The use and carrying of weapons in Spain is strictly regulated by the Weapons Law and the Weapons Regulations , which establish clear rules on who can own, carry or use firearms or defense weapons.
Unlike other countries, in Spain there is no general right to carry weapons in the street , and any misuse can be considered a serious crime.
In recent years, interest in legal self-defense , the use of weapons for private security , and gun licenses has grown, raising questions about the permits, limitations, and penalties that apply in Spain. Therefore, we will try to answer some of your questions below.
Who is allowed to carry weapons in the street?
In Spain, only certain people can carry weapons , under very specific circumstances.
Speaking specifically about firearms , we can say that the State Security Forces and Corps , such as the National Police, the Civil Guard, the Mossos d'Esquadra or the Local Police, are authorized to carry firearms during service or, in specific cases, outside of it.
Private security guards may also carry weapons, but only during their working hours and with express authorization from the Ministry of the Interior. Under no circumstances may they carry them off duty or while not in uniform.
The rest of the citizens cannot carry weapons in the street, except in very restricted cases and always with a valid license.
As regards bladed weapons, such as knives or swords, they cannot be carried in public except for justified reasons.
Compressed air ones require a municipal card and can only be used in authorized locations.
Bows and crossbows are limited to authorized sporting or hunting activities .
The carrying or improper display of any weapon is punishable under the Citizen Security Law, even if a license is held.
Only security forces, authorized guards or professionals with work justification may carry cutting tools or similar, always without displaying them in public.
Who is allowed to carry a gun in the street?
Carrying a pistol in Spain requires a type B license , issued by the Directorate General of the Civil Guard . This permit is very limited and is granted only in exceptional cases, such as for judges, prosecutors, or individuals who can demonstrate a serious risk to their safety .
Obtaining this license requires a psychological evaluation, shooting tests, a clean background check certificate, and documentary justification of the danger.
Even with a Class B license, the weapon must be transported unloaded and in its regulation case, not displayed in public or used outside of authorized circumstances.
There are also the previously mentioned cases, such as the police and security forces, who are authorized, by virtue of their duties, to carry them.
Is it legal to carry a weapon in the street?
No, carrying a weapon in public without a specific permit is illegal .
The Civil Guard and the Police can confiscate the weapon, impose heavy fines, or file criminal charges .
Firearms may only be moved from one place to another (for example, from home to a shooting range) unloaded and stored in a closed case .
Even bladed weapons have restrictions: carrying automatic knives, large knives or sword-canes is prohibited in public places ; other types of weapons , such as swords, sabers, spears, crossbows or air guns , although they can be transported properly stored (in a sheath or closed case, without the possibility of immediate use) to places where their use is legal, such as sports clubs, shooting ranges or authorized historical reenactments , cannot be publicly displayed either .
Who gives you permission to carry weapons?
The permit to carry weapons is granted by the Weapons Intervention of the Civil Guard , which reports to the Ministry of the Interior .
Each type of weapon has its corresponding license (A, B, C, D, E and F), and each one authorizes only certain uses, such as hunting, sport shooting or self-defense under specific circumstances.
The process includes mandatory training, medical checks, clean criminal records, and justification of real need .
Any falsehood or misuse may result in penalties or loss of the permit.
What weapons can a civilian carry?
A licensed civilian may own hunting weapons (D and E licenses) , sporting weapons (F) or, on rare occasions, a B licensed pistol .
Non-lethal defense weapons , such as approved personal defense sprays or audible alarm devices , are permitted under specific regulations.
It is forbidden to carry realistic replicas, high-powered air guns, or combat knives in public.
What can I carry for self-defense?
In Spain, carrying offensive weapons for self-defense is not permitted , but some legal self-protection items are allowed , such as:
- Defense spray approved by the Ministry of the Interior.
- Tactical flashlights or audible alarms.
- Telephones with emergency alert.
Any object that could be considered an offensive weapon may be confiscated and its possessor penalized. Therefore, the best defense is prevention, common sense, and the use of authorized means .
In a summarized summary
Spain maintains a restrictive and secure system regarding the carrying of weapons , with the aim of preventing crime and guaranteeing public safety.
Only authorized professionals or people with a special license can carry weapons on the street. However, for personal protection, other items can also be used, such as approved sprays, tactical flashlights, audible alarms, and emergency alert phones...
If in doubt, before acquiring or carrying any type of weapon, it is essential to consult the Civil Guard and know the current regulations to avoid penalties.
