Am I allowed to keep reptiles or exotic pets in Norway?
Yes, but only for a few species. Since 2017 it has been legal to keep 19 named reptile species in Norway — such as royal python, kingsnake, bearded dragon and leopard gecko — while all other exotic animal-keeping is banned. The animal and both parents must be captive-bred; wild-caught animals are not allowed. 12 of the 19 species need a CITES permit, and each animal must carry a species-and-origin document for life. Here is where people go wrong: the list covers species, not groups — only 3 turtle species are legal, so "water turtles" as a category is not permitted, and no dispensation is granted for other exotic animals. Illegal animals are seized and usually euthanised.
📋 The rules
- Legal to keep 19 named reptile species (since 2017)
- The animal and both parents must be captive-bred
- 12 of 19 species need a CITES permit
- Each animal must have a species-and-origin document
- Only 3 turtle species are legal
🔓 Exceptions
- Turtles in Norway since before 1 January 1977 may be kept
- Turtles with a previously granted dispensation may be kept
- Otherwise no dispensation is given for other exotic animals
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Illegal exotic animals are seized by the Food Authority, the police or customs and usually euthanised — it is the animal that pays for the owner getting the species wrong. Breaches are enforced under the Animal Welfare Act with a fine or prison. What people do not see coming is the paperwork: each animal must carry a species-and-origin document for life, and 12 of the 19 species also need a CITES permit. If you cannot show that the animal and both parents were captive-bred, it does not help that the species itself is on the list of the 19 permitted.
📎 Official sources
- Food Authority · Permitted reptiles →
- Exotic Animals Regulation · Lovdata →
- Environment Agency · CITES →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I keep a snake or lizard?
Yes, if it is one of the 19 permitted reptile species, such as royal python, kingsnake, bearded dragon or leopard gecko. Species outside the list are banned, no dispensation is granted, and the animal must also be captive-bred.
How many reptile species are legal?
19 named species, and all other exotic animal-keeping is banned in Norway. The list covers species, not groups: only 3 turtle species are permitted, so "water turtles" as a category is not allowed.
Must the reptile be captive-bred?
Yes. The animal and both parents must be captive-bred, and wild-caught animals are not allowed. The requirement must be documented — each animal must carry a species-and-origin document for life.
Do I need a permit?
12 of the 19 species need a CITES permit, and every animal must have a species-and-origin document. The papers follow the animal for its whole life, not just until you bring it home — without them the keeping is unlawful.
What happens to illegal animals?
They are seized by the Food Authority, the police or customs and usually euthanised. Breaches are enforced under the Animal Welfare Act with a fine or prison, so the consequence hits both the animal and the owner.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I keep reptiles norway”
- “19 permitted reptile species”
- “exotic animals banned norway”
- “cites permit reptile”
- “keep snake legal norway”
- “turtle legal norway”