Shotgun License From Outside The Uk

[Accip74 7,112]

I'm an british citizen but now reside in belgium, I held a shotgun licence for many years in England with no problems, but maybe 6 years ago l let it run out.

My question is, could I re-apply for a licence, on the condition that I kept a gun at a licence holders address in the uk & shot with him in the uk?

[Accip74 7,112]

Anyone? Paulus? I thought you might know the law on this.....

[SportingShooter 0]

I would suggest it can be done but I'm almost certain there are residency restrictions on holding a shotgun certificate if you've spent over a certain amount of continuous time outside of the UK, which may after six years render you inelligible but again I'm not sure, will have to double check that.

 

There are probably easier options for you, namely;

 

Your friend holding the gun solely on his shotgun certificate and you use it when you are over shooting or you have the gun with you in Belgium and when you need to travel with it, have a European Firearms Pass issued.

[Accip74 7,112]

Ok thanks for that.....yes I imagine it wouldn't be that simple, for me, the point is to get the uk licence as I've heard it could be transferable for a belgium hunting licence which is what I'm really after.....for me at the moment, it may be the easier option. ATB

[SportingShooter 0]

I've looked up what information I can find on the subject and you must be a UK resident for certificates to be granted, even if you have somewhere to securely store your Firearms. The two examples I could find were of non-residents but also non-domisciled for tax purposes.

 

If you're living permanently in Belgium then I would say you would be effectively visiting the UK and would be granted a visitors certificate if you came to shoot with your friend. That visitors certificate would need to be requested by your friend on your behalf, but that may help your case with the Belgian authorities if you're in possession of one.

[Accip74 7,112]

Ok great, thanks for your time & help