattoos and not permanent make-up. Other key provisions, in a non-exhaustive summary:[3]
Only tattoo people who are at least 18 years of age. People 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.
As 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]
One 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.[citation needed]
Unlike 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 or 18+ without parental consent.[10]
In 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.[citation needed]
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.[12]
In the United Kingdom, tattoos are regulated by both the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969[14] and the Tattooing of Minors (Northern Ireland) Order 1979.[15] 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.[16]
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