It is strictly regulated.
Owning a monkey in Portugal requires compliance with national biodiversity laws and EU regulations, as primates are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The 2023 transposition of EU Directive 2019/2114 into Portuguese law (Decreto-Lei n.º 92/2023) tightened controls, mandating permits for non-native species. Local authorities, including the Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), enforce these rules, with violations risking fines up to €374,090 or imprisonment. Exotic pet ownership remains contentious, and municipal ordinances may impose additional restrictions.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Portugal
- CITES Permits: Mandatory for all primate species, including common pets like capuchins or marmosets, issued by ICNF after verifying legal acquisition and welfare standards. Permits are denied for endangered species (e.g., great apes) under EU Regulation 338/97.
- Domestic Animal Law (Decreto-Lei n.º 82/2019): Classifies monkeys as “exotic pets,” requiring microchipping, veterinary health certificates, and liability insurance. Municipalities may impose breed-specific bans or enclosure size requirements.
- 2026 Compliance Deadlines: New EU-wide risk assessments (effective 2026) will reclassify primates as “high-risk species,” necessitating pre-emptive permits or outright prohibitions. ICNF is drafting national guidelines to align with these changes.