The firearms license is valid for a maximum of three years. You can renew the firearms license twice for a maximum of three years.

You will receive the firearms license to carry weapons that require a permit. A distinction is made between firearms that require a permit and those that do not. To carry firearms that do not require a permit, you need a small firearms license (see further information). A list of weapons that you do not need a permit to purchase and possess can be found in Appendix 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 carry a weapon outside

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

. When carrying the weapon, 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
• demonstrate your need,
• your reliability under firearms law,
• your personal suitability,
• your expertise in handling weapons and ammunition,
• liability insurance covering personal injury and property damage up to €1 million, and
• the safe storage of weapons and ammunition

.

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

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

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

• You must have a valid permit to purchase and possess a weapon (e.g., gun license).
   
• You must have a firearms license.
   
• You must be at least 18 years old.
   
• You must prove that it is necessary for you to carry weapons in public (need). In
  order to be allowed to carry weapons in public, you must provide the competent weapons authority with a credible reason. A credible reason is generally recognized if
  • your life is in grave danger;
  • you can credibly demonstrate other reasons why you want to carry
    weapons in public.  
•   You must prove your reliability under weapons law. You
  may be considered unreliable under weapons law if, among other things
  • ​​​​​​​ you have been convicted of a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment of at least one year within the last 10 years, or you have been a member of or supported a prohibited organization within the last 10 years.
  • it can be assumed that you will misuse or handle weapons or ammunition improperly, fail to store these items carefully, or give them to persons who are not authorized to possess them.
  • you have been in police preventive custody more than once in the last 5 years with judicial approval for violent behavior.
  • You have repeatedly or grossly violated weapons laws.
     
•   You must prove your personal suitability. ​​​​​​​ You
  may be assessed as personally unsuitable if, among other things
  • You are legally incompetent.
  • You are dependent on alcohol or other intoxicating substances, mentally ill, or mentally disabled.
  • You suffer from serious illnesses, such as brain injuries, or physical impairments, such as amputations or severe visual impairment.
  • it can be assumed that you will not handle weapons or ammunition carefully or properly, or that you will not store these items carefully, or that there is a concrete danger that you will endanger others or yourself.  

•   You must have liability insurance that covers personal injury and property damage up to a total of €1 million. 

You must have your firearms license renewed by the relevant firearms authority. Submit the application together with the required documents.

The firearms authority will renew your firearms license if you meet the necessary requirements.

To complete the application more quickly, you can use the NWR identification numbers (NWR ID):

• Your personal NWR ID (P- or F-NWR ID) for your personal details
• the permit NWR ID for the firearms license (E-NWR ID)
• the weapon or weapon part NWR ID (W- or T-NWR ID).

You can obtain the NWR IDs by applying to the relevant firearms authority.

none

firearms authority

• Identity card or passport (copy)
• Firearms license and gun permit
• Proof of need (e.g., proof that you are at risk)
• Proof of liability insurance in the amount of €1 million (lump sum for personal injury and property damage)