Approximately 12 countries now permit some form of medically assisted dying — either euthanasia (physician-administered), assisted suicide (patient self-administered), or both. The legal frameworks vary enormously: some restrict access to terminal illness, others extend it to chronic non-terminal suffering or psychiatric conditions.
This article covers every country with an active legal framework as of 2025, when the law took effect, what is permitted, and key eligibility points.
Countries at a Glance
| Country | Legal Since | What's Permitted | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 2002 | Euthanasia + Assisted Suicide | Terminal & non-terminal; psychiatric eligible; minors 12+ |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 2002 | Euthanasia | Terminal & non-terminal; psychiatric eligible; minors (no min age) |
| 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | 2009 | Euthanasia + Assisted Suicide | Serious incurable condition; adults only |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | 1997 (expanded 2021) | Euthanasia | Terminal & non-terminal (since 2021); adults |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 2016 | Euthanasia + Assisted Suicide (MAID) | Track 1 (terminal) & Track 2 (non-terminal); adults |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 2021 | Euthanasia + Assisted Suicide | Serious incurable disease or chronic debilitating condition |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 2021 | Assisted Dying | Terminal illness, 6-month prognosis; adults |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 2019–2023 (by state) | Voluntary Assisted Dying | Terminal illness; all states/territories |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Long-standing | Assisted Suicide only | Serious illness/suffering; non-residents accepted (Dignitas) |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 2022 | Assisted Suicide only | Terminal or serious long-term condition; adults |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 2020 (decriminalized) | Assisted Suicide (decriminalized, unregulated) | No formal framework; court protection only |
The Benelux Model — Most Expansive in the World
The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg share the most expansive frameworks globally. All three permit non-terminal conditions, and both the Netherlands and Belgium allow psychiatric conditions under strict review. Belgium is unique in having no minimum age for minors — though in practice very few cases have involved children since the 2014 extension.
Canada — Fastest-Evolving Framework
Canada's MAID system has expanded significantly since 2016. Bill C-7 (2021) removed the requirement that natural death be reasonably foreseeable, creating a two-track system. Track 2 (non-terminal) requires a 90-day assessment period and specialist involvement. Canada now records over 13,000 MAID deaths per year — among the highest rates in the world relative to total deaths.
Switzerland — The International Exception
Switzerland is uniquely important for international patients. While euthanasia is illegal, assisted suicide has been decriminalized for decades under Article 115 of the Swiss Penal Code. Organizations like Dignitas operate legally and accept members from countries where assisted dying is not available. Several thousand people from across Europe and beyond travel to Switzerland each year.
See our full guide: Switzerland — Dignitas & Exit
Australia — State-by-State Success
Australia took a piecemeal approach: Victoria led in 2019, and by late 2023 all six states and both territories had active voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws. All require terminal illness, but the prognosis window, eligible providers, and waiting periods vary by state. The federal government's repeal of a 1997 law blocking territories from legislating on VAD was a key enabling step in 2023.
Emerging Frameworks — Germany and Austria
Both Germany and Austria arrived at permissive policies through court rulings rather than legislation. Austria enacted a formal regulatory framework in 2022 with strict requirements including two specialist assessments and notarized declarations. Germany remains without a formal statute — access is uncertain and depends on individual physicians and organizations navigating ongoing legal debates.
Countries Where It Remains Illegal
The majority of the world's countries prohibit assisted dying. Notable countries where significant legal debate is ongoing include the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Italy — all of which have seen parliamentary proposals in recent years without passage.