Paraguay Gun Licence Guide: How to Apply Through DIMABEL (2026)

Paraguay has relatively accessible firearms laws by international standards, making it one of the few countries where legal residents can obtain a civilian firearms licence through a defined, bureaucratic process. The issuing authority is DIMABEL (Dirección de Material Bélico) — the Directorate of War Material — which operates under the Ministry of National Defence. This guide covers the requirements, process, costs, and important caveats for expat residents interested in obtaining a Paraguayan firearms licence.

Important note: Paraguay's firearms regulations are subject to change. The information in this guide reflects requirements as understood in early 2026, but applicants should verify current requirements directly with DIMABEL before beginning the process.

Who Can Apply: Residency and Age Requirements

Only legal residents of Paraguay can apply for a civilian firearms licence. Tourists and visitors on temporary entry are not eligible — you must hold at least temporary residency and a valid cédula paraguaya.

The minimum age requirement is 21 years old (some sources cite 22 — confirm the current requirement directly with DIMABEL at the time of your application, as this detail has varied across sources). There is no upper age limit specified, but medical fitness requirements apply.

Overview of the Process

The DIMABEL application process involves several distinct stages that run partially in parallel:

• Completing a government-approved firearms safety course
• Passing a written examination on Paraguayan firearms laws and safety
• Passing a practical (live-fire) examination at an authorised range
• Undergoing background checks by the national police and INTERPOL
• Submitting a complete documentation package to DIMABEL

The Firearms Safety Course

Before applying for a licence, you must complete a firearms safety course from a government-approved provider. The course covers safe handling, storage requirements, Paraguayan firearms law, and the legal responsibilities of licence holders. Course providers are typically shooting clubs or ranges with DIMABEL approval. The course culminates in both a written exam and a practical test at the range.

The Written Examination

The written exam consists of 30 to 40 multiple choice questions covering firearms safety procedures, Paraguayan firearms legislation, storage rules, and lawful use provisions. The passing score is 70%. The exam is conducted in Spanish — expat applicants who are not yet confident in Spanish typically prepare with additional study materials or a Spanish-speaking assistant.

The Practical (Live-Fire) Examination

After passing the written exam, you must demonstrate basic firearms handling and marksmanship at an authorised shooting range. The practical test assesses safe handling protocols, accuracy at a defined distance, and proper stance and technique. The course provider typically prepares candidates for this test as part of the training programme.

Background Checks: National Police and INTERPOL

DIMABEL conducts background checks through both the Paraguayan national police and INTERPOL. These checks verify that you have no criminal record — in Paraguay or internationally — that would disqualify you from holding a firearms licence. The processing time for these checks is typically 45 to 60 days. This is the longest stage in the process and should be factored into your planning timeline. You cannot receive your licence until both background checks are completed and cleared.

Required Documentation

The documentation package submitted to DIMABEL typically includes:

• Valid cédula paraguaya
• Certificate of firearms safety course completion
• Written exam pass certificate
• Practical exam pass certificate
• Medical and psychological fitness certificate (issued by an authorised clinic)
• Background check clearance from the national police
• Personal history/resume (curriculum vitae)
• Passport-format photographs
• Some categories may require a letter from SET confirming tax registration compliance

Documentation requirements can vary by firearm category and are subject to periodic updates by DIMABEL. Confirm the current complete list with DIMABEL or a service provider who handles applications regularly.

Costs

The DIMABEL licence fee at time of writing is approximately GS 363,000 (roughly USD 50 equivalent at current exchange rates). This is the official government fee for the licence itself.

Additional costs include:

• Safety course and range fees: approximately USD 150–350 depending on provider and intensity of training
• Medical/psychological certificate: modest clinic fee
• If using a service provider to coordinate the full application: total all-inclusive costs of approximately USD 300–600 are commonly cited by providers

Licence Validity and Renewal

A DIMABEL firearms licence is valid for 5 years from date of issue, after which it must be renewed. The renewal process typically requires an updated medical certificate and confirmation of continued clean background checks. Licence holders are responsible for maintaining their own records and initiating renewal before the expiry date.

Types of Firearms Permitted for Civilians

Civilian licence holders in Paraguay may generally own handguns, shotguns, and semi-automatic rifles, subject to calibre and category restrictions defined by DIMABEL regulations. Full-automatic weapons and certain military-grade arms are not available to civilian licence holders. The permitted categories and calibre restrictions are defined in the current DIMABEL regulations — verify what is currently permitted for the specific type of firearm you intend to acquire.

Purchasing a Firearm

Once licensed, firearms can be purchased from registered firearms dealers in Paraguay. Buying a firearm locally is significantly simpler than importing one from abroad, which involves a separate and more complex customs and authorisation process. The firearm must be registered with DIMABEL, and the registration is tied to the licence holder.

Important Caveats

Paraguay's firearms laws have been subject to discussion and anticipated changes. Expats researching this topic have noted that regulatory updates are possible. Before committing time and cost to this process, verify with DIMABEL directly or through a registered service provider that current requirements match what is described here.

Carrying a licensed firearm in public in Paraguay is subject to additional legal provisions. Understanding the full scope of your legal rights and obligations as a licence holder — including transport rules, storage requirements, and use-of-force law — is essential and is part of what the safety course covers.

For background on the residency and cédula requirement that is a prerequisite for a DIMABEL licence, see our Paraguay residency requirements guide.

This guide reflects information available as of April 2026 from multiple expat community sources and is provided for general information only. DIMABEL requirements and Paraguayan firearms law can change. Always verify current requirements directly with DIMABEL (Dirección de Material Bélico) before beginning the application process.