When you think of Milan, you think of fashion, food, and finance. But beneath the polished surface of its designer boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s another side to the city-one that’s quietly evolving. The escort industry in Milan isn’t what it was ten years ago. It’s not just about street corners or phone numbers anymore. It’s digital, regulated, and more complex than most people realize.
How the Industry Changed After 2020
Before 2020, escort work in Milan operated in a gray zone. It wasn’t illegal to sell sex, but advertising it, running brothels, or organizing clients through third parties was. That meant most escorts worked alone, using social media or private websites to connect with clients. No agencies. No storefronts. Just discretion.
Then came the pandemic. Lockdowns wiped out nightlife, tourism, and cash flow. Many escorts left the city. Others adapted. They moved entirely online. Video calls replaced hotel rooms. Subscription platforms like OnlyFans became a lifeline. Some even started offering non-sexual services-companionship, conversation, event attendance-because those were legal, safe, and in demand.
By 2023, over 60% of active escorts in Milan reported that less than 20% of their income came from in-person encounters. The rest came from digital content, virtual dates, or private memberships. The industry didn’t shrink-it shifted.
Legal Boundaries Are Still Tight, But Enforcement Has Changed
Italian law hasn’t changed. Prostitution itself isn’t criminalized. But pimping, soliciting in public, and running establishments are. Milan’s police still shut down illegal brothels. They still fine people caught advertising on public buses or billboards. But they’ve stopped raiding private apartments.
Why? Because the game changed. There are no more visible pimps. No more women standing on street corners. No more flyers taped to lampposts. Today’s escort work is decentralized, encrypted, and hard to track. Authorities now focus on human trafficking, not consensual adult work.
In 2025, Milan’s municipal police reported a 78% drop in prostitution-related arrests compared to 2019. Not because there are fewer people doing it-but because it’s no longer visible. The work moved behind screens, encrypted apps, and private networks.
Who’s Doing This Work Now?
It’s not the same people as before. Ten years ago, many escorts were migrants from Eastern Europe or North Africa, often under pressure or debt. Today, the majority are Italian women in their late 20s to mid-40s. Many have university degrees. Some work full-time in marketing, design, or remote tech jobs-and do escorting on the side for extra income.
A 2024 survey of 312 active escorts in Milan found that 42% had a bachelor’s degree or higher. 61% said they chose this work because it offered flexible hours. 37% said they preferred it to traditional jobs because they could set their own rates and boundaries.
There are also men and non-binary individuals entering the space. While still a small percentage, their numbers grew by 220% between 2021 and 2025. Clients are increasingly open to diverse options. The demand isn’t just for traditional heterosexual encounters anymore.
Technology Is Rewriting the Rules
Apps like Tinder and Bumble used to be where escorts found clients. Now, they use niche platforms built for adult services-like EscortList, TheLounge, and private Telegram channels. These platforms let users verify identities, leave reviews, and pay securely with crypto or digital wallets.
AI is also playing a role. Some escorts use chatbots to screen clients before meeting. Others use AI-generated photos to create profiles that don’t show their real faces. A growing number are even using voice cloning tools to offer audio companionship without ever meeting in person.
Payment systems have changed too. Cash is rare. Most transactions happen via PayPal, Revolut, or cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and Monero are popular because they’re untraceable. Some escorts now accept NFTs as payment for exclusive content.
What Clients Want Today
It’s not just about sex. Clients in Milan are looking for connection, confidence, and escape. A 2025 study by the University of Bologna found that 68% of clients sought emotional companionship over physical intimacy. Many wanted someone to talk to after a long workday. Others wanted to feel attractive again.
High-end clients pay €300-€800 for a dinner date, a walk through Sforza Castle, or a private concert. The most popular services now include:
- Meeting for coffee and conversation
- Attending events as a date (art openings, opera nights)
- Virtual dates via Zoom with themed scenarios
- Personalized video messages or audio diaries
- Weekend getaways to Lake Como or the Alps
Physical encounters still happen-but they’re no longer the main product. They’re an option, not the expectation.
The Rise of the Independent Brand
The best earners in Milan’s escort scene today aren’t working for agencies. They’re running personal brands. Think of them like influencers, but for adult services.
One woman, known only as “Luna” online, has 18,000 followers on Instagram. She posts about Milan’s hidden cafes, vintage fashion finds, and her thoughts on relationships. Only a small fraction of her content is explicit. Her real income comes from Patreon memberships, private bookings, and brand partnerships with local lingerie designers and perfume makers.
Another, “Marco,” runs a newsletter called La Vita Notturna-a weekly digest of Milan’s nightlife, culture, and personal essays. He charges €25/month. His clients say they pay for the writing, not the sex.
This shift is the biggest change of all. The industry is becoming about personality, not just body. The most successful escorts are storytellers, curators, and companions first.
What’s Next? The Next Five Years
By 2030, Milan’s escort industry could look like this:
- More regulation around digital platforms-possibly requiring age verification and safety protocols
- Legal recognition of escorting as freelance work, with access to health insurance and tax benefits
- Government-funded safety programs, including mental health support and legal aid
- Integration with tourism-official “companion experiences” marketed as part of Milan’s cultural offerings
- AI companionship tools becoming mainstream, reducing demand for human interaction
Some activists are pushing for decriminalization of advertising and agency work. Others fear that regulation will push the industry further underground. The truth? It’s already underground. And it’s thriving.
The future of escorting in Milan isn’t about legality. It’s about autonomy. It’s about people choosing how they earn, who they serve, and what they offer. The city may not admit it, but it’s already happening.
Is This Sustainable?
Yes-but only if safety stays a priority. The biggest risks now aren’t from the police. They’re from scams, doxxing, and burnout. Many escorts report working 60+ hour weeks, juggling clients, content creation, and personal life. Mental health support is rare. There’s no union. No safety net.
The ones who last are the ones who set boundaries. Who say no. Who take breaks. Who invest in therapy, legal advice, and digital security. They’re not just workers. They’re entrepreneurs.
And in a city that values style, elegance, and control, that’s exactly the kind of business that’s going to survive.
Is escorting legal in Milan?
Yes, selling sex is legal in Milan and throughout Italy. However, advertising it, running brothels, or organizing clients through third parties is illegal. Most escorts today work independently and avoid public advertising to stay within the law.
Do escorts in Milan still work on the streets?
Almost never. Street-based work declined sharply after 2020. Today, nearly all services are arranged privately through apps, websites, or encrypted messaging. Police no longer patrol for street solicitation because it’s no longer a visible issue.
How much do escorts in Milan earn?
Earnings vary widely. Independent escorts make between €50 and €800 per hour, depending on experience, services offered, and client type. Those who build digital brands or offer premium experiences (like weekend trips or personalized content) can earn €3,000-€10,000 monthly without ever meeting clients in person.
Are men and non-binary people working as escorts in Milan?
Yes. While women still make up the majority, the number of male and non-binary escorts has grown rapidly since 2021. Their client base is diverse, including LGBTQ+ individuals and heterosexual women. Demand for inclusive services is rising.
Can I hire an escort in Milan as a tourist?
Yes, but not in the way you might expect. Most escorts don’t offer casual, walk-in services. You’ll need to book in advance through verified platforms. Many now offer cultural experiences-like private tours, dinner dates, or art gallery visits-as alternatives to physical encounters. Always prioritize safety and clear communication.
