Q: Do I need to get a Costa Rican gun license here first and then bring the guns in?

RP: Yes! You need to get an IMPORT LICENSE from the gun control department first. Once the guns are in the country then you need to REGISTER the guns with the gun control department.




Q: Are there different types of Costa Rica gun licenses? If so, what are they?

RP: No! There is only one REGISTRATION PROCEDURE. If you want to CARRY any of the guns, mainly handguns then you will need a PERMIT TO CARRY. In order to get one you MUST have Costa Rican residency.

Q: How much does it cost to get a Costa Rica gun license?

RP: There is no licensing fee at this time. However we hire a person to do all the running around and that costs about $40 per gun. That is for the registration portion.

To rent or buy this 54 minute video with Costa Rica Attorney Roger Petersen please visit our Video On Demand page here.

Q: What does the licensing process involve?

RP: You need the original INVOICE for the gun. An application to REGISTER the gun with the description and depending on the gun, an inspection of the gun by the gun control office.

Q: Will I pay duties on the guns when I bring them in?

RP: Yes! This duty which is calculated on the invoice could be up to 80% of the invoice amount.

Q: What is the best way to bring the guns into Costa Rica?

RP: The best way would be to form a Costa Rican corporation and then have the corporation apply for the IMPORT LICENSES. Once they are in the country then REGISTER them ALL in the name of the corporation. That way in the future when you get a PERMIT TO CARRY the permit is issued to “Carry all guns owned by XYZ, S.A., Corporation.

Q: Will I need an attorney to help me?

RP: It would make life a lot easier for you.

Written by Attorney at Law – Roger A. Petersen. Roger has been an attorney since 1992 and is a member of both the Costa Rican and Florida Bar. He practices law in San José, Costa Rica and is the author of the best-selling book The Legal Guide To Costa Rica.

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Written and copyright by Attorney at Law – Roger A. Petersen. Roger has been an attorney since 1992 and is a member of both the Costa Rican and Florida Bar. He practices law in San José, Costa Rica and is the author of the best-selling book The Legal Guide To Costa Rica which you can order from Barnes & Noble here or from Amazon.com here. Attorney Petersen’s website can be found at Petersen & Philps Law Offices.

To speak with Attorney Roger Petersen about hiring him as your Costa Rica attorney, please contact him using the information below:

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.