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Booking child models in Germany.

What the official sources say about permits, hours, school, supervision and earnings for models under 18. Checked October 2026.

Who decides

The supervisory authority (Aufsichtsbehörde) of each federal state, for example the Bezirksregierung in North Rhine-Westphalia or the Gewerbeaufsichtsamt in Bavaria. It must hear the local youth office (Jugendamt) first (JArbSchG § 6(2)).

Permit or licence

Employing children is banned (JArbSchG § 5(1)). On application, the authority may allow children to take part in advertising events and in film and photo shoots (Film- und Fotoaufnahmen) (§ 6(1)). Conditions: written parental consent, a doctor's certificate no older than 3 months, protective measures, care and supervision, 14 hours free time after work, and no harm to school progress (§ 6(2)). The employer may only start after receiving the written decision (§ 6(4)). NRW says the employer should apply early, at the latest two weeks before work starts. Baden-Württemberg says any work by children under 3 is banned with no exception. Filming or photographing them is only possible if no active role is required and they are captured in their natural behaviour.

Age bands

A child is under 15. A young person (Jugendlicher) is 15 to under 18. Young people still in full-time compulsory schooling are treated as children (§ 2). Bands for shoots: over 3 to 6, and over 6.

Working hours

Film and photo shoots and advertising (§ 6(1) no. 2): children over 3 to 6 may work up to 2 hours a day between 08:00 and 17:00. Children over 6 may work up to 3 hours a day between 08:00 and 22:00. The authority sets the days, times, breaks and maximum time at the workplace (§ 6(3)). Young people no longer in full-time school may take part in film and photo shoots until 23:00, then need at least 14 hours of uninterrupted free time (§ 14(7)). Baden-Württemberg's guide says these young people may work up to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, with no permit needed.

School

The permit may only be given if school progress is not harmed (§ 6(2) no. 6). Baden-Württemberg's form set includes consent statements from parents, doctor, school and youth office.

Chaperone and supervision

Care and supervision of the child during the work must be ensured (§ 6(2) no. 4). NRW works with media education specialists (medienpädagogische Fachkräfte) as an extra safeguard.

Earnings

Not stated in the sources checked.

Good to know

A permit cannot be given for cabarets, dance venues, amusement parks, fairs and similar events (§ 6(1)). Rules are applied by each state, so check the local authority's form and lead time.

Official sources