Small firearms licence

If you wish to carry a gas, alarm or signal weapon in public, you must apply for a small firearms licence.

Description

The carrying of weapons of any kind is generally prohibited at public events.

The small firearms licence is issued for an unlimited period of time upon application following a check of the person's reliability under firearms law - without expertise or a needs test. This licence does not entitle the holder to carry weapons at public events or gatherings. Nor does it include authorisation to shoot with such weapons outside of shooting ranges or one's own pacified domestic area, which also applies to shooting on New Year's Eve. When carrying a firearm, a valid identity card or passport must generally be carried in addition to the firearms licence or small firearms licence.

Please note:
The small firearms licence is not required to carry an irritant gas or pepper spray.

Anyone who carries a weapon without a firearms licence is liable to prosecution.

Required documents

  • Application form
  • Passport or identity card

If you come in person, we need the original and a copy of your passport or identity card. If the copies have to be made by the authorities, a fee of 0.50 euros will be charged per copy.

If you send the application by post, fax or e-mail, we need a copy of your passport or identity card.

Duration & Costs

Processing time

The processing time is approximately four weeks (including the mandatory background check).
We will notify you as soon as you can collect your small firearms licence.

Fees

Due to the high processing costs, even during the term of the small firearms licence (background check every three years), a processing fee of 150 euros is charged.

If the application is rejected, a fee of 100 euros will be charged.

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