You will receive a firearms license for a maximum of 3 years. You can have the firearms license extended twice for a maximum of 3 years.

You can obtain a firearms license to carry weapons that require a permit. A distinction is made between firearms requiring a permit and firearms not requiring a permit. In order to be allowed to carry unlicensed firearms, you need a small firearms license (see further information). A list of weapons for which you do not require a permit to acquire and possess can be found in Annex 2 of the Weapons Act.

It is recommended that you inform yourself in detail about the regulations of the Weapons Act before submitting your application.

The firearms license allows you to use a weapon outside

• your own home,
• your own business premises,
• your own pacified property (e.g. your own garden) and
• a shooting range

to carry. If you carry the weapon with you, you must have the firearms license with you and be able to identify yourself with an identity card or passport.

To obtain a firearms license, you must

• be of the appropriate age and
• your need,
• Your reliability under firearms law,
• your personal suitability,
• your expertise in handling weapons and ammunition,
• liability insurance that covers personal injury and property damage up to 1 million euros, and
• the safe storage of weapons and ammunition

and ammunition.

Whether you (continue to) meet the requirements will be checked again upon renewal.

If you move to another town or municipality, you do not need to have your firearms license transferred.

If you handle weapons and ammunition without the required firearms license, you could face a fine or imprisonment.