> Source: https://thecastindex.com/modelling/is-it-legit — updated 2026-10-01.

# Is this modelling agency legit?

A legitimate modelling agency earns commission when it books you work — it does not charge you to join, test shoot or “secure a spot”, does not guarantee work or pay, does not insist on its own photographer and does not rush you to sign.

## Signs of a modelling scam (US Federal Trade Commission)

- **They ask you to pay.** Real agencies don’t charge for a test shoot, your photographs or to “secure your spot”. They’re paid after the client pays, and the contract states their percentage.
- **They guarantee work.** Bookings are irregular even for successful models. No legitimate agency can promise jobs.
- **They promise big pay.** Earnings vary widely. A guaranteed salary is a reason to walk away.
- **You must use their photographer.** Some agencies have photographers they work with, but using them should never be a condition of getting work.
- **They rush you to sign.** Take time to check the company before giving money or personal details. A genuine offer will still stand tomorrow.
- **Big claims, no track record.** An established agency can show the models and clients it works with. No website, or no verifiable clients, is a red flag.

Source: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/modeling-scams

## The law on fees

- United Kingdom: agencies cannot charge fashion and photographic models an upfront fee for finding work. https://www.gov.uk/entertainment-and-modelling-agencies/fees-for-fashion-and-photographic-models
- Indonesia: Under the Manpower Act (Law 13 of 2003), a child is anyone under 18, and employers may not employ children except in the cases the Act sets out (Articles 1 and 68). https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/43013/uu-no-13-tahun-2003
- Indonesia: A child may work to develop their talents and interests only under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian, for no more than three hours a day, and in conditions that do not disturb their development or school time (Article 71). https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/43013/uu-no-13-tahun-2003
- Indonesia: Ministerial Decree KEP.115/MEN/VII/2004 adds that, for children under 15, the employer needs a written agreement with the parent or guardian, work must be outside school hours and capped at three hours a day and 12 a week, and a parent or guardian must be on site. Any employer using children for this kind of work must notify the local manpower office at least 14 days beforehand. The decree does not name modelling specifically. https://jdih.kemnaker.go.id/peraturan/detail/290/keputusan-menteri-nomor-115-tahun-2004
- Indonesia: No one may involve a child in the worst forms of child labour, which the Act defines to include producing pornography (Article 74). https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/43013/uu-no-13-tahun-2003
- Indonesia: We found no Indonesian rule written specifically for modelling agency fees. The Manpower Act lets licensed private job-placement agencies charge placement fees only to employers and to workers in categories set by ministerial decree (Article 38). Whether an agency counts as a placement agency depends on how it operates. https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/43013/uu-no-13-tahun-2003
- Indonesia: An employer hiring foreign workers must have a foreign-worker plan approved by central government, and individuals may not employ foreign workers (Article 42 of the Manpower Act, as amended by Law 6 of 2023). https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/Details/246523/uu-no-6-tahun-2023
- Australia: NSW’s Entertainment Industry Act 2013 defines performers to include models, and regulates the performer representatives who find them work. https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-2013-073
- Australia: In NSW you cannot be charged a fee merely for joining, auditioning to join or signing with a performer representative, and fees for film, television or media work are capped at 10 per cent unless agreed in a managerial agreement. https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/running-a-business/industry-specific-business-requirements/working-as-a-performer-or-performer-representative-nsw/entertainment-industry-agreements/information-for-performers
- Australia: In NSW, specific laws protect children under 16 employed as actors, performers and models, and the Office of the Children’s Guardian authorises their employers. https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/parents-and-carers/childrens-modelling-and-acting
- Australia: In Victoria, an employer needs a child employment licence to employ a child under 15 in entertainment, with hour limits that cover advertising, photography and modelling. https://www.vic.gov.au/children-working-entertainment-information-parents
- Australia: Scamwatch advises stopping to check any job offer that requires you to pay money to make money. https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/jobs-and-employment-scams
- Brazil: Brazil’s Constitution bans any work by under-16s except as an apprentice from 14, and night, dangerous or unhealthy work by under-18s. https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/constituicao/constituicao.htm
- Brazil: A judge must authorise, case by case, the participation of children and adolescents in public shows and their rehearsals, and in beauty contests. https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/l8069.htm
- Canada: The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre advises never to send deposits or pay fees for a job, and to verify a company through its official website and phone number. https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/scams-fraudes/job-emploi-eng.htm
- China: The Labour Law bars employers from recruiting anyone under 16. Arts, sports and special-craft units that recruit under-16s must follow state rules and protect the child’s right to compulsory education (Article 15). https://www.mohrss.gov.cn/xxgk2020/fdzdgknr/zcfg/fl/202011/t20201102_394625.html
- China: Workers aged 16 and 17 are “juvenile workers” with special protection: they may not be given mining, toxic or other prohibited heavy work, and employers must give them regular health checks (Articles 58, 64 and 65). https://www.mohrss.gov.cn/xxgk2020/fdzdgknr/zcfg/fl/202011/t20201102_394625.html
- China: The Provisions on the Prohibition of Using Child Labour (State Council Decree 364) bar any organisation or individual from finding work for under-16s. The fine is 5,000 yuan per child, and a job agency that does so loses its licence (Articles 2 and 7). https://www.mohrss.gov.cn/xxgk2020/fdzdgknr/zcfg/fg/202011/t20201103_394945.html
- China: Arts and sports units may recruit under-16 professional performers and athletes with a parent’s or guardian’s consent, and must protect their health and compulsory education (Article 13). The provisions do not mention modelling, so it is unclear whether modelling falls within this exception. https://www.mohrss.gov.cn/xxgk2020/fdzdgknr/zcfg/fg/202011/t20201103_394945.html
- China: Under the Minors Protection Law (2020 revision), no one may recruit under-16s unless state rules allow it. Children may take part in performances and programme production only with a parent’s or guardian’s consent, and organisers must protect their rights (Article 61). https://www.moj.gov.cn/pub/sfbgw/jgsz/jgszzsdw/zsdwflyzzx/flyzzxzcxx/zcxxzcfg/zcfgfl/202010/t20201023_188560.html
- China: The Advertising Law bars using children under ten as advertising endorsers. An endorser is someone other than the advertiser who recommends or vouches for a product in their own name or image (Articles 2 and 38). https://fw.scjgj.sh.gov.cn/alc/law/11/1/20240117125913.html
- China: We found no national rule written specifically for modelling agency fees. Licensed job intermediaries may not give false job information, hold workers’ identity documents or take deposits from them (Employment Promotion Law, Articles 40 and 41). It is unclear whether a given modelling agency counts as a job intermediary. https://www.mohrss.gov.cn/xxgk2020/fdzdgknr/zcfg/fl/202011/t20201102_394626.html
- Denmark: Children under 13 may take part commercially in cultural and similar activities, including advertising-film recordings, only with permission from the Director of the Working Environment Authority, given case by case on application; the permit sets the hours. https://www.retsinformation.dk/eli/lta/2025/1713
- Denmark: The authority says a permit is needed for a child under 13 to take part in, for example, a photo shoot; companies or parents apply online. https://at.dk/faa-viden/boern-og-unge/faa-viden-om-regler/arbejdstilladelse-for-boern-under-13-aar/
- France: Any contract by which someone pays for a model’s services is presumed to be an employment contract, whatever the parties call it. https://code.travail.gouv.fr/code-du-travail/l7123-3
- France: Anyone established in France who places models for a fee must hold a modelling-agency licence (licence d’agence de mannequins). https://code.travail.gouv.fr/code-du-travail/l7123-11
- France: Working as a model is conditional on a medical certificate showing that your overall health, assessed in particular by BMI, is compatible with the work. https://code.travail.gouv.fr/code-du-travail/l7123-2-1
- France: A child under 16 may not be engaged as a model without prior individual authorisation from the administrative authority. https://code.travail.gouv.fr/code-du-travail/l7124-1
- France: That individual authorisation is not needed when the child is engaged by a licensed modelling agency holding an approval (agrément) to engage children. https://code.travail.gouv.fr/code-du-travail/l7124-4
- Germany: Employing children — under 15, or still in full-time compulsory schooling — is prohibited, except where the supervisory authority grants an exception for events. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/jarbschg/__5.html
- Germany: On application, the authority may allow children to take part in advertising events and film and photo shoots for limited hours (up to two hours a day for ages 3–6, three hours for older children), with written parental consent and a medical certificate no more than three months old. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/jarbschg/__6.html
- Germany: A private placement agent may charge a jobseeker only if a job actually results, must agree the fee in writing, and may not demand or accept advance payments. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_3/__296.html
- Germany: For placing photo models, advertising models and mannequins in employment, the agent’s fee is capped at 14 per cent of the model’s pay including VAT, or 18 per cent for jobs of up to seven days. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/vermittvergv/__2.html
- India: Under Section 3(2)(b) of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, as amended in 2016 (in force from 1 September 2016), a child under 14 may work as an artist in the audio-visual entertainment industry, including advertisements, subject to prescribed conditions and safety measures and provided the work does not affect the child’s school education. https://ncpcr.gov.in/public/uploads/177009434069817f042fc12_guidelines-for-child-and-adolescent-participation.pdf
- India: Rule 2C of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Rules 2017 requires a producer to obtain permission from the District Magistrate of the district where the work takes place before involving a child, and to file an undertaking in Form C with the list of child participants, parental consent and the name of the person responsible for the child’s safety. https://ncpcr.gov.in/public/uploads/177009434069817f042fc12_guidelines-for-child-and-adolescent-participation.pdf
- India: Under the same rules a child may not work more than five hours a day or more than three hours without rest, may not work more than 27 consecutive days, and at least 20% of the child’s earnings from a production or event must go into a fixed deposit in a nationalised bank in the child’s name, credited on reaching majority. https://ncpcr.gov.in/public/uploads/177009434069817f042fc12_guidelines-for-child-and-adolescent-participation.pdf
- India: NCPCR’s guidelines define the entertainment industry to include modelling and photography, apply the 20% fixed-deposit rule to adolescents aged 14 to 17 as well as children, and note that the Act limits an adolescent to three hours’ work before a rest of at least an hour, spread over no more than six hours a day. https://ncpcr.gov.in/public/uploads/177009434069817f042fc12_guidelines-for-child-and-adolescent-participation.pdf
- India: We found no national licensing scheme for model or talent agencies in India and no rule specific to fees charged to aspiring models. General consumer complaints can be raised with the Department of Consumer Affairs’ National Consumer Helpline (toll-free 1915). https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/public/
- Italy: Employing children — under 15, or still in compulsory schooling — is prohibited, but the labour inspectorate may authorise them to work in cultural, artistic, sporting, advertising or entertainment activities, with the parents’ prior written consent, if it does not harm their safety, development or schooling. https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:legge:1967-10-17;977~art4
- Italy: The employer applies to the local labour inspectorate (ITL) on form INL 10 with the parents’ consent; a complete application is treated as approved after 15 days. https://www.ispettorato.gov.it/servizio/impiego-di-minori-nello-spettacolo-2/
- Japan: Under the Employment Security Act, a job-placement business that charges for its services needs a licence from the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare (Article 30). https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/11600000/001749103.pdf
- Japan: The ministry’s guidance lists “model” (someone who appears in fashion shows or other events, or is photographed for newspapers, magazines and the like) among the few occupations for which a licensed placement business may charge the job-seeker, under a fee table it must disclose, plus for now an application fee of up to ¥710 per application. It may take no other fee in connection with placement. We could not confirm from the agencies’ own pages whether any agency listed here operates as a licensed placement business. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/11650000/001497513.pdf
- Japan: The Labour Standards Act bars employing a child until the end of the first 31 March after their 15th birthday. With permission from the relevant government office, children of 13 and over may do light work outside school hours, and younger children may work in film production and theatre; the employer must keep a school head’s certificate and a parent’s or guardian’s consent, and these children may not work between 8pm and 5am (Articles 56, 57 and 61). The Act does not mention modelling and applies only where a child is employed. https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3567
- Japan: The National Consumer Affairs Center warns of talent and model contract problems, mostly among women in their teens and twenties, now often starting from online auditions and social media ads. It advises checking what the work involves and whether you must pay, avoiding contracts on the spot, and calling the 188 consumer hotline; cooling-off may be possible in some cases. https://www.kokusen.go.jp/soudan_now/data/tm_keiyaku.html
- Japan: The Japan Modeling Agencies Association, an industry body rather than a regulator, says its members’ scouts show a company business card and a JMAA ID card, explain lesson and photo costs and cooling-off rights, never sign contracts on the spot, never push beauty devices, cosmetics or salons, and never charge high registration fees on a promise of fame. A minor’s contract needs a guardian’s consent form. https://www.j-m-a-a.com/policy/model-scout/
- Malaysia: Anyone who acts as an intermediary to find work for a job seeker must be licensed under the Private Employment Agencies Act 1981; recruiting without a licence carries a fine of up to RM200,000, up to three years in prison, or both. JTKSM’s guidance does not say whether modelling agencies fall within the Act. https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/ms/perkhidmatan/agensi-pekerjaan-swasta/soalan-lazim-agensi-pekerjaan-swasta
- Malaysia: A licensed agency may charge a job seeker a registration fee of no more than RM30 for work in Malaysia, and a placement fee of no more than 25% of the first month’s basic wage once a job offer is accepted. If the employer pays the placement fee, the agency cannot also claim it from the job seeker. https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-03/7.%20Akta%20Agensi%20Pekerjaan%20Swasta%201981%20%281%29.pdf
- Malaysia: Charging more than these fees, or knowingly deceiving a job seeker with false information, is an offence carrying a fine of up to RM50,000, up to one year in prison, or both. https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/ms/perkhidmatan/agensi-pekerjaan-swasta/soalan-lazim-agensi-pekerjaan-swasta
- Malaysia: No one under 18 may take part in any public entertainment (the Act’s definition covers exhibitions and performances open to the public, and performances filmed for public exhibition) unless the Director General of Labour has issued a licence to the person employing them. The Act does not mention modelling by name. https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-03/5.%20Children%20and%20Young%20Persons%20%28Employment%29%20Act%201966_0.pdf
- Singapore: Anyone who places job seekers with employers in Singapore needs an employment agency licence from the Ministry of Manpower. MOM’s guidance does not mention modelling agencies, so it is unclear whether an agency that books models for freelance jobs is covered. https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-agencies/eligibility-and-requirements/who-needs-to-get-a-licence
- Singapore: A licensed employment agency may charge a job seeker no more than one month’s salary for each year of the employment contract, capped at two months’ salary, and must issue an itemised receipt for any fee. https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/EAA1958-S172-2011?WholeDoc=1
- Singapore: If the employer fails to employ you, or ends the job within six months for reasons other than those the rules list, a licensed agency must refund at least half of the fees you paid. https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/EAA1958-S172-2011?WholeDoc=1
- Singapore: You can check whether an employment agency is licensed, and see agencies under revocation, suspension or surveillance, on MOM’s EA Directory. https://www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/employment-agencies-and-personnel-search
- Singapore: Children aged 13 to under 15 may only do light work in non-industrial settings; young persons aged 15 to under 16 may work in non-industrial settings. MOM’s page does not refer to modelling specifically. https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/young-persons-and-children
- Singapore: The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act protects consumers against unfair trade practices such as misleading representations or false claims, and CASE is the first point of contact for consumer complaints. https://www.ccs.gov.sg/consumer-protection/fair-trading-practices/about-fair-trading-practices/
- South Africa: The Basic Conditions of Employment Act bars employing children under 15, but lets a ministerial or sectoral determination allow children to work in advertising, sports, artistic or cultural activities. https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201409/a75-97.pdf
- South Africa: Employers apply to the Department of Employment and Labour for a permit to involve children under 15 in advertising, artistic and cultural activities — the form lists modelling — attaching the parent’s or guardian’s consent and proof of age. https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Forms/Basic%20Conditions%20of%20Employment/Form%20SD10.1%20-%20Application%20for%20a%20permit%20to%20employ%20children%20in%20the%20performing%20arts.doc
- South Korea: Anyone running a “popular culture and arts planning business”, defined as providing or arranging artists’ services or training, guiding or counselling them for that purpose, must register with the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Trading without registration carries up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won (Articles 2, 26 and 40). https://www.law.go.kr/%EB%B2%95%EB%A0%B9/%EB%8C%80%EC%A4%91%EB%AC%B8%ED%99%94%EC%98%88%EC%88%A0%EC%82%B0%EC%97%85%EB%B0%9C%EC%A0%84%EB%B2%95
- South Korea: The Act does not name models, so whether a particular modelling agency must register is not stated in terms. Its Enforcement Decree lists “productions using images” among the covered productions, alongside broadcast programmes, film, music and some live performances (Decree Article 2). https://www.law.go.kr/%EB%B2%95%EB%A0%B9/%EB%8C%80%EC%A4%91%EB%AC%B8%ED%99%94%EC%98%88%EC%88%A0%EC%82%B0%EC%97%85%EB%B0%9C%EC%A0%84%EB%B2%95%EC%8B%9C%ED%96%89%EB%A0%B9
- South Korea: Planning businesses and their staff must not give false information or make false promises when recruiting artists, and registered academies that train would-be artists must not make false claims about agency services when recruiting students. Breaches carry fines of up to 10 million won (Articles 15 and 41). https://www.law.go.kr/%EB%B2%95%EB%A0%B9/%EB%8C%80%EC%A4%91%EB%AC%B8%ED%99%94%EC%98%88%EC%88%A0%EC%82%B0%EC%97%85%EB%B0%9C%EC%A0%84%EB%B2%95
- South Korea: The Act treats anyone under 19 as a youth. Under-15s may work on productions for no more than 35 hours a week and not between 10pm and 6am, except until midnight before a school holiday with their own and a parent’s or guardian’s consent. Those aged 15 and over are capped at 40 hours a week (extendable by up to one hour a day and six a week by agreement) and need their own and a parent’s or guardian’s consent to work between 10pm and 6am. The weekly caps do not apply to justified cases such as travel for overseas work (Articles 2, 22 and 23). https://www.law.go.kr/%EB%B2%95%EB%A0%B9/%EB%8C%80%EC%A4%91%EB%AC%B8%ED%99%94%EC%98%88%EC%88%A0%EC%82%B0%EC%97%85%EB%B0%9C%EC%A0%84%EB%B2%95
- South Korea: Contracts with under-19s must include measures protecting their health, schooling, sleep and rest, and businesses must not force them into excessive exposure, missing school, unsafe work or excessive appearance management (Article 21). https://www.law.go.kr/%EB%B2%95%EB%A0%B9/%EB%8C%80%EC%A4%91%EB%AC%B8%ED%99%94%EC%98%88%EC%88%A0%EC%82%B0%EC%97%85%EB%B0%9C%EC%A0%84%EB%B2%95
- South Korea: Contracts for artists’ services must be in writing and signed by both sides, covering the term, each side’s rights, the scope of work, revenue sharing, dispute resolution and protection of child and youth artists. The ministry prepares standard contracts in consultation with the Fair Trade Commission (Articles 7 and 8). We found no Korean rule written specifically about agencies charging aspiring models to apply. https://www.law.go.kr/%EB%B2%95%EB%A0%B9/%EB%8C%80%EC%A4%91%EB%AC%B8%ED%99%94%EC%98%88%EC%88%A0%EC%82%B0%EC%97%85%EB%B0%9C%EC%A0%84%EB%B2%95
- Spain: Under-16s may not be employed, and their participation in public shows may be authorised by the labour authority only in exceptional cases, in writing and for specific events, where it does not endanger their health or development. https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-11430#a6
- Sweden: Employers may not let children under 13 work, except very light work or with a permit from the Swedish Work Environment Authority to perform in cultural or artistic activities or at sports or advertising events. https://www.av.se/arbetsmiljoarbete-och-inspektioner/publikationer/foreskrifter/afs-20232/#8kap-minderarigasarbetsmiljo
- Sweden: Employers hiring children under 13 for such work must apply for a permit, and the authority asks for applications at least eight weeks before work starts. No permit is needed for 13- to 17-year-olds working as performers or extras, though the authority can rule on their hours. https://www.av.se/arbetsmiljoarbete-och-inspektioner/arbetsgivarens-ansvar-for-arbetsmiljon/minderariga-arbetstagare/ansok-om-tillstand-for-minderarigas-artistupptradanden/
- Thailand: The Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998) prohibits employers from employing children under 15. Its child-labour rules apply to employers and their child employees; the Act does not say whether a modelling booking counts as employment. https://searchlaw.ocs.go.th/council-of-state/#/public/doc/ZGN3NXk0eENvNjBSdjRnT2NsdjFTQT09
- Thailand: An employer of a child under 18 must notify a labour inspector within 15 days of the child starting work and within 7 days of the job ending, keep a record of changed employment conditions, and give at least a one-hour break after no more than four hours of work. https://searchlaw.ocs.go.th/council-of-state/#/public/doc/ZGN3NXk0eENvNjBSdjRnT2NsdjFTQT09
- Thailand: Employees under 18 may not work between 10pm and 6am without written permission from the Director-General, but an employer may let a child who performs in film, drama or similar performances work in those hours with adequate rest. Under-18s may not work overtime or on holidays. https://searchlaw.ocs.go.th/council-of-state/#/public/doc/ZGN3NXk0eENvNjBSdjRnT2NsdjFTQT09
- Thailand: Employers may not demand a security deposit from a child employee or pay the child’s wages to anyone else. https://searchlaw.ocs.go.th/council-of-state/#/public/doc/ZGN3NXk0eENvNjBSdjRnT2NsdjFTQT09
- Thailand: Under the Employment and Job-Seekers Protection Act B.E. 2528 (1985), placing job seekers in work in Thailand requires a licence. A licensed placement agent may charge job seekers only a service fee and expenses within ministerial limits, and nothing before the employer has hired the job seeker and paid the first wage. The Act does not mention modelling, so it is unclear whether modelling agencies fall under it. We found no rule specific to modelling agency fees. https://searchlaw.ocs.go.th/council-of-state/#/public/doc/TzRRdHFaV2M0TC91NSs1TGtCOEdWUT09
- Thailand: The Child Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003) defines a child as under 18. Whether or not the child consents, it bars using, hiring or asking a child to work or act in ways that may harm their body or mind or hinder their development, and bars inducing or allowing a child to perform obscene acts, paid or not. https://searchlaw.ocs.go.th/council-of-state/#/public/doc/QVFPWXZqblNjSDZQbnJJSllYN3BZdz09
- United Arab Emirates: The UAE Labour Law prohibits employing anyone under 15, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation does not issue work permits below that age (Article 5 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, as summarised by the government portal). https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/Workplace-regulations/employment-and-training-of-minors
- United Arab Emirates: Juveniles aged 15 to 18 may work only under a ministry work permit. The permit needs written consent signed by a parent or guardian, a medical certificate of fitness for the work and a ministry-approved contract. Juveniles may not work at night or in dangerous or harmful jobs. The page does not mention modelling specifically. https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/Workplace-regulations/employment-and-training-of-minors
- United Arab Emirates: The government portal says charging recruitment fees to prospective employees is illegal, and that recruitment, travel and residence-permit costs are borne by the employer. We found no rule written specifically for modelling agency fees, and the page does not say how this applies to agencies representing freelance models. https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/Sector-of-employment/employment-in-the-private-sector/labour-rights
- United Arab Emirates: Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 on child rights (Wadeema’s Law) protects children against all forms of negligence, exploitation and physical and psychological abuse. The government’s summary does not mention modelling. https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/justice-safety-and-the-law/Safety/children-safety
- United States: New York’s Fashion Workers Act (Labor Law, Article 36) has applied since 19 June 2025; since 21 December 2025, model management companies and groups must register with the State Department of Labor. https://dol.ny.gov/fashion
- United States: New York model management companies may not require a deposit or charge a fee for signing, take more than 20 per cent commission, or create or use a model’s digital replica without separate written approval. https://dol.ny.gov/responsibilities-fashion-management-and-clients
- United States: In New York, print and runway models under 18 need a Child Performer Permit from the Department of Labor, and employers must put at least 15 per cent of their earnings into a trust account. https://dol.ny.gov/child-model-frequently-asked-questions
- United States: California talent agencies must hold a licence from the Labor Commissioner and quote the licence number in their advertising; the law’s definition of artists includes models. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1700.5
- United States: California talent agencies may not collect a registration fee. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1700.40
- United States: In California, employing a minor under 16 as an advertising or photographic model requires a permit from the Labor Commissioner. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1308.5
- United States: Florida talent agencies need a state licence to operate. https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/468.403
- United States: Florida talent agencies may not charge a registration fee, or make you buy photography services, classes or workshops as a condition of registering or finding work. https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/468.410
- United States: The Federal Trade Commission says never to pay an agency up front: any agency asking for money to represent you is a scam, and agencies shouldn’t make using their photographer a condition of getting work. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/modeling-scams

## What real agencies say

- JIM Models (Jakarta): Its terms say an application does not create an agency relationship; representation begins only with a signed agreement. It runs a modelling school separately from the application. https://www.jimmodels.com/terms
- Elite Model Management (apply from Indonesia) (Paris, Milan, London and other European offices): Says its scouts and agents will never request payment for representation or ask for nude or lingerie photos, and warns that impostors use the Elite name. Under-18s contacted by anyone claiming to be from Elite should tell a trusted adult and contact Elite directly. https://elitemodelmanagement.com/get-scouted.web
- IMG Models Sydney (Sydney): Says it never asks for nude or lingerie photos, never requires payment, charges no fee to apply or to sign and does not interview over Skype. https://imgmodels.com/recruitmentwarning/
- Scoop Management (Sydney): Says only shortlisted applicants are contacted and all official communication comes from an @scoopmanagement.com email address or its verified social accounts. https://www.scoopmanagement.com.au/get-scouted
- Kult Australia (Sydney): Says it will never ask for nude or lingerie photos or request payment during scouting or the application. https://www.kult.com.au/join-us
- Vivien’s Models Sydney (Sydney): Warns that scam email accounts have posed as its agents: any email not ending @viviensmodels.com.au is not genuine. https://viviensmodels.com.au/be-discovered/
- Vivien’s Models Melbourne (Melbourne): Warns that scam email accounts have posed as its agents: any email not ending @viviensmodels.com.au is not genuine. https://viviensmodels.com.au/be-discovered/
- GIANT Management (Melbourne): Says there is no application fee and no sign-up fee for Junior, and that no reputable agency charges you to apply. https://giantmanagement.com/faq/
- Way Model Management (São Paulo): Says there is no fee for the assessment and no need to pay for a professional portfolio. https://waymodel.com.br/quero-ser-modelo
- JOY Model Management (São Paulo): Says it never requests nude or lingerie photos or any payment, does not interview over Skype, and that you should check the identity of anyone claiming to be from JOY and tell a parent or guardian if contacted. https://www.joymgmt.com/en/regulation
- Sutherland Models (Toronto): Says it never asks for lingerie or nude photos, and asks you to call the agency to confirm anyone claiming to scout for it. https://www.sutherlandmodels.com/apply/
- Spot 6 Management (Toronto): Says it does not interview via Skype, never requests nude or lingerie photos and never requires payment. http://www.spot6management.com/spotme/
- Folio Management (Montreal): Warns about impersonators: do not respond to anyone asking for an online interview, personal information or payment in Folio’s name without verifying first. https://www.foliomanagement.com/be-a-folio-talent
- Richard’s International Model Management (Vancouver): Says it does not request nude or lingerie photos or videos or interview by Skype or webcam, and that anyone offering paid portfolio shoots in its name is fraudulent. https://www.richardsmodels.com/apply
- Lizbell Agency (Vancouver): Says it never requests nude or lingerie photos and never requires payment for scouting or submissions, and names its official scouts on the page. https://www.lizbellagency.com/submissions
- Elite Model Management Copenhagen (Copenhagen): Says its scouts and agents never request payment or nude or lingerie photos, and warns that impostors use the Elite name. https://elitemodelmanagement.com/copenhagen/get-scouted.web