In most cases, a permit is required to handle weapons or ammunition. To acquire or possess firearms that require a permit, you need a gun ownership card. The authorities will register your weapons on this card. If you already have a gun ownership card, the authorities will enter all other weapons that you acquire in it.
You receive permission to purchase a weapon by making a preliminary entry in the gun ownership card. If you acquire a weapon on the basis of such a permit, you must provide the competent authority with the name and address of the person transferring the weapon within two weeks and submit your gun ownership card for the acquisition to be entered.
You also need a permit for the ammunition of the registered firearms. This will also be noted on the gun ownership card. For other types of ammunition, you will receive permission in the form of an ammunition purchase certificate.
With the yellow gun ownership card, you can also acquire certain firearms (maximum 10 weapons) and the corresponding ammunition as a marksman without prior entry:
- Single-shot long guns with smooth and/or rifled barrels
- Repeating long guns with rifled barrels
- Single-shot single-barrel short guns for cartridge ammunition
- Multi-shot short and long guns with primer ignition (percussion weapons)
As a rule, you may only acquire two weapons within six months. If you have acquired weapons on the basis of this unlimited permit, you must have them entered in the gun ownership card within two weeks.
Note: If you not only wish to own a weapon, but also carry it outside of your home, you also need a firearms license (opens in a new tab). This applies to
- Your own home,
- your own business premises,
- your own pacified property (e.g. fenced property) or
- a shooting range
You must store firearms properly in all cases. Firearms requiring a permit may only be stored in the prescribed safety containers.
Tip: Find out about the applicable regulations before purchasing a firearm. Contact the responsible authority to clarify any questions.
Caution: Unauthorized handling of weapons and ammunition is a criminal offence - in certain cases an administrative offence.
Online service
You can apply for a gun ownership card online. Please follow the instructions for online applications.
Notes for your online application
Notes on video consultation
Prerequisites
Procedure
Required documents
Forms
Fees
More information
Legal basis
Weapons, explosives, hunting and fishing matters
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Service hotline
You have questions? Call us: from any network, without an area code. Authorities number 115: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can usually reach the authorities number 115 at fixed network tariffs and thus free of charge via flat rates. Sign language telephone: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.