Greenland’s Gun Laws: Requirements and Regulations

Overview of Gun Regulations in Greenland

Gun laws in Greenland are part of the Danish Constitution and are governed by regulations in Greenland. Gun ownership is common in Greenland and is almost a necessity for hunting and fishing subsistence. All persons who are 18 years of age or older, and have 2 years experience in handling guns, can have a gun permit. However, the Danish government should be informed if one moves to Denmark. All importation of guns are evaluated on a case by case basis so all domestic law must be followed. All persons wishing to obtain a gun permit must fill out an application with the local authority.
In Greenland , there are different types of firearms permits available. A type A permit is for rifles or guns, while type B permits are shotguns. The type C permits are for handguns, type D permits are for automatic weapons and type E permits are for muscle loading firearms. Please note that type E permits can only be obtained for the purpose of game hunting. In addition, special permits my be issued for antique firearms and other firearms not subject to a 2007 order on firearms.

Who Can Own a Weapon in Greenland

In order to possess a firearm in Greenland, individuals must be at least 18 years of age, and they must not have any criminal convictions or mental health issues that could impede their ability to handle a weapon safely. Before issuing a gun owner’s card, Greenlandic authorities undertake thorough background checks that include checking the applicant’s history with the police, criminal courts, and social services. If an applicant has committed violent crimes such as homicides, sexual offenses, or acts of terrorism, a gun owner’s card will almost certainly be denied. In addition to this screening process, applicants may be required to submit to medical examinations to ensure that they do not have psychiatric disorders or physical ailments that could prevent them from handling a weapon safely. The process of applying for a gun owner’s certificate is rigorous, starting with an application to the Commissioner of Police. The form includes questions regarding the reasons why an individual may wish to own a firearm. These questions help to determine if the intended use is legitimate and justifies the need for a gun. As an added precaution, there is a procedure in place for individuals to report prospective gun owners to the police, should they believe a person to be unfit to own a firearm. Individuals who are denied a gun owner’s card have the right to appeal the decision through the Minister of Justice. However, such an appeal must be filed within four weeks of the decision being made.

Types of Guns Allowed in Greenland

A variety of firearms are allowed to be used and owned in Greenland. The Arctic tundra is a vast system of mountains and lakes with hard terrain. Hunters often make the difficult trip to Greenland and pack the kinds of guns that will suit their hunting needs. The most popular firearms that are permitted in Greenland are hunting rifles. Hunting rifles are found to be the most practical for the icy climate. Semi-automatic rifles are prohibited in Greenland. All kinds of shotguns are permitted. However, there has been some discussion about prohibiting the use of semi-automatic shotguns because members of the Army have handguns and submachine guns with burst fire. Simplistically, Greenland requires guns to be of a bolt action or lever action. Furthermore, handguns are almost always restricted and only used for certain military personnel. If you are traveling to Greenland, you should double check that your handgun fits within the regulations outlined by the Danish Ministry of Justice. It is always recommended that you review our list of firearms permitted in Greenland. Other types of firearms that are restricted include semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. To obtain the proper licenses, you should go to the Danish Border Guards.

Allowing Gun Licenses and Registration

Those applying for a gun license in Greenland must first be in possession of a certificate of good conduct or a sex offender check, or must have gotten a waiver in order to be eligible to hold an arms license. A Danish certificate of good conduct is subject to a US validity check to ensure that this information is adequately verified.
Due to the low number of gun licenses that have been issued in Greenland, the police department does not have any general forms of access to data concerning gun license holders. Information regarding gun licenses has been collected instead in the local East Greenland Police Department, including individual applications for gun licenses, refusals, and cancellations.
In addition to collecting these personal data, the police department also subscribes to GunPolicy.org, an international resource for trustworthy information and news on gun policy and gun violence. GunPolicy.org helps to foster a better understanding of the dangers of firearms and emphasizes the need for effective policy solutions.
In order to register your firearm, you need to have a valid gun license and must have the following information available prior to registering the firearm: Registration against your gun license is free and allows the user to later transfer or sell the firearm to another person with the appropriate license or place it in storage if youre leaving Greenland.

Arms, Guns and Hunting in Greenland

As Greenland offers various settings for hunting, this recreational use of firearms is tightly controlled. People interested in hunting in Greenland must obtain a license prior to acquiring weapons of any kind, including ammunition. Applicants are required to first complete an examination, demonstrating their skill in handling and safely storing firearms. All weapons, including ammunition, must be registered with national authorities and may be transported only between places which legally permit their use. A special license is required for transport. Similar requirements apply to hunting knives as to weapons. The only hunting method permitted in Greenland is shot-gun hunting, with a shotgun equipped with an automatic reloading mechanism. Both wild and domesticated birds may be hunted; however , larger animals are not permitted. One particular difference from many hunting laws in other countries is that the hunting of wild geese within three hundred meters of inhabited areas is not restricted here. This unusual law permits compliance with environmental standards and restrictions. The hunting season is determined yearly; this year it runs from 15 September to 30 January. There are no restrictions on the storage of weapons in the home. All restrictions on the hunting of protected birds and species of a certain length of life (over twenty years) apply; this includes migratory birds, but not geese. Most shooting of domesticated birds occurs on farms, thereby avoiding restrictions. Long-range shooting of birds with a caliber under 5.6 is not permitted, due to the possibility of injury to birds in the vicinity. Greenland gun laws clearly connect hunting and gun ownership; people are required to demonstrate skills and preparedness before being allowed to acquire arms. Hunting is not permitted on areas not designated for the purpose of sport. The above restrictions are situated within the context of the general laws regulating private possession of weapons.

Breaking Gun Laws in Greenland and Punishment

Enforcement of gun laws in Greenland falls under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Social Services, which is responsible for monitoring the registration and licensing process. The bureau conducts routine checks of firearm owners to ensure that all regulations are being followed. In addition, the bureau launches investigations into any reported incidents of illegal firearms possession or storage. Penalties for violations of gun laws in Greenland vary depending on the severity of the offense. Minor infractions may result in a warning or a small fine. However, more serious offenses, such as illegal possession, may lead to criminal charges, which can include prison sentences of up to five years and substantial fines. Furthermore, individuals who are found to be in violation of gun storage laws may have their firearms confiscated and may face civil penalties as well. The role of law enforcement in enforcing gun laws is crucial in Greenland. Police officers who suspect an individual has violated gun laws are tasked with conducting an investigation to gather evidence. Upon confirming an offense has occurred, officers have the authority to arrest the suspect and seize any illegal firearms. Additionally, police are responsible for responding to any reports of gun incidents, including accidental shootings and threats with a firearm. In an effort to prevent gun violence, law enforcement officials are also expected to conduct regular inspections of gun shops and sporting clubs to ensure compliance with the law. Any violations found during these inspections may result in immediate action by the bureau or law enforcement.

Gun Control and Public Safety

There has been much debate over the years on whether more stringent laws will result in a reduction of gun violence in Greenland. Gun control advocates argue that the mere possession of a firearm can create a risk that could lead to unintentional tragedy, but rights supporters maintain that a firearm in the home provides safety from home invasion. Either way, there is a general consensus among both sides that the potential for disaster increases with firearms in homes where children are present.
Greenland stands as a unique case when it comes to the typical debate on gun rights and gun control, in that the small population is made up almost entirely of Inuit people who largely have very different ideas on safety and the dangers of firearms. Because most indigenous societies rely on subsistence hunting, there is a more traditional bond among these people, who see hunting rifles as tools rather than weapons.
Moreover, the hunters typically prefer to keep rifles and ammunition in separate locations within the home, so as to reduce the chances of access by children or untrained adults. Even so, there is a great deal of concern over the growth of suicides in Greenland, as that limited population faces the highest suicide rate in the world.
Since gun rights are generally not an issue in Greenland, and rights advocates are few and far between , there has been little public discourse on the topic. Current laws on gun ownership involve a three-step process that applicants must follow to acquire firearms; this process, which is unique to the country, allegedly aims to reduce the amount of time for which a person with motives for committing a crime might possess a firearm. Gun rights advocates, however, believe that the process goes overboard and puts unnecessary restrictions on law-abiding citizens.
By comparison, gun control advocates claim that the existing measures do not go far enough in ensuring that the guns do not fall into the hands of those most likely to misuse them. In particular, there are calls to ban semi-automatic firearms and any other type of gun capable of firing multiple rounds without reloading.
Most recently, an amendment to the law aimed at providing even stricter license requirements for acquiring a gun was postponed. Overall, however, the people of Greenland are generally content with the law, which requires gun owners to demonstrate knowledge of gun safety, maintenance and operation prior to obtaining a license. Gun control advocates also have some support within the Kalaallit, and some believe Greenland should remain one of just 13 countries in the world that does not participate in the UN Arms Trade Treaty, which seeks to establish a global standard of firearms control.