Can a civilian buy a MP-5?

Answer 1

Perhaps. This will depend on the laws of the country and state where the civilian resides. In most of the US, a private citizen may lawfully own a fully automatic firearm (machine gun) IF the transfer of the gun is registered with the Federal BATFE (and in some cases, with the state) and a $200 transfer tax paid. And yes, the MP-5 IS a submachinegun.

HOWEVER- In the US, THAT particular MP 5 must already have been registered to a private citizen by May of 1986. No additional full auto firearms may be registered after that date. Which brings us to the second perhaps- the size of your checkbook. Since no additional full autos may be registered, the price went through the roof on most- and a LEGAL MP5 will sell for several thousand dollars.