Can I get a tattoo if I'm under 18?
No: tattoos are banned under 18, even with parental consent. Under the salon hygiene norms (Health Ministry Order 1648/2024), cosmetic and artistic tattooing of people under 18 is banned. Salons have no right to tattoo minors, regardless of whether the parent consents. For piercing, the rules differ: body piercing and dermal implants are banned for people under 16, except ear piercing, for which parental consent is needed. Genital piercing is banned under 18. Operators must hold qualification courses and observe the hygiene and first-aid norms. In short: under 18 — no tattoo, and for piercing only the ear, with parental consent.
📋 The rules
- Tattoo banned under 18, even with parental consent
- Body piercing banned under 16
- Exception: ear piercing, with parental consent
- Genital piercing banned under 18
- Salons: qualification courses + hygiene norms
🔓 Exceptions
- Ear piercing: allowed with parent/guardian consent
- People over 18: tattoo and piercing with no age restriction
- Aesthetic procedures on minors: restricted by the hygiene norms
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Salons that breach the ban — tattooing minors or doing non-permitted piercings — risk sanctions under the hygiene norms and sanitary law, applied by the control authorities (DSP). Besides fines, a salon that doesn't observe the hygiene norms, doesn't hold qualification courses or works in improper conditions risks suspension of activity. For the minor, the real risk is to health: tattoos and piercings done improperly can cause infections and complications. To stay compliant: if you're under 18, you can't lawfully get a tattoo; for an ear piercing, go to an authorised salon with a parent; and if you're an operator, strictly observe the hygiene norms, check the customer's age and ask for parental consent where needed.
📎 Official sources
- Health Ministry Order 1648/2024 · salon hygiene norms →
- Ministry of Health →
- Health Ministry Order 1136/2007 · piercing and tattoo studios →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I get a tattoo if I'm under 18?
No. Under the salon hygiene norms (Order 1648/2024), cosmetic and artistic tattooing of people under 18 is banned. Salons have no right to tattoo minors, regardless of whether the parent consents. You must wait until you turn 18 for a lawful tattoo.
Can I get a piercing if I'm a minor?
It depends on the type and age. Body piercing and dermal implants are banned under 16, except ear piercing, for which parent or guardian consent is needed. Genital piercing is banned for anyone under 18. So ear piercing with consent is the main option for younger minors.
Does parental consent matter for a tattoo?
No. For tattoos, the under-18 ban applies even when the parent consents. Salons have no right to tattoo minors in any situation. Parental consent matters only for ear piercing, not for tattoos or other types of piercing.
What rules must salons observe?
Tattoo, piercing and dermal-implant operators must hold qualification courses and be trained in hygiene and first aid. Salons must observe the hygiene norms set by Health Ministry order, to reduce the risk of infections and other complications during procedures.
What does a salon risk for tattooing minors?
Salons that tattoo minors or do non-permitted piercings risk sanctions under the hygiene norms and sanitary law, applied by the control authorities. Besides fines, a salon that doesn't observe the hygiene norms or works in improper conditions can have its activity suspended.
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