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Greenland (GL)

Greenland is the world's largest island and an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, known for its vast ice sheet, dramatic fjords, and indigenous Greenlandic (Kalaallit) culture.

Capital: Nuuk
Region: Americas
Language: Greenlandic
Currency: DKK (kr)
Cost of living: Very expensive (index 95)
Emergency: 112
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Bringing Pets to Greenland

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip
Required
Health certificate
Required
Import permit
Required
Quarantine
Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies — at least 30 days before entry when coming from a rabies-free or rabies-controlled country; booster given before expiry waives the 30-day wait Dogs: canine distemper and parvovirus — two vaccinations administered no sooner than one year apart and still valid on entry Cats: feline panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus), and calicivirus Parasite treatment for internal and external parasites before travel

Restricted Breeds

Dangerous or muscular breeds are prohibited — includes Boxers, Pit Bull types, and similar categories. Confirm with the municipality before booking.Wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats (unless 5+ generations removed from wild pedigree) cannot be imported.Dogs are completely prohibited north of the Arctic Circle and in East Greenland to protect commercial sled dog teams. Permitted dog import municipalities: Ivigtut, Maniitsoq, Nanortalik, Narsaq, Nuuk, Paamiut, and Qaqortoq only.

💰 Costs

DKK 5,000–30,000+ depending on route, veterinary documents, crate, airline/cargo fees, import permit, and settlement logistics.

📋 Relocation Process

1. Confirm which municipality you are moving to and that it permits your dog breed/type — dogs are banned north of the Arctic Circle and in East Greenland. 2. Apply for import permit from the Greenland Representation in Copenhagen, including municipality approval. Cats require an exemption to 1943 Danish regulations. 3. Implant ISO 11784/11785 microchip. 4. Complete vaccinations: rabies at least 30 days before entry; canine distemper and parvovirus (two shots, one year apart); appropriate parasite treatments. 5. Obtain veterinary health certificate issued within 14 days of import, attesting microchip number, vaccinations, and freedom from mange or contagious disease. 6. Confirm airline cargo acceptance — aircraft size and cargo weight limits on Greenland routes are strict.

Female dogs staying longer than 3 months must be spayed before entry. Pet logistics frequently fail due to small aircraft cargo limits, weather cancellations, and strict local dog rules — build a backup boarding or rehoming plan before shipping. Confirm all municipality dog rules directly, as they can differ from national requirements.