Am I allowed to keep exotic pets like snakes and lizards in Denmark?
It depends on the species — Denmark uses a ban list (annex 1) of animals private individuals may not keep. Under the 2015 regulation on banning the keeping of special animals, all venomous snakes, the giant constrictors, big cats, bears, wolves, primates and crocodiles are forbidden, among others. If the species is not on the list, you may usually keep it without a special permit — that covers the common terrarium pets such as the ball python, boa, corn snake, leopard gecko and bearded dragon. A permit is granted only as a grandfather scheme by the Food Authority for animals lawfully held before 2016. General animal-welfare and CITES rules apply on top.
📋 The rules
- Denmark uses a ban list (annex 1)
- Forbidden: venomous snakes, giant constrictors, big cats
- Forbidden: bears, wolves, primates and crocodiles
- Legal: ball python, boa, corn snake, bearded dragon
- A permit only as a grandfather scheme from before 2016
🔓 Exceptions
- Approved zoos and registered circuses are exempt
- Animals lawfully held before 2016 can be kept with a permit
- CITES rules apply on top for endangered species
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Keeping a forbidden animal can bring a fine, and the animal can be confiscated. There is no fixed fine tariff in the regulation — it is set case-by-case.
📎 Official sources
- Special Animals Regulation · Retsinformation →
- Food Authority · Animal permits →
- Environment Agency · CITES →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I keep a snake or lizard?
Yes, if the species is not on the ban list. Common terrarium pets such as the ball python, corn snake and bearded dragon are legal.
Which animals are forbidden?
Among others, all venomous snakes, the giant constrictors, big cats, bears, wolves, primates and crocodiles.
Is there a list of forbidden animals?
Yes, annex 1 of the regulation on banning special animals. If the species is not on the list, you may usually keep it.
Can I get a permit for a forbidden animal?
Only as a grandfather scheme from the Food Authority for animals lawfully held before 2016. There is no route to acquire a new one.
What is the penalty for an illegal animal?
A fine, and the animal can be confiscated. There is no fixed fine tariff in the regulation.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I keep exotic pets denmark”
- “ban list special animals”
- “venomous snake banned denmark”
- “ball python bearded dragon legal”
- “permit exotic animal”
- “terrarium pet rules”