Frequently asked questions about hunting and firearm exams
Answers to the most common questions about the exams, required documents, costs and our platform.
General questions
Frequently asked questions about our platform and its features.Yes, the questions you see are the real exam questions.
This website is designed to help you prepare for your hunting and firearm license exams in Portugal. We provide practice questions, resources, and information to support your study efforts.
We have thousands of monthly users, and the number is growing every day!
Yes, our platform is completely free to use. We believe in making quality resources accessible to everyone.
No. You can start practicing without registering. We save your progress anonymously. If you create an account, you can link your existing progress to it and continue on other devices.
You can reach out to us through our contact page. We welcome any questions, suggestions, or feedback you may have!
Licenses
Frequently asked questions about the hunting and firearm licenses.The carta de caçador is the document you receive after passing the ICNF exam. It identifies you as a hunter and entitles you to hunt by any legally permitted means, provided you meet the other legal requirements. Since Decreto-Lei n.º 167/2015, de 21 de agosto the card no longer carries weapon specifications. One common confusion: the carta de caçador does not authorise you to own or use a firearm. That is the licença de uso e porte de armas (LUPA), issued by the PSP, with its own exam.
Sources: Decreto-Lei n.º 202/2004, de 18 de agosto (artigos 65.º a 72.º)
Yes. The licença de caça is separate from the carta de caçador and it is annual: you need a valid one for each hunting season. Residents buy it at a Multibanco ATM or an ICNF counter. Non-residents apply at an ICNF counter or an authorised hunting-sector organisation (OSC), not at an ATM. Keep proof of payment with you and show it whenever the authorities ask.
Sources: Decreto-Lei n.º 202/2004, de 18 de agosto (artigo 74.º)
There are three separate documents. The carta de caçador is the card proving you passed the ICNF hunting exam. The licença de caça is the annual licence that lets you hunt in a given season. The licença de uso e porte de armas (LUPA) is issued by the PSP and is what allows you to own and use a firearm. Hunting with a shotgun or rifle means holding all three.
Sources: Decreto-Lei n.º 202/2004, de 18 de agosto, Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro
You can apply for a hunting or firearm license through the appropriate government agency in Portugal. We recommend checking our guides for detailed information on the application process.
Sources: Decreto-Lei n.º 202/2004, de 18 de agosto, Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro
The requirements vary depending on the type of license you are applying for. Generally, you will need to pass an exam, provide identification, and meet certain age and health criteria.
Sources: Decreto-Lei n.º 202/2004, de 18 de agosto (artigo 66.º), Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro
The ICNF official question bank contains 506 questions. Each practice exam draws a random selection from this bank, mirroring the real exam format.
Portaria 140-B/2016 sets six official subject areas: hunting legislation, biology of game species, ecology and the protection of wildlife and biodiversity, game management, the use of hunting means (hunting weapons and birds of prey), and health and hygiene in wild animals and food safety.
Each question needs to be answered correctly 3 times to be considered mastered. Once mastered, a question moves to review and appears less frequently, so you can focus on the ones you haven't learned yet.
The ICNF exam registration fee is €21.50 for candidates under 25 and €43.00 for those 25 and over. An additional €13.51 is charged to issue the license card. See the official fee schedule.
Registration is done directly on the ICNF website or at regional offices. You'll need your ID card, a medical certificate, and a criminal record check. See our enrollment guide for a step-by-step guide.
Pick your preferred exam date and we'll send a push notification to your phone the moment registration opens. Enrollment windows typically last around 2 weeks but spots fill up within days.
The general hunting season typically runs from October to February, but exact dates vary by species and region. Wild boar and deer hunts may have different dates. The ICNF publishes the official hunting calendar annually.
Costs vary by category. For categories C and D (hunting), the fee is approximately €85. Additional costs include a medical certificate and mandatory liability insurance. Check the PSP website for current fees.
Sources: Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro, Portaria n.º 934/2006, de 8 de setembro, Portaria n.º 15/2024, de 23 de janeiro
The license is issued by the PSP (Public Security Police). Apply at the district PSP command in your area of residence. The process includes submitting an application, providing a medical certificate, obtaining liability insurance, and passing the written exam and weapon identification test.
Sources: Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro, Portaria n.º 43/2018, de 6 de fevereiro
Yes, foreign residents in Portugal can obtain a firearm license provided they meet the same requirements as Portuguese citizens: legal residency, a medical certificate, a clean criminal record, and passing the exams. EU citizens can transfer firearms using the European Firearms Pass.
Sources: Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro (artigos 60.º a 68.º-A), EU-Directive n.º 2021/555, de 24 de março
The FPTAC (Portuguese Federation of Shooting with Hunting Weapons) regulates competitive shooting disciplines using hunting shotguns: trap, skeet, double trap, and compak sporting.
To get your license you must join an affiliated club, pass the FPTAC theoretical exam, and obtain a LUPA from the PSP.
You can practice for the exam for free using our simulator.
The FPT (Portuguese Shooting Federation) regulates Olympic shooting disciplines such as pistol, rifle, and shotgun events. You must join an affiliated club, pass the FPT theoretical exam, and obtain a LUPA from the PSP. You can practice for the exam for free using our simulator.
Sources: Federação Portuguesa de Tiro
Hunting in Portugal
Frequently asked questions about hunts and hunting events in Portugal.A montaria is a large game group hunt, usually for wild boar or deer. Hunters take fixed positions while beaters and dogs drive the animal towards them. It is one of the most social and accessible forms of hunting for those new to the sport.
A batida is similar to a montaria but smaller in scale, very common for wild boar. It typically takes place in scrubland or pine forest with a smaller number of participants.
Yes. Portuguese law allows anyone to join an organised hunt as a secretário or mochileiro (non-hunting companion), without needing a hunting license. You cannot perform hunting acts or handle weapons in active mode, but you can be present and take part in the experience. Learn more about joining your first hunt.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of hunt, species and organiser. Some associations charge nothing for companions; others have participation fees ranging from €20 to several hundred euros for large game. Each event in the calendar shows the price where available.
Each event in the calendar includes direct contact details for the organiser. You can call or send a WhatsApp message directly from the page.
Weapon rules
Frequently asked questions about the rules and regulations regarding weapons.Yes, provided the firearm is lent to you and the loan is approved by the PSP. The maximum loan period between private individuals is 12 months.
Sources: Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro
Firearms must be transported in a secure case, unloaded, and separate from ammunition. Always follow local laws and regulations.
Sources: Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro (artigos 2.º, 41.º e 45.º)
Yes, there are restrictions on certain types of firearms. It's important to check the current laws and regulations regarding firearm ownership in Portugal.
Sources: Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro
Portuguese law (Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro) defines the following classes:
Class A - prohibited weapons (automatic, military).
Class B - restricted defense weapons, require special authorization.
Class B1 - personal defense weapons (pistols and revolvers), require justified need.
Class C - rifled-barrel hunting weapons (rifles).
Class D - smooth-bore hunting weapons (shotguns).
Class E - recreational weapons, air guns, and alarm guns.
Class F - collectible and historical weapons.
With license (Class B1): pistols and revolvers require a LUPA B1 license and a justified need submitted to the PSP.
With license (Class E): defensive sprays and electric weapons (tasers) require a LUPA E license, which requires justification.
LUPA holders of categories C or D (hunting) automatically have access to Class E weapons.
Sources: Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro
Yes, both are classified as Class E weapons. To purchase them you need a LUPA E license (which requires justification) or a LUPA C or D (hunting), which gives automatic access to Class E. Misuse outside of legitimate self-defense is punishable by law.
Sources: Lei n.º 5/2006, de 23 de fevereiro
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