Firearms licences D, E and F in Spain
Understand the purpose of firearms licences D, E and F in Spain, residence and sporting eligibility, and the main validity and age-related rules.
What D, E and F cover
Spanish firearms licences distinguish between firearm categories and purposes. D, E and F are different licences, rather than three levels of the same permit. When considering hunting or sport shooting, first distinguish the relevant scope.
| Licence | Main scope |
|---|---|
| D | Rifled long firearms for big-game hunting. |
| E | Shotguns, specified sporting long firearms and other categories listed in the regulations; it is not limited to hunting. |
| F | Qualifying competition firearms, for use only at authorised shooting facilities. |
Basic conditions and residence
Ordinary D, E and F applications involve adulthood, residence, physical and psychological fitness, and background checks. For the relevant categories, the regulations refer to Spanish nationals and foreigners resident in Spain who are at least 18.
The local Guardia Civil firearms and explosives office, the Intervención de Armas y Explosivos, assesses whether a particular residence document meets the requirements in an individual case.
- Identity, residence, criminal and gender-violence records, and a fitness report form part of the checks. The relevant procedure specifies the evidence or permission to consult official records.
- Hunting or sporting activities may also require the corresponding activity credentials. F requires sporting eligibility and relevant federation certification.
- Training providers teach; the competent authority decides licence applications based on the individual documentation and checks.
F classes and sporting eligibility
F classes correspond to the shooter’s sporting category. Article 132.1 of the Reglamento de Armas sets out the scope of each class.
- Third class: one competition handgun or long firearm, excluding free pistols.
- Second class: up to six competition firearms.
- First class: up to ten competition firearms.
Validity and continuing conditions
D, E and F normally have a five-year validity period, during which the legal conditions must continue to be met. F is also linked to sporting eligibility and continued sporting activity.
For D/E licences issued to people over 67, current Article 104.1 requires an endorsement three years after issue, with a favourable physical and psychological fitness report. Individual health circumstances may also lead to shorter review intervals.