Brazil Eases Gun Ownership Laws

The debate is one that gun rights activists and gun control lobbyists have all the time. Is it better to arm the general public so private citizens can protect themselves, or should firearms be restricted to use by law enforcement. There’s no easy answer. What’s clear, however, is that it’s easier today than ever before to own a gun in Brazil.

President Jair Bolsonaro campaigned on a pro gun platform. The criminals are armed, so the public should be armed too. This was and continues to be his view. And as a result, Brazil has recently implemented more than 30 decrees aimed at relaxing gun laws.

Despite the changes, not everyone can carry in public. First, there are some threshold requirements. You must be at least 25 years of age, and you must be either a Brazilian citizen or a permanent resident. Assuming you meet those conditions, you can apply for a concealed weapon license from the Federal Police.

Along with the application, you’ll have to present a handful of supporting documents. These include a clean criminal background report, a letter from a psychologist attesting to your mental health, and a letter from a credentialed professional verifying your gun handling skills.

For most, the biggest hurdle is proving necessity. Brazil still prohibits carrying a gun unless you have a legitimate need. To qualify, you’ll have to show that you face some physical threat or that you engage in a high risk professional activity.

The debate over guns in Brazil is really just beginning. Expect the laws to continue to change, particularly as Bolsonaro remains in office.