It is strictly regulated.
Owning a monkey in Spain requires compliance with national and regional wildlife protection laws, including the 2023 Royal Decree transposing EU Directive 2019/2114. The Autonomous Communities enforce permits via environmental agencies like the Dirección General de Biodiversidad y Calidad Ambiental in Catalonia or the Consejería de Medio Ambiente in Andalusia. Private ownership is permitted only for certain species under strict conditions, with inspections mandated by 2026 under the new Plan Estratégico para la Conservación de Especies Autóctonas.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Spain
- CITES Permits: All non-native primate species require CITES documentation, issued by the Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (MITECO). Imports must prove legal acquisition and species-specific welfare standards.
- Regional Licensing: Autonomous Communities issue ownership permits, typically restricted to species like capuchins or marmosets. Applications undergo veterinary and habitat assessments, with renewals tied to compliance audits post-2026.
- Welfare and Housing Standards: Mandatory enclosures must meet EU Directive 2010/63/EU requirements, including space, enrichment, and veterinary care. Violations trigger fines up to €100,000 or confiscation under Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage.