Five years ago, walking through Milan’s Navigli district at night, you’d see women standing on corners, handing out cards. Today, you won’t see them. Instead, you’ll find a quiet smartphone screen lighting up in a corner cafe - a message from someone who works as an independent escort, living in a one-bedroom apartment in Porta Venezia, managing her own bookings, taxes, and social media. The escort industry in Milan hasn’t disappeared. It’s transformed.
From Street Corners to Secure Apps
The old model - street-based, cash-only, visible to everyone - is gone. Police crackdowns in 2019 and 2021 pushed most operators offline. But instead of vanishing, the industry migrated to encrypted platforms. Apps like EscortHub, PrivateMeet, and local Italian alternatives like MilanPass now handle everything: scheduling, vetting, payment processing, and even client reviews. These platforms use end-to-end encryption and require identity verification. Many escorts now use burner phones and virtual addresses just to stay safe.
According to a 2024 survey by the Italian Association of Independent Service Providers, over 87% of active escorts in Milan now operate exclusively through apps. Only 3% still work on the street. The rest either work through agencies (down 60% since 2020) or run fully independent businesses. The shift wasn’t just about safety - it was about control. Women who used to pay 50% of their earnings to a manager now keep 90%+ after platform fees.
Who’s Working Now? A New Profile
The typical escort in Milan today isn’t who you might expect. The average age is 29. Many have university degrees - economics, communications, design. Some are expats from Romania, Ukraine, or Colombia who moved to Milan for better opportunities. Others are local women who started as models, influencers, or freelance translators and added escorting as a side hustle.
A 2023 study by the University of Bologna tracked 142 active escorts in Milan. Nearly 60% had full-time jobs outside of escorting. One woman, who goes by the name Lina, works as a graphic designer during the day and takes two clients a week in the evenings. She told researchers: “I don’t need to do this. I choose to. It pays better than my design gigs, and I set my own rules.”
There’s also a rise in male and non-binary escorts. In 2020, they made up less than 5% of the market. Now, they’re 18%. Many serve a different clientele - older men, LGBTQ+ travelers, or professionals looking for emotional connection over physical contact. The demand for “companion services” - dinner dates, museum tours, language practice - has grown 200% since 2022.
Prices and Packages: What Clients Pay Now
Prices have gone up - but so have expectations. In 2020, a 1-hour session in central Milan cost €80-€120. Today, it’s €150-€250. A full evening (4-6 hours) starts at €500. But clients aren’t just paying for sex. They’re paying for experience.
Escorts now offer tiered packages:
- Basic (1 hour): Meeting at a hotel, no travel, no extra services. €180.
- Companion (3 hours): Dinner, drinks, conversation, and intimacy. Includes transportation. €420.
- Elite (6+ hours): Overnight stay, private apartment, personalized itinerary (theater, gallery, wine tasting). €800-€1,200.
Top-tier escorts - those with 5+ years of experience, fluent in three languages, and strong social media followings - charge up to €2,000 for a weekend package. One escort, known online as “Giulia M.,” books out 6 weeks in advance. Her clients include CEOs from Germany, Japan, and the U.S. She doesn’t advertise on apps. She gets clients through private Instagram DMs and referrals.
The Role of Social Media
Instagram isn’t just a place to post selfies anymore. It’s the primary marketing tool. Escorts use carefully curated feeds - fashion shots, travel photos, art gallery visits - to build an image of sophistication. They avoid explicit content. Instead, they hint at luxury, privacy, and exclusivity.
One popular tactic is posting about “travel experiences” in Milan: “Just had the best espresso at Caffè Trattoria, then walked through the Brera district. Sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones.” No mention of services. But clients know what it means.
Platforms like OnlyFans and Patreon are also growing. Some escorts offer monthly memberships: €50 for access to private videos, weekly Q&As, and priority booking. One escort, Marco, has 3,200 subscribers. He says he makes more from his Patreon than from in-person meetings.
Legal Gray Zones and Risks
Italy doesn’t criminalize selling sex. But it does ban solicitation, brothels, and third-party exploitation. That’s why everything is now done privately. No fixed locations. No visible advertising. No pimps. Escorts operate as freelancers - and that’s the legal loophole.
But risks remain. Scammers pose as clients to steal money or personal data. Some escorts have been blackmailed after sharing intimate photos. A 2024 report by Milan’s police cyber unit recorded 127 cases of digital exploitation involving escorts - up 40% from 2022.
Many now use legal advisors who specialize in digital privacy. They draft contracts for services, use encrypted payment gateways like CashApp or Revolut, and avoid using their real names online. Some even hire virtual assistants to handle messages and bookings so they never reveal their identity.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
This isn’t just about sex work. It’s about how people are redefining work in the digital age. Milan’s escort industry now mirrors trends seen in Uber, Fiverr, and Airbnb: decentralized, app-based, self-managed. Women and non-binary people are building businesses without traditional employers. They’re setting their own hours, prices, and boundaries.
It’s also a sign of changing attitudes. Younger Italians are more open about sex work as labor. A 2025 poll by YouGov Italy found that 54% of people aged 18-30 believe escorting should be legally recognized as a profession - not a crime. The Italian government hasn’t responded yet. But local NGOs are pushing for health screenings, tax support, and legal protections.
One thing is clear: the old image of the escort - desperate, hidden, exploited - is fading. In its place is a new reality: skilled, independent, and in control. The face of the industry in Milan has changed. And it’s not going back.
Is escorting legal in Milan?
Yes, but with strict limits. Selling sexual services is not illegal in Italy. However, soliciting in public, running brothels, or having someone else manage your work (like a pimp) is. That’s why most escorts now operate independently through private apps and encrypted communication. They avoid public advertising and never work from fixed locations.
How do escorts in Milan find clients today?
Most use encrypted apps like PrivateMeet, EscortHub, or MilanPass. These platforms require ID verification and handle payments securely. Many also use Instagram to build a personal brand - posting lifestyle content, not explicit images - and direct interested clients to private messaging. Word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients make up a large portion of bookings.
Are male and non-binary escorts common in Milan?
Yes. In 2020, they made up less than 5% of the market. Today, they account for 18%. Many serve clients looking for companionship - dinner dates, cultural outings, or emotional support - not just sex. Their services are often priced higher due to lower supply and growing demand from LGBTQ+ travelers and older professionals.
How much do escorts in Milan earn?
Earnings vary by experience and service type. A basic 1-hour session starts at €180. A full evening (4-6 hours) with dinner and travel costs €400-€600. Elite escorts with strong reputations charge €800-€2,000 for weekend packages. Some also earn through Patreon or OnlyFans, making up to €3,000 monthly from subscriptions alone.
What risks do escorts face in Milan?
The biggest risks are digital: scams, blackmail, and identity theft. Some clients record private moments and threaten to share them. Others fake bookings to steal money. Many escorts now use burner phones, encrypted apps, and legal contracts. Some hire virtual assistants to handle communication. Health risks are low - most get regular STI screenings and require clients to do the same.
Is the escort industry in Milan growing?
Yes. Since 2020, the number of active escorts has grown by 37%, according to the Italian Association of Independent Service Providers. The shift to digital platforms, rising demand for companionship services, and greater social acceptance have all contributed. The industry is now part of Milan’s informal economy - estimated to generate over €80 million annually.
Written by Marcus Everstone
Hello, my name is Marcus Everstone and I am an expert in the world of escorting. Having been in the industry for several years, I have gained a wealth of knowledge in this field. I enjoy sharing my experiences and insights by writing about the escort scene in various cities around the globe. My goal is to help both clients and escorts navigate this exciting and often misunderstood world. My writings reflect my passion and expertise, offering valuable information to those interested in learning more about the escort industry.
All posts: Marcus Everstone