Can expats own guns in Portugal?

Asked by: Jermain Kilback  |  Last update: February 14, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (26 votes)

Yes, expats can own guns in Portugal, but it's a strict process requiring a license (LUPA) for specific purposes like hunting or sport, involving background checks, medical clearance, and adherence to strict limits, as Portugal has tough gun laws focusing on safety, making self-defense licenses nearly impossible to get. The law distinguishes between hunting/sport firearms (Categories C/D) and restricted military-grade weapons (Class A).

Can you own guns in Portugal?

Portuguese citizens can own firearms for hunting, target shooting, pest control and collecting. Self-defense is not considered a legal reason for owning a firearm. Legally, only licensed gun owners can lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition.

What country has the loosest gun laws?

Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.

Can expats own guns in Spain?

Gun ownership rules for expats in Spain impose strict citizenship or legal residency requirements. Only individuals with valid Spanish residency permits or citizenship can apply for firearm licenses. Visitors and tourists are generally prohibited from owning or carrying firearms during their stay.

Is self-defense allowed in Portugal?

So, to wrap it up, sometimes self-defense isn't so much about whether you can have a weapon or not, because it ends up being a trap; you can't use it. Just respect the 3 requirements and don't use an illegal weapon, and self-defense is, in principle, allowed.

What Are The Gun Laws In Portugal? - Iberian Wonders

41 related questions found

What European country has the best gun laws?

Czechs have spent time much of their history fighting, including two civil wars—one of which lasted 200 years. After the fall of communism, Czechs restored their gun rights and now have some of the most permissive gun laws in Europe.

Which European country has mandatory gun ownership?

In the right to bear arms debate, pro-gun Americans point to Switzerland, where almost every adult male is legally required to possess a gun. One of the few nations with a higher per capita rate of gun ownership than the United States, Switzerland has virtually no gun crime.

Can a US citizen carry a gun overseas?

Firearms and ammunition that may be allowed in checked bags or pass through security in the United States are often illegal in other countries and can result in your arrest when screened at local airports. Research the local laws and customs of your travel destination.

What countries allow citizens to own guns?

The purpose of gun rights is for self-defense, as well as hunting and sporting activities. Countries that guarantee a right to keep and bear arms include Albania, the Czech Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Switzerland, the United States and Yemen.

Can you own a gun in Italy?

To legally acquire firearms in Italy, individuals must obtain a "purchase authorization" (nulla osta all'acquisto). This authorization permits the holder to purchase and possess a firearm, but not to carry or use it.

What is the freest gun state?

There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Arkansas, Montana, and South Dakota are consistently ranked among the most gun-friendly due to permissive laws like constitutional/permitless carry, strong self-defense protections (Stand Your Ground), and lack of sales tax on firearms. Other states often cited for lenient laws include Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, and Mississippi, though some recent political shifts in states like Arizona have impacted their rankings.
 

Can a foreigner buy a gun in Switzerland?

Only if you purchase a weapon, you must send the sales contract to your cantonal weapons office within 30 days. If you are a foreign national without a settlement permit, you require a weapons acquisition permit for all types of weapon and their essential components (e.g. the barrel or casing).

Which European country has the highest gun ownership?

Austria ranks among the highest in Europe for civilian gun ownership, with approximately 30 guns per 100 residents, according to the 2017 Small Arms Survey, a Geneva research group. While countries such as Cyprus, Finland, and Iceland report slightly higher rates, Austria remains an outlier in the continent.

Are automatic knives legal in Portugal?

Portugal. It is legal to own and carry a folding knife with a blade length of up to 12 cm (4.72 inches) in public. Likewise, it is illegal to have any knife that can be locked in an open position, including switchblades and gravity knives.

Can people in Brazil own guns?

For citizens to legally own a gun, they must have a gun license, which costs R$1000 and pay a fee of R$85 every three years to renew the gun register. The registration can be done online or in person with the Federal Police.

Can you fly internationally with a firearm?

If you are traveling internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information and requirements prior to travel. Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.

Can expats own guns in America?

An alien legally in the U.S. is not prohibited from purchasing firearms unless the alien is admitted into the U.S. under a nonimmigrant visa and does not meet one of the exceptions as provided in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2), such as possession of a valid hunting license or permit.

Can you own a gun in France?

Yes, you can own a gun in France, but it's highly regulated and requires specific licenses (hunting or shooting sport) and prior authorization for many types, with strict background checks and categorization of firearms (Categories B, C, D) determining the process, often involving clubs, permits, and official declarations to the Prefecture. While semi-automatics and handguns are permitted, they fall under stricter rules, and general self-defense isn't a primary reason for ownership. 

What country does not allow guns at all?

In a select group of fourteen countries around the world, handguns are strictly prohibited. These nations are Brunei, Cambodia, Comoros, East Timor, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nauru, North Korea, Palau, Solomon Islands, Somalia, and Vatican City.

Which country in Europe has the highest gun crime?

The Balkan countries Albania and Bosnia have the highest murder rates with cases involving firearms in Europe. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Sweden came third.

Who has the most lenient gun laws?

The 10 States With the Most Lenient Gun Laws

  • Montana.
  • Idaho.
  • Georgia.
  • Arkansas.
  • South Dakota.
  • Oklahoma.
  • New Hampshire.
  • Kentucky.

Can I bring my gun to Portugal?

Either Temporary Gun Permits or European Firearms Passes must be presented to customs at the time of departure before check-in. Holders of a Temporary Gun Permit or a European Firearms Pass are allowed to carry and store freely their guns and ammunition at their hotels during the stay in Portugal.

What do they call police in Portugal?

Law enforcement in Portugal

“Guarda Nacional Republicana” (GNR) - National Gendarmerie. “Policia de Segurança Publica” (PSP) - Public Security Police. “Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras” (SEF) - Immigration and Borders Agency. “Autoridade Tributária” (AT) - Customs and Tax Authority.

Is Portugal an ally of Israel?

Portugal and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1977. The countries enjoy mutual appreciation of the advantages each side holds.