Lead time needed
4-6 weeks
Quarantine
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Route complexity
Low-Medium
Airlines
4 carriers on this route
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Pet Transport UAE to Germany: 2026 Guide

Official rules on this page checked
Step by step

The United Arab Emirates to Germany import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Several weeks before travel
Verify current rabies vaccination with 21-day post-primary wait complete.

Responsible: Vet in UAE

2
4-6 weeks before travel
Obtain MOCCAE export permit through the online portal or relocation agent.

Responsible: Owner or pet relocation agent

3
4-6 weeks before travel
Book Emirates SkyCargo or Lufthansa Cargo from DXB to FRA.

Responsible: Owner or agent

4
Within 10 days of travel
Obtain MOCCAE-endorsed EU-format certificate within 10 days of travel.

Responsible: Licensed vet plus MOCCAE endorsement

5
Travel day
Depart DXB. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt or destination airport.

Responsible: Emirates SkyCargo and German customs

Which Germany rules depend on a pet coming from the United Arab Emirates?

The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and the United Arab Emirates falls in “Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636”.

No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Official source

The rules that apply to every pet entering Germany, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Germany guide.

What does the United Arab Emirates require before your pet leaves?

  1. Export permit: A copy of the importing country's import permit is required for live animal exports, but companion animals are exempt from this document. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the UAE.
    Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals (Arabic), checked 1 October 2026
  2. Export health certificate: MOCCAE issues the veterinary health certificate for exporting live animals after examination; it covers companion animals. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the UAE.
    Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals (Arabic), checked 1 October 2026
  3. Export health certificate: The export health certificate is valid for 30 days from issue. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the UAE.
    Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals (Arabic), checked 1 October 2026
  4. Export health certificate: Fee is AED 100 for a personal consignment of up to 2 animals including companion animals (AED 400 standard). Applies to personal export of up to 2 dogs or cats.
    Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals (Arabic), checked 1 October 2026
  5. Other conditions: MOCCAE requires any additional documents or test reports requested by the importing country to be provided with the export certificate application. Applies to All pet dogs and cats.
    Request for a veterinary health certificate for exporting or re-exporting live animals (Arabic), checked 1 October 2026
Costs

What this route typically costs

Licensed vet health certificate plus MOCCAE endorsement: AED 200-500 …
MOCCAE export permit: AED 100-300 (approximately EUR 25-80)
Cargo DXB to FRA (Emirates or Lufthansa direct): EUR 700-1,800 …
Total typical range: EUR 1,100-2,800

Critical points

No rabies antibody test applies on this route. The United Arab Emirates is on the EU listed register, so the test and its three-month wait are both off the table. Guidance that puts this move at five months is describing an unlisted origin.

Germany's Bundesland breed restrictions are strict and vary by state. Check your specific destination before booking.

MOCCAE export permit is mandatory and separate from the health certificate. Obtain it well before travel.

The MOCCAE-endorsed EU certificate must be dated within 10 days of travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates operates direct from Dubai (DXB) to Frankfurt (FRA). Emirates SkyCargo handles …
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa operates between DXB and FRA direct. Lufthansa Cargo is experienced with live …
Cargo Only
Etihad Cargo
Etihad operates from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Frankfurt and other German airports. Useful if …
Cargo Only
flydubai / Emirates via secondary hubs
Secondary routing options exist via other European hubs. Your cargo agent can advise on …
Cargo Only
FAQ

Common questions

No. The UAE is listed under EU pet travel rules, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month waiting period are waived. Your pet needs a microchip (predating the vaccination), a current rabies vaccination, MOCCAE export permit, and a MOCCAE-endorsed EU certificate dated within 10 days of travel. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
MOCCAE (Ministry of Climate Change and Environment) is the UAE authority that regulates animal exports. The export permit is a mandatory authorisation allowing your pet to leave the UAE. It is separate from the health certificate. Obtain it through the MOCCAE online portal or via a registered pet relocation agent before your travel date.
Four to six weeks, assuming your pet’s microchip and vaccination records are in order. The main steps are obtaining the MOCCAE export permit (4-6 weeks ahead), booking cargo (4-6 weeks ahead), and obtaining the MOCCAE-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Emirates SkyCargo and Lufthansa Cargo both operate direct DXB to FRA, and both have established live animal cargo facilities. Emirates has the advantage of extensive cargo capacity on this route; Lufthansa has Frankfurt as its home hub with strong live animal handling on arrival. Compare availability and rates for your specific travel dates.
Airline guides
  • Emirates SkyCargo
  • Lufthansa Cargo
  • Etihad Cargo
  • flydubai / Emirates via secondary hubs
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet to Germany.

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AE DEUnited Arab Emirates to Germany
International pet transport route
Lead time4-6 weeks
QuarantineSee key facts
ComplexityLow-Medium
Airlines4
ServiceDoor to door
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Sources

Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.