Brazil Hunting License: Procedures and Regulations

Published on May 6, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Obtaining a hunting license in Brazil is a process that can seem complex for the uninitiated, given the current regulations are rigorous and specific to each region. While the country is home to impressive biodiversity, authorities have implemented strict measures to protect this natural wealth.

Candidates must not only understand the legislation that varies by state, but also commit to following certain ethical and environmental protocols. This article will guide you through the essential steps, from preparing the required documents to completing the acquisition process, while highlighting the challenges and opportunities this regulated field presents.

Steps to Obtain a Hunting License in Brazil

Sport hunting has been officially banned in Brazil since 1967, except in very specific cases related to pest control or subsistence. No recreational hunting license is currently issued for wildlife across the entire national territory.

Administrative Steps (General Case)

• Currently, there is no standardized national procedure allowing individuals to obtain a hunting license for recreational purposes.
• Authorized procedures mainly concern the control of animals considered pests, under strict supervision of environmental authorities.

Documents Generally Required (for strictly regulated activities)

• Written request specifying the target species and reasons (health/agricultural control).
• Official ID (CPF/RG or passport for foreigners).
• Prior authorization issued by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) or by the competent regional environmental agencies.

Associated Fees

No public fee schedule for issuing general sport hunting permits exists under current Brazilian law.

Processing Times

For the rare special authorizations granted, the timeframe depends on administrative processing by IBAMA or its regional equivalent; it may vary based on local context and the justification provided.

Main Applicable Laws and Regulations

Legal Text	Main Provision
Federal Law No. 5.197/1967	General ban on recreational hunting
Decree No. 6.514/2008	Administrative penalties for wildlife law violations
Bill PL 6.268/16	Proposes partial legalization but not adopted

Regional Variations

Some regions may occasionally grant limited authorizations for animal control (controle populacional), always under strict conditions.

Existing Categories/Special Regimes

• Permanent license: Not applicable to date for leisure/sport.
• Temporary foreign license: Non-existent except for scientific/academic exceptions validated by IBAMA.

Renewal and Foreign Visitors

No simplified procedure or temporary regime is open to foreign visitors wishing to hunt as tourists.

Useful Additional Information

Currently, any activity resembling so-called “sport” hunting remains illegal in Brazil unless future legislative changes occur. A bill aiming at its legalization exists but has not been adopted or enacted to date.

Summary List — Key Points

• Recreational hunting banned since 1967
• Only exceptions: specific animal control with IBAMA authorization
• No regular national categories or automatic renewal
• No legal possibility open to foreign visitors

For any project involving handling or transporting weapons during your stay, you must refer to the specific rules on temporary import/export with Brazilian customs and the local embassy.

Hunting Regulations in Brazil for Expats

Hunting wild animals has been officially banned in Brazil since 1967, for both citizens and expats. Therefore, there is currently no legal procedure allowing a non-resident to obtain a hunting license to practice this activity in the country.

Key Points on Current Regulations:

• Sport and recreational hunting, as well as the trade and breeding of wild animals for private or commercial purposes, are prohibited throughout the Brazilian territory.
• A bill (No. 6.268/16) aiming to legalize leisure hunting — including in nature reserves — was submitted to the Brazilian Parliament but was not adopted. To date, the practice remains illegal.
• No regulatory distinction exists between Brazilian citizens and non-residents regarding the issuance of a hunting license, as it is not provided for under current legislation.

Comparative Table: Requirements for Hunting in Brazil

Category	Brazilian Citizen	Expat/Non-Resident
Legal License	Not available	Not available
Official Procedure	Non-existent	Non-existent
Required Documents	Not applicable	Not applicable
Processing Times	Not applicable	Not applicable
Authorized Areas	None	None

Specific Restrictions:

• Protected Areas: Hunting remains strictly prohibited in all protected natural areas.
• Protected Species: All wild species are currently protected against any form of hunting.

Training/Certification Requirements:

No official program or specific certification currently concerns the legal practice of hunting by expats, as it is prohibited.

Main Competent Authorities:

• Ibama (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources): main body responsible for environmental control and management.
• ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation): responsible for federal conservation units.

For any request or clarification on the regulatory framework applicable to hunting activities in Brazil, it is therefore essential to consult these official bodies before any project related to this practice.

Authorizations and Documents Required for a Hunting License

Types of Hunting Licenses in Brazil

License Type	Description
CAC (Hunter, Sport Shooter, Collector)	General license covering hunters, sport shooters, and gun collectors. Grants access to purchase, possession, and transport of firearms for these activities.
Special Regional License	Additional authorization sometimes required depending on states or specific areas (e.g., protected reserves).
Temporary License for Foreigners	Specific document allowing non-residents to hunt for a limited period.

Main Differences Between Licenses

• The CAC license allows various activities including sport hunting; it is issued at the federal level.
• Special regional authorizations may limit the type of game, weapons used, or permitted periods depending on the state.
• The temporary license applies only to foreign visitors and often imposes additional restrictions.

Documents Required to Obtain the License

• Valid official ID
• Proof of residency in Brazil
• Firearm handling proficiency certificate, attesting to passing a theoretical and practical exam
• Clean criminal record
• Proof of membership in a recognized club or federation (for some types)
• Parental authorization if the applicant is between 18 and 25 years old

For foreigners:

• Valid passport
• Appropriate visa to legally stay during the license period
• Certificate provided by an accredited local agency

Special Authorizations by Region/Hunt Type

• Additional license required for hunting in certain nature reserves or indigenous territories.
• Some states impose their own seasonal quotas, specific lists of huntable species, and different calendars.
• Commercial hunting is generally prohibited; only certain traditional or scientific forms may be authorized under strict conditions.
• For hunting with hounds or in sensitive biomes (Amazon), a specific request to environmental authorities may be necessary.
• Authorized hunting days vary: often prohibited during the breeding seasons of the target game.

Standard Administrative Process

1. Gather all documents listed above.
2. Pass the psychotechnical evaluation required by the Brazilian Federal Police.
3. Submit the application to SINARM (National Weapons System) – a body under the Federal Police – either online or in person.
4. Pay all associated administrative fees.
5. Wait for validation: processing times vary but generally between a few weeks and three months depending on complexity/region.
6. Collect the license after official notification – in-person presentation required with original ID.

Common Restrictions

• Minimum age: generally set at 18 years, sometimes higher locally for certain categories
• Legal days/hours: defined regionally; there is often an official annual calendar prohibiting activity outside the designated season/hours
• Individual annual quotas set per species

Responsible Agencies

The main government body responsible is:

The Polícia Federal do Brasil, through its National Weapons System (SINARM) for all matters related to CAC/civilian firearms;

Additionally:

National (IBAMA) or local environmental agencies also issue their own opinion/authorization, particularly for nature/protected reserves.

Typical observed processing times: standard administrative processing estimated between two weeks and three months depending on volume/request/applicant’s specific situation.

Any violation of local rules exposes the offender to immediate or even permanent suspension of the right to hunt on Brazilian territory.