Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands all apply the same EU rules for pets arriving from outside the EU. For a dog or cat coming from the UAE, you need an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an EU health certificate issued by an official vet no more than 10 days before arrival. The UAE appears on the European Commission’s list of non-EU countries that qualify for the standard route, so a rabies antibody (titer) test and 3-month wait are not required. The differences between the four countries are in entry points, breed rules and local registration.
What are the EU rules that apply to all four countries?
In practice, a pet cannot travel to the EU until it is about 15 weeks old (12 weeks plus the 21-day wait). France does not admit animals under 16 weeks.
What do you need to do in the UAE first?
- Microchip the pet, then vaccinate against rabies (in that order).
- Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination.
- Book the export steps with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). An official UAE vet inspects the pet and issues or endorses the certificate.
- Time the EU certificate so it is issued within 10 days of arrival at the EU entry point.
- Arrange transport. Pets usually travel as air cargo, so choose a route that reaches a designated entry airport.
If your route transits a country that is not on the EU’s list, check the rules first. France, for example, asks owners to sign a declaration about the pet’s contact with other animals in that case.
Germany
- Entry: Pets arrive through a designated entry point. At Munich Airport, cargo pets go through an Animal Border Inspection Post. Pets travelling in the cabin or as baggage go to customs after baggage claim.
- Declaration: The owner or companion signs a declaration that ownership will not change.
- Breed restrictions: Germany prohibits importing Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier dogs and their crosses. Several federal states, including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hamburg and Hesse, add their own restrictions, and the state where you will live decides.
- After arrival: Register your dog with the local municipality and pay the local dog tax (Hundesteuer). Deadlines and amounts vary by city.
Planning your whole move? See Moving to Germany.
France
- Age and vaccination: Rabies vaccine at least 21 days before departure. Animals under 16 weeks old are not allowed in.
- Certificate: Original health certificate issued or endorsed by an official vet, valid for 10 days until EU entry checks.
- Dog categories: France classifies some dogs. Category 1 dogs (resembling Staffordshire, American Staffordshire, Mastiff or Tosa types without breed-book registration) cannot be imported. Category 2 dogs (including Rottweilers and Rottweiler types, and registered Staffordshire, American Staffordshire and Tosa) can be imported with documentation and carry local rules. Read the French customs guidance on travelling with a dog, cat or ferret.
- Bengal and Savannah cats: If you can’t prove the breed with a pedigree or birth certificate, the cat may be treated as a hybrid needing a prior permit.
Moving there too? See Moving to France.
Spain
- Entry: Pets from outside the EU must enter through an authorised travellers’ point of entry (airport, port or land crossing). Entry through a non-designated airport can be refused. You declare the pet to the authorities, who check documents and scan the microchip.
- Certificate: The EU health certificate is signed by an official vet and is presented in Spanish as well as English. Confirm the exact format with your mover.
- Breed rules: Spain’s “potentially dangerous dog” regime covers Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu, plus crosses. Owners need a municipal licence, civil liability insurance, and must use a muzzle and short leash in public. Some regions add to the list.
Relocating as well? See Moving to Spain.
The Netherlands
- Rule category: The Dutch food authority (NVWA) treats countries on the EU list as low risk, so microchip, rabies vaccination and documents are the core requirements. See the NVWA guidance on travelling from third countries with a cat or dog.
- Arrival: On arrival at an airport or ferry terminal, report the pet to customs, which checks the chip and documents. No prior notification to the NVWA is needed for non-commercial travel.
- Commercial moves: Only Schiphol Airport handles commercial movements, through a pet shipper.
- After arrival: A dog staying more than three months must be registered in a designated database by a vet within two weeks of arrival.
For the household side, see Moving to the Netherlands.
How do the four countries compare?
How long should you plan?
Because the UAE does not need a titer test, a standard timeline is roughly 4–6 weeks:
Start earlier if your pet is under 15 weeks, needs a first vaccine, or is from a restricted breed.
What mistakes cause delays or refusals?
- Certificate issued too early. The 10-day window runs to the EU entry point.
- Vaccinating before microchipping. The vaccine would not count.
- Wrong entry airport. Only designated points of entry are accepted.
- Breed surprises. Germany, France and Spain restrict certain dogs, including crosses.
- Underage pets. Pets under about 15 weeks cannot enter, and France says 16.
- Owner not travelling. The owner must travel within 5 days of the pet, or authorise someone in writing.
- Overlooking local registration. Germany, the Netherlands and Spain have post-arrival steps.
How can ISS Relocations help?
ISS Relocations coordinates pet relocation from the UAE and GCC, including vet checks, health certificates, permit handling, IATA-approved crates, flight bookings, and airport and customs handling, door to door or airport to airport. Start with the Pet Relocation Checker, then talk to our team.
Moving your household too? ISS can plan both together through international relocation, customs clearance, freight forwarding, storage and transit insurance. More advice: Moving Tips, Moving Guide and 10 useful tips for a smooth pet relocation.
FAQs
Do I need a rabies titer test to take my dog or cat from the UAE to Germany, France, Spain or the Netherlands? No. The UAE appears on the European Commission’s list of non-EU countries for pet movement, so the standard route applies without a blood test or 3-month wait. Confirm this before you travel, as lists are updated.
How long is the EU health certificate valid? For entry, it must be issued no more than 10 days before the pet arrives in the EU. Use after entry is limited, so check before onward EU travel.
How old must my pet be? At least 12 weeks for the first rabies vaccination, plus a 21-day wait, so about 15 weeks. France does not admit pets under 16 weeks.
Can my pet travel without me? Only if you or an authorised person travels within 5 days of the pet, with a signed non-commercial declaration. Otherwise, commercial animal-import rules apply.
How many pets can I bring? Up to five per traveller for non-commercial moves.
Are there breed restrictions? Yes in Germany, France and Spain for certain dog types and crosses. Check your dog’s breed before you start.
Which airports can my pet enter through? Only designated travellers’ points of entry. Your mover will choose a compliant route.
Does my pet need tapeworm treatment? Not for these four countries. It applies to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland, including when passing through them.
Can ISS Relocations arrange everything? Yes. Contact our team or request a free quote.
About ISS Relocations
ISS Relocations is a Dubai-headquartered international moving company with 30+ years of experience, FIDI accreditation, and ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certification. See about us, all services, the blog and customer reviews. Call +971505532291.