Best Countries to Move for Expats with Pets in 2026
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Key Takeaways
- Finding the best countries to move with pets 2026 requires understanding visa rules, pet import regulations, pet-friendly housing, and healthcare facilities.
- Top pet-friendly destinations like Portugal, Spain, and Germany combine flexible visa options, easy pet import policies, and strong expat support.
- Southeast Asia’s Thailand and the United Arab Emirates attract remote professionals with growing pet amenities but differ in healthcare access and housing affordability.
- Practical factors like quarantine rules, pet insurance availability, walkability, and community networks are essential for expats relocating with pets.
- Use tools like the Relocation Wizard and cost-of-living calculator to tailor your move for you and your furry family members.
Understanding What Makes the Best Countries to Move with Pets 2026
When expats plan their move abroad, pets are often part of the family. Yet, few relocation guides delve into the comprehensive requirements and lifestyle factors impacting pet owners in their new home country. Moving with pets is not only about transportation—it involves navigating import and quarantine laws, securing pet-friendly housing, accessing veterinary care, understanding local pet laws, and joining welcoming expat communities.
In 2026, countries to move with pets have evolved in their regulations and offerings. Global shifts in visa programs, cost of living, and quality-of-life considerations now influence where pet-owning expats are setting roots. Countries that provide streamlined pet import processes alongside attractive visa pathways and pet-supportive amenities are winning the favor of professionals and retirees alike.
Here’s a detailed look at the top destinations for pet owners relocating internationally in 2026.
Portugal: Affordable Regions with Strong Pet-Friendly Amenities and Visa Flexibility
Portugal remains a hotspot for expats with pets—thanks to its revamped Golden Visa and appealing quality of life. The 2023 reforms lowered investment thresholds to as low as €280,000 in inland or low-density areas, encouraging moves outside Lisbon and Porto. This is ideal for pet owners seeking quiet, green neighborhoods with walkable streets and accessible parks.
Pet Import and Quarantine
Portugal has relatively straightforward procedures for bringing pets, aligned with EU pet travel rules, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, and an EU pet passport. For non-EU pets, a 21-day waiting period after vaccination is required, but quarantine at arrival is generally unnecessary for compliant animals.
Healthcare and Pet Insurance
Portugal's human and veterinary healthcare sectors are well developed, with vet clinics readily found in urban and suburban areas. Pet insurance options are increasing, making access to routine and emergency care more affordable.
Pet-Friendly Housing Market
Portugal’s growing supply of rental and owned housing in smaller towns offers more pet-friendly landlords and properties, including access to private gardens or nearby parks. The popularity of pet-friendly Airbnb rentals also assists those waiting to establish permanent housing.
Quick Tip: When investing under the Golden Visa program, prioritize properties near green spaces or walking trails to enrich your pet’s quality of life.
Spain: Expanding Digital Nomad Visas and Growing Pet Infrastructure
Spain is rapidly gaining attention as a top pick for pet-owning expats, especially young professionals attracted by its newly expanded digital nomad visa. The 2026 update extends stay durations to two years and slightly raises the minimum income requirement to €27,000 annually.
Easier Pet Relocation and Community Support
Spain follows EU pet regulations, so pets arriving from other EU countries face minimal barriers. Non-EU animals must meet EU pet import requirements but enjoy relatively lenient quarantine rules depending on origin and vaccinations.
Major cities like Valencia and Málaga shine as pet-friendly urban environments with vibrant expat communities, dog parks, and a culture supportive of pet adoption and welfare.
Tax Incentives and Affordable Living
A recent tax break reduces income tax by 15% for the first three years for expats under 35 earning less than €40,000, aligning with Spain’s lifestyle appeal. Combined with the cost-of-living benefits in cities outside Madrid and Barcelona, this creates a budget-friendly move option for younger pet-owning remote workers.
Housing Market and Pet Amenities
The Spanish rental market offers increasing pet-friendly options, including apartments with terraces and access to communal green areas designed for walking dogs. Meanwhile, private veterinary services are accessible and of high quality in major cities.
Quick Tip: Use local municipal websites and expat forums to identify neighborhoods with dog parks and pet services before committing to a lease.
Germany: A Tech Hub With Robust Healthcare and Pet-Friendly Urban Life
Germany attracts highly skilled workers with its updated Blue Card program, lowering the salary threshold especially for IT and engineering specialists. Berlin and Munich, alongside emerging hubs like Leipzig, provide urban pet owners with plenty of amenities.
Pet Import Regulations and Health Insurance
Germany adheres to EU pet travel rules, minimizing quarantine needs for compliant pets. Veterinary care is amongst the best globally, but costs are rising—mandatory health insurance (public or private) also extends to pets via optional pet insurance plans.
Housing and Walkability
Though rent in major cities is high, pet-friendly apartments and neighborhoods with nearby parks remain available. Expats often seek neighborhoods like Kreuzberg (Berlin) or Schwabing (Munich), known for pet-friendly cafes and green spaces.
The Start-up Visa, introduced in 2026, also makes Germany attractive to pet-owning entrepreneurs, with residency after three years available for founders.
Thailand: Affordable Living and Evolving Pet Support for Remote Workers
Thailand continues to draw digital nomads and retirees with its expanded Smart Visa offering up to four years stay and lowered income requirements to ~USD 1,900 monthly. Cities like Chiang Mai offer an affordable cost of living in a pet-friendly environment.
Pet Import and Restrictions
Thailand’s pet import rules require rabies vaccination and microchips with a minimum 21-day waiting period post-vaccination. A quarantine period is typically 7 days for dogs and cats, depending on origin country compliance.
Pet Care and Amenities
Bangkok leads in advanced veterinary care and pet insurance options, while smaller cities have seen incremental growth in pet services but may lack international-standard clinics.
Housing and Lifestyle
Rental properties with outdoor spaces are common in Thailand’s suburbs, supporting active pets. However, expats should assess the availability of clinical pet care near their chosen home city.
Quick Tip: For those concerned with healthcare standards, choose Bangkok as a base for better vet infrastructure when moving with pets.
United Arab Emirates: Luxurious Pet Living With Streamlined Remote Work Visas
The United Arab Emirates has optimized its remote work visa program since 2021. The 2026 reductions in visa fees to AED 7,000 (~USD 1,900) and relaxed rules around dependents make UAE competitive for expats with pets.
Pet Import and Quarantine
UAE’s pet import regulations are strict, involving microchipping, vaccination, and often a quarantine period (up to 14 days) depending on pet origin. However, proactive planning and authorized veterinary certification usually smooth the process.
Healthcare and Pet Insurance
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have world-class human and veterinary healthcare, though private pet insurance is often required and can be costly. The pet-friendly hospitality sector is growing, with dog-friendly parks and pet clubs emerging.
Housing and Community
High-end pet-friendly housing is common in popular expat areas. Still, due to desert climate and urban density, owners should ensure access to climate-controlled outdoor spaces and nearby pet amenities.
New Zealand: Safety, Quality of Life, and Growing Remote Work Visas
New Zealand combines safety, clean air, and excellent public services with revised Skilled Migrant and Remote Work Plus visas facilitating stays up to three years.
Pet Import Policies
New Zealand maintains strict biosecurity controls; pets must meet stringent vaccination requirements and typically undergo quarantine (minimum 10 days) at government-approved centers. The process can be costly but is clearly defined.
Healthcare and Insurance
High standards prevail in veterinary medicine, with widespread options for pet insurance and preventive care.
Pet-Friendly Lifestyle
Although Auckland and Wellington have higher living costs, both provide safe, walkable neighborhoods with parks and trails ideal for pet owners. Secondary cities like Christchurch offer affordability with similar benefits.
Comparing Top Destinations for Pet Owners
| Country | Visas & Duration | Pet Quarantine | Pet-Friendly Housing | Veterinary Care Quality | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Golden Visa, NHR tax, opens 2-5 years | Usually none (EU rules) | Moderate, better outside big cities | Good | Affordable inland properties, tax benefits |
| Spain | Digital Nomad Visa: 2 years | 0-21 days | High, especially in Valencia/Málaga | Good | Tax incentives for young expats, lifestyle |
| Germany | Blue Card, Start-up visa | Usually none (EU rules) | Moderate, pricey in big cities | Excellent | Strong healthcare, tech hubs |
| Thailand | Smart Visa, 4 years | ~7 days | Growing in urban & suburban areas | Improving | Low cost of living, long visa validity |
| United Arab Emirates | Virtual Working Program | Up to 14 days | High-end market | Excellent | No income tax, modern infrastructure |
| New Zealand | Skilled Migrant, Remote Work Plus | Minimum 10 days | Good, but high cost | Excellent | Safety, environment, public services |
Quick Tip: Before relocating, consult the most recent pet import requirements at official government sources and consider pet insurance in your budget planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the easiest countries to move to with pets in 2026?
Countries aligned with EU pet travel rules, such as Portugal, Spain, and Germany, offer the easiest pet import process, usually requiring just microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a pet passport without quarantine for compliant pets.
How much does pet quarantine cost, and how long does it take?
Costs and durations vary widely. For example, New Zealand requires a minimum 10-day stay which can cost several thousand USD, while Thailand quarantine lasts about 7 days and tends to be less expensive. Planning ahead and compliance reduce delays and costs.
Are there pet insurance options available internationally?
Yes, many countries, especially in Europe and North America, have established pet insurance markets covering routine and emergency care. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Germany offer a wide range of policies through local and global providers.
Can remote workers easily bring pets on digital nomad or remote work visas?
Most digital nomad visas, such as those in Spain or Thailand, do not restrict pet imports, but expats must follow country-specific animal import regulations. Verify local housing policies as some rentals may restrict pets despite visa allowances.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right countries to move with pets 2026 is a multifaceted decision balancing pet import laws, visa options, housing availability, healthcare systems, and community support. Destinations like Portugal and Spain excel at combining pet friendliness with attractive visa reforms and tax incentives, while countries such as Germany and New Zealand offer high-quality healthcare and safety despite higher costs.
Before making your move, run your numbers through our cost-of-living calculator and pinpoint your best fit using the Relocation Wizard. This approach ensures both you and your pets enjoy a smooth and happy transition to your new home abroad.
