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Rules and health

Age and consent

The studio is in Germany, just over the border. Many clients come from the Netherlands. So here are both situations side by side, as precisely as possible. This is general information and not legal advice.

In Germany

German law sets no fixed minimum age for a tattoo, and the youth protection law doesn’t regulate it either. Other rules do apply, though. A minor has limited legal capacity, so an agreement with a studio needs the parents' consent. Legally, a tattoo is also a bodily intervention that is only allowed with valid consent. Whether consent from a minor or from a parent is always enough is not clearly settled; sources differ on this. The trade association Bundesverband Tattoo advises against tattooing minors. That’s why many studios only work for people aged 18 and over.

In the Netherlands

In the Netherlands the rules are set out in law, in the Warenwetbesluit tatoeëren en piercen (the Dutch decree on tattooing and piercing). Under 12 a tattoo is forbidden. Between 12 and 16 it is only allowed with the consent of a parent or guardian, who must be present, and not on the head, neck, wrists or hands. From 16 you decide for yourself. Dutch studios also need a licence from the GGD (the Dutch public health service).

Which rule applies to you?

The location of the studio is what counts: if you get a tattoo in Gronau, you fall under the German framework. The fact that you live in the Netherlands, or that in the Netherlands you can decide for yourself from 16, doesn’t change that. For the studio’s own rules on age: ask beforehand.

Always bring

Bring a valid ID, even if you look well over 18. A driving licence, passport or identity card is fine. As a rule, a studio records that you agree and that you have been informed about the risks and the aftercare. That sounds formal, but it protects you just as much as the studio.

Consent is more than a signature

You can always ask questions, and you can stop at any moment. Consent is also about exactly what will be tattooed, and where. Take a calm look at the stencil on your skin, in the mirror and in different positions, before the needle starts. If something isn’t right, say so: right now changing it is still free.

Under the influence of alcohol or drugs you can’t decide properly, and that’s a reason not to start. The same goes for a decision someone else makes for you. A tattoo as a gift can be lovely, but the person who wears it decides.

Why young skin needs attention

In young people who are still growing, a tattoo can still move along and change shape. Taste and work can also still change. That is one of the reasons why a calm decision is worth it, and why waiting a year rarely costs anything. A good design is still a good design next year.

For parents

Does your child want a tattoo? Talk about it and look together at the work of different studios. Read preparation and health, so you know what you’re agreeing to, and ask the studio beforehand how they handle this.

The form

Many studios have you fill in a form about your health and your consent before the session. Really read it, and fill it in honestly. It’s about things that affect your safety, such as medication, allergies and pregnancy. In the Netherlands such a consent form is required by law; in Germany it is common practice. Feel free to ask what happens to the data and how long it is kept. These are health data, and they call for care.

Frequently asked

Can I get a tattoo in Germany at 16?

The law sets no fixed age, but a minor needs the parents' consent and many studios only work from 18. Ask beforehand.

Does the Dutch rule apply if I’m Dutch?

The location of the studio is what counts. In Gronau the German framework applies.

Do I need to show ID?

Always bring a valid ID.

Sources

General information, not medical or legal advice. Aftercare advice from the studio comes first.