Joe D. Says:
What are the firearms laws like in Spain?
IL Contributor Marsha Scarbrough Writes:
Gun ownership in Spain is highly regulated. The bearing of arms by civilians is not considered a right but a privilege that may be granted by the government if legal conditions are met.
Guns are regulated by the Ministry of the Interior through the General Directorate of the Civil Guard.
Different types of licenses are required according to the type of weapon to be used. Firearms licenses for personal security are restricted to those who can prove that a real danger to their security exists. Licensed gun owners must undergo annual physical and mental health examinations as well as home inspections every year.
Automatic weapons are strictly forbidden to civilians.
Guns can be imported for hunting only with a Gun Import Permit. The visitor must certify at a Spanish Consulate that he is a bona-fide hunter in his home country and also provide information about the gun he wants to import. The Consulate then issues an official document that has to be presented to the police at point of entry. Failure to jump through these hoops will result in having your gun impounded by customs and held until you leave Spain.
In order to receive these temporary gun import documents, you must contact the General Consulate of Spain in your region and submit to them: a notarized photocopy of your passport; a notarized photocopy of a valid hunting license; the literal translation in Spanish of that hunting license; a money order in the amount of $50 payable to the Consulate General of Spain; plus information regarding the hunting trip (dates and places). You’ll also need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can send your documents to you.
You should do all of this well in advance of your departure, as it will take some time to process the paperwork.
Read more about life in Spain on the dedicated page of the IL website.
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