No, open carry of firearms is illegal in Spain except under extraordinary circumstances. Civilian possession requires a Licencia de Armas (Firearms License) issued by the Dirección General de la Guardia Civil (DGC), but even licensed owners may only transport firearms unloaded and in locked cases to authorized locations like shooting ranges. Public display or carrying without explicit justification constitutes a criminal offense under the Ley de Seguridad Ciudadana (Law 4/2015) and the Reglamento de Armas (Royal Decree 137/1993).
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Spain
- Licensing Mandate: Firearms licenses are strictly limited to hunting, sport shooting, or professional use, with rigorous background checks by the DGC. Open carry is never permitted for self-defense.
- Transport Protocols: Firearms must be transported unloaded, disassembled, and in a locked container separate from ammunition. Violations trigger administrative fines up to €30,000 or criminal charges under Article 566 of the Penal Code.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Proyecto de Ley de Seguridad Pública (2024 draft) proposes stricter storage requirements and mandatory biometric tracking for licensed firearms, aligning with EU Firearms Directive 2023/1535. Local police forces, including Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalonia) and Ertzaintza (Basque Country), enforce these rules with regional variations in inspection frequency.
Exceptions exist for active military personnel or private security firms under Orden INT/1622/2011, but these require prior authorization from the Ministry of the Interior. Unauthorized open carry risks immediate confiscation, license revocation, and potential imprisonment (up to 3 years for aggravated offenses).