If you wish to import or move vertebrate animals that are not farm animals into Germany for a fee or other consideration, or if you wish to broker the sale of such animals, you must apply for a permit from your competent veterinary authority before commencing the activity.

The competent authority will decide whether to issue the permit within four months of receiving the application. It will check whether the requirements for the permit have been met. Depending on the scope and difficulty of the examination, the deadline can be extended by up to two months. You should therefore allow sufficient time for the permit to be issued before starting your activity.

You may only commence your activity once you have received the permit.