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Switzerland gun laws complete guide 2026

Knowledgebase

Switzerland gun laws complete guide 2026

Marcus Altenburg, Counsel

31 January, 2026

1. Can you legally own a firearm in Switzerland? Direct answer

2. The Swiss paradox exploring philosophy of responsibility and trust

3. Key laws and regulatory authorities

4. Which firearms are permitted and which are prohibited in Switzerland?

5. Who can buy firearms in Switzerland and owner requirements?

6. How to buy a firearm in Switzerland through a step-by-step process?

7. Ammunition purchase and restrictions

8. Safe storage and transport rules

9. Carrying rights and the process of obtaining a Waffentragbewilligung

10. Firearm ownership culture shaped by military service and sport shooting

11. Myth. Are all Swiss citizens required to own firearms at home?

12. Firearm ownership levels in Switzerland with numbers and facts

13. Impact on public safety through violence and suicide statistics

14. Switzerland's laws compared to EU and Schengen zone

15. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

"Switzerland's firearms framework balances high civilian ownership with strict oversight. Over two decades advising international clients on Swiss compliance, I've seen that success requires understanding federal statutes, cantonal nuances, and the cultural context of responsible ownership rooted in militia tradition." — Marcus Altenburg, Managing Partner, Goldblum and Partners

Can you legally own a firearm in Switzerland? Direct answer

Yes, firearm ownership in Switzerland is legal for citizens and certain foreign residents. The system follows a "shall-issue" principle for most weapon categories. Cantonal authorities must grant an acquisition permit (Waffenerwerbsschein) to applicants meeting clear criteria: minimum age 18, clean criminal record (especially for violent offenses), and no indicators suggesting danger to self or others. This is not an absolute right. It's a privilege conditioned on demonstrated responsibility.

+

YES, but strict rules apply

Firearm ownership is legal but conditioned on the Waffenerwerbsschein (acquisition permit). It is a privilege based on demonstrated responsibility, not an absolute right.

Information provided is general in nature and does not replace consultation with a specialist.

The Swiss paradox exploring philosophy of responsibility and trust

Switzerland's firearms regulation balances ownership traditions with rigorous state control. The foundation rests on state trust in citizens and "armed neutrality". Unlike jurisdictions where gun control aims at maximum restriction, Swiss firearms regulation focuses on owner accountability. This policy created a paradox: one of the world's highest civilian gun ownership rates per capita coexists with extremely low violent crime involving firearms.

"Switzerland's low gun violence reflects strict regulation and social factors rather than gun prevalence." — AOAV (2024)

In 2024, homicide was 0.50 per 100,000, with 10 firearm homicides (0.11 per 100,000). — Wikipedia (2024)

Switzerland's last mass shooting occurred in 2001 in Zug, leaving 14 dead. — The Diplomatic Envoy (2019)

Key laws and regulatory authorities

Federal Weapons Act (WG/LArm) and its role

The Federal Law on Weapons, Weapon Accessories and Ammunition (Bundesgesetz über Waffen, Waffenzubehör und Munition, WG/LArm) serves as the primary legislative instrument governing firearms circulation. The law establishes weapon categories, permit requirements, and prohibited items. The most recent major revision occurred in 2019 following a national referendum. This aligned Swiss standards with EU Firearms Directive requirements under Schengen obligations.

Official text of Federal Weapons Act (WG/LArm) provides the complete statutory framework.

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Division of powers between federal and cantonal authorities

Federal legislation sets the regulatory framework. Cantonal police departments handle permit issuance, enforcement, and registry maintenance. This division means practical implementation can vary by canton. Zurich and Zug maintain different processing timelines and documentation requirements despite operating under the same federal statute. Applicants submit requests to their canton of residence. Local authorities conduct background checks and issue permits valid nationwide.

Which firearms are permitted and which are prohibited in Switzerland?

Swiss law categorizes weapons into four main groups based on acquisition requirements and restrictions. Understanding these categories is essential for legal compliance.

Swiss Weapons Categories & Permit Requirements

Overview of acquisition rules under Swiss Federal Weapons Act

Category	Examples	Permit Required?	Notes
Exempt Weapons EASIEST	• Single-shot hunting rifles • Break-action shotguns • Bolt-action rifles • Replicas of antique firearms	Registration only (no permit)	Must be reported to cantonal authorities within 30 days of acquisition
Permit-Required Weapons STANDARD	• Handguns (pistols, revolvers) • Semi-automatic rifles • Pump-action shotguns	Acquisition permit (Waffenerwerbsschein)	Standard permit process through cantonal authorities
Exceptional Permit Weapons RESTRICTED	• Semi-auto rifles with magazines >10 rounds • Semi-auto pistols with magazines >20 rounds • Automatic weapons converted to semi-auto	Special cantonal permit (Ausnahmebewilligung)	Requires documented justification: sport shooting club membership, hunting license
Prohibited Weapons BANNED	• Fully automatic firearms • Certain knives (butterfly knives, throwing stars) • Disguised weapons	Banned Civilian possession prohibited	Exceptions only for military/law enforcement

✓

Exempt

Registration within 30 days, no permit needed

→

Standard Permit

Waffenerwerbsschein through canton

⚠

Exceptional Permit

Ausnahmebewilligung with justification

✗

Prohibited

Banned for civilian possession

Legal Framework

Classification based on Swiss Federal Weapons Act (Waffengesetz). All acquisitions require criminal record check (no entries for violent crimes). Cantonal authorities process applications and maintain weapons registry.

Caption: "Classification of weapons under Swiss legislation"

Exempt weapons (registration-only)

This category includes traditional hunting firearms and sporting rifles that pose lower public safety risks. Owners must register these weapons with cantonal authorities but don't need advance permission to acquire them. Examples include bolt-action hunting rifles, single-shot sporting rifles, and break-action shotguns. Replicas of historical firearms manufactured before 1870 also fall into this category.

Permit-required weapons (Waffenerwerbsschein)

Most modern firearms fall into this category. Handguns (pistols and revolvers), semi-automatic rifles not exceeding magazine capacity limits, and pump-action shotguns require an acquisition permit before purchase. The permit authorizes purchase of up to three weapons within six months. Cantonal authorities typically process applications within two to three weeks, depending on workload.

Exceptional permit weapons (Ausnahmebewilligung)

The 2019 referendum introduced stricter controls on semi-automatic weapons with high-capacity magazines. Semi-automatic rifles equipped with magazines holding more than 10 rounds, and semi-automatic pistols with magazines exceeding 20 rounds, now require special cantonal authorization. Applicants must demonstrate legitimate need—typically sport shooting club membership with documented participation or professional hunting credentials. Verification after 5 and 10 years requires club membership or proof of using the firearm at least once per year for the first exceptional permit.

Fully prohibited weapons and accessories

Swiss law categorically bans certain items from civilian possession. Fully automatic firearms and weapons disguised as everyday objects (cane guns, pen guns) are prohibited. Armor-piercing ammunition, explosive projectiles, and incendiary rounds also fall under this ban. Violations carry criminal penalties including imprisonment and permanent firearm prohibition.

Note on accessories: "Laser devices, night-vision devices, silencers and grenade launchers as an addition to a firearm" are generally prohibited. — Wikipedia (2024)

Who can buy firearms in Switzerland and owner requirements?

General requirements for all applicants

All prospective firearm owners must meet four core criteria:

Age: Minimum 18 years old
Criminal record: No convictions for violent crimes or multiple unspent criminal sentences
Mental health: Not under legal guardianship; no record indicating danger to self or others
Legal capacity: Full civil rights (not subject to court-ordered restrictions)

Cantonal authorities verify these conditions through background checks accessing federal criminal databases and psychiatric registries.

For Swiss citizens

Swiss nationals follow the standard permit acquisition process through their cantonal police department. The process is straightforward for those meeting basic requirements. Military service members and veterans receive no special exemptions. They must obtain permits like any other citizen when purchasing civilian firearms.

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For foreign nationals (can a foreigner buy a gun?)

Foreign residents face additional requirements depending on residence permit type.

Firearm Purchase Eligibility by Residence Permit

Requirements for foreign residents in Switzerland

Residence Permit Type	Firearm Purchase Allowed?	Special Conditions
C Permit C (Settlement)	✓ YES	Same requirements as Swiss citizens No additional documentation required beyond standard acquisition permit process
B Permit B (Residence)	⚠ YES*	Yes, with restrictions Must provide attestation from country of citizenship confirming no firearm prohibition per art. 9a WG/LArm Note: Some cantons require additional documentation
L Other Permit Types (L, F, N, etc.)	✗ GENERALLY NO	Generally not allowed Exceptions are rare and require compelling justification approved by cantonal authorities

C

Full Rights

Permit C holders have same firearm purchase rights as Swiss citizens with no additional bureaucratic requirements

B

Conditional Access

Permit B holders can purchase but must obtain attestation from home country confirming no firearm prohibition

L

Restricted

Short-term permits generally do not qualify; exceptions require special justification and cantonal approval

Legal Reference: Art. 9a WG/LArm

Swiss Federal Weapons Act (Waffengesetz) Article 9a requires foreign nationals with Permit B to provide official confirmation from their country of citizenship that they are not prohibited from possessing firearms under their national law. Cantonal authorities may impose additional requirements for verification.

Caption: "Firearm acquisition conditions for foreign nationals in Switzerland"

Permit C (settlement permit) holders

Foreign nationals holding permanent residence permits (Permit C) enjoy the same firearm acquisition rights as Swiss citizens. They submit standard applications to cantonal authorities without additional documentation beyond what Swiss applicants provide.

Permit B (residence permit) holders

Temporary residents with Permit B can acquire firearms but often must provide supplementary documentation. Most cantons require an official attestation from the applicant's country of citizenship confirming no legal prohibition on firearm ownership. Processing times may extend beyond standard timelines.

Restrictions for certain nationalities

Swiss law prohibits firearm acquisition by citizens of specific countries regardless of residence permit status. The current list includes: Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Algeria, and Albania. This restriction stems from bilateral agreements and security assessments.

How to buy a firearm in Switzerland through a step-by-step process?

Firearm Purchase Process in Switzerland

STEP 1

Verify Eligibility

Check age (18+), criminal record, and prohibited nationality status.

STEP 2

Submit Application

Send Waffenerwerbsschein request to cantonal police.

STEP 3

Background Check

Authorities vet criminal and psychiatric records (2-3 weeks).

STEP 4

Receive Permit

Acquisition permit issued. Valid for 6 months (up to 3 weapons).

STEP 5

Purchase

Buy from licensed dealer or private seller using permit.

STEP 6

Registration

Transaction reported to cantonal bureau within 30 days.

Step-by-step firearm purchase process in Switzerland

Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet age, legal status (citizenship or valid residence permit), criminal record, and mental health requirements. Review the prohibited nationalities list if you are a foreign resident.

Step 2: Submit acquisition permit application (Waffenerwerbsschein). Complete the official form provided by your canton. Submit it to the cantonal police department along with a copy of your passport or ID card and residence permit (for foreign applicants). Authorities access criminal record information directly.

Step 3: Undergo background check. Cantonal police verify your information against criminal, psychiatric, and administrative databases. First-time applicants may receive an invitation for a brief interview covering safe storage and legal obligations. Processing typically takes two to three weeks depending on cantonal workload.

Step 4: Receive permit. If approved, you receive a Waffenerwerbsschein authorizing purchase of up to three specified weapons within six months. The permit is non-transferable and valid only for the weapon types listed.

Step 5: Complete purchase. Visit a licensed firearms dealer or arrange a private sale. Present your original acquisition permit and identification. The seller must record the transaction and submit a copy to your cantonal police department within 30 days.

Private sale requirements and written contract checklist

For each transfer of a weapon without a weapons acquisition permit, a written contract must be concluded and kept for at least ten years. The contract must include:

Family name, first name, birth date, residence address and signature of seller
Family name, first name, birth date, residence address and signature of buyer
Kind of weapon, manufacturer, label, caliber, weapon number, date and place of transfer
Type and number of official identification of buyer
Indication of personal data processing per Federation/canton privacy policy

Send this information to the cantonal weapon registration bureau within 30 days. — Wikipedia, citing art. 11 WG/LArm (2024)

Ammunition purchase and restrictions

Conditions for purchasing ammunition

To purchase ammunition, buyers must fulfill the same legal rules that apply when buying guns (art. 15 WG/LArm). The buyer must provide:

A passport or other valid official identification (holder must be over 18 years of age)
A copy of their criminal record not older than 3 months, a weapons acquisition permit not older than 2 years, or a valid European Firearms Pass, if asked by the seller

"Any person who has not yet reached the age of 18 may freely acquire ammunition if it is used for shooting immediately and under supervision." — Wikipedia, citing art. 16 § 1 & 2 WG/LArm (2024)

Prohibited ammunition types

The acquisition and possession of the following ammunition is generally prohibited but can be acquired for industrial purposes, hunting or collecting:

Armour-piercing bullets
Ammunition with projectile containing an explosive or incendiary device
Ammunition with projectiles releasing substances which damage health long-term
Ammunition, missiles and missile launchers for military explosive
Ammunition with projectiles for transmitting electric shocks
Ammunition for handguns which may cause deformations

Safe storage and transport rules

"Service firearms are kept unloaded; ammunition is stored separately under strict conditions." — PsyPost (n.d.)

Swiss law mandates secure storage to prevent unauthorized access. Key firearm safety requirements:

Secure storage: Firearms must be kept in a locked location (gun safe recommended) inaccessible to third parties
Separate storage: Weapons and ammunition must be stored separately
Safe transport: During transport, firearms must be unloaded with weapons and ammunition in separate containers
Loss reporting: The loss of a weapon must be reported to police immediately

Valid purposes for transporting firearms

The transport must be by a reasonable route and requires a valid purpose, most notably:

To or from courses or exercises in marksmanship, hunting or for military purposes
To or from an army warehouse
To show the gun to a possible buyer
To or from a holder of a valid arms trade permit
To or from a specific event (e.g., gun shows)
During a change of residence

"In 2015, a court deemed a 14-hour journey home from the seller (including a night at the bar) as appropriate transport after an appeal." — Wikipedia, citing Obergericht des Kanton Zürich (2015)

Violations can result in permit revocation and criminal prosecution. Cantonal authorities may conduct compliance inspections, particularly for owners of exceptional permit weapons.

Carrying rights and the process of obtaining a Waffentragbewilligung

Ownership and carrying are distinct legal concepts. An acquisition permit does not authorize carrying a loaded firearm in public for self-defense. That requires a separate, extremely difficult-to-obtain carrying permit (Waffentragbewilligung).

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Conditions for obtaining a carrying permit

There are three conditions (art. 27 § 2 WG/LArm):

Fulfilling the conditions for a buying permit
Stating plausibly the need to carry firearms to protect oneself, other people, or real property from a specified danger
Passing an examination proving both weapon handling skills and knowledge regarding the lawful use of the weapon

The carrying permit remains valid for five years and applies only to the type of firearm for which the permit was issued.

"A person who wants to renew his or her firearms license does not need to retake the practical test if the test was passed less than three years ago. They do not need to retake the theory test on the same condition, provided that the legal provisions have not been significantly changed." — Wikipedia, citing art. 48 § 4 WV/OArm (2024)

In practice, carrying permits are issued very rarely. This makes legal concealed carry in Switzerland an exception rather than the rule. Most permits go to security professionals, not private citizens seeking personal protection.

Firearm ownership culture shaped by military service and sport shooting

"Swiss gun ownership is rooted in militia duty and national defense, not individual rights." — AOAV (2024)

Swiss gun culture is inseparable from two pillars: the militia system and widespread sport shooting. Historically, every man completing military service had the right to purchase and keep his service weapon at home—typically a SIG 550 rifle. This created a tradition of responsible home storage. Additionally, Switzerland is a nation of marksmen. Thousands of shooting clubs operate nationwide, and annual shooting festivals (Schützenfeste) form an important part of community life where marksmanship skills are honed.

The Swiss Shooting Sports Association maintains 150,000 members across 3,000 clubs, with zero reported criminal misuse of firearms by members.

Myth. Are all Swiss citizens required to own firearms at home?

"Ownership is voluntary and tightly regulated; most gun owners are former military." — AOAV (2024)

No, firearm ownership in Switzerland is not mandatory. The connection to military service is real: until recently, militia members stored their service weapons at home during their service period. After completing military service, they have the right but not the obligation to purchase it. For the vast majority of citizens not connected to the military, the decision to own a firearm is a personal choice requiring completion of all standard permit procedures.

Firearm ownership levels in Switzerland with numbers and facts

Civilian Firearms per 100 Residents

Comparison of firearm ownership rates (2024 Estimates)

United States 120.5

Canada 34.7

Switzerland 27.6

France 22.5

Germany 13.5

Data source: Wikipedia (2024), Small Arms Survey. Comparison illustrates Switzerland's high ownership relative to Europe, but significantly lower rates than the US.

"Switzerland has approximately 27.6 civilian firearms per 100 residents." — Wikipedia (2024)

According to recent statistics, Switzerland consistently ranks among the top 20 countries worldwide for firearm ownership rates. Estimates vary, but on average there are 27-32 civilian firearms per 100 residents, including both registered and military-issued weapons. The United States leads globally with 120.5 firearms per 100 residents, while Canada has 34.7, France approximately 20-25, and Germany 7-20 per 100 residents.

Impact on public safety through violence and suicide statistics

Despite high ownership rates, Switzerland's firearm homicide rate is among the world's lowest. This fact is often cited by opponents of strict gun control. The 2024 data shows 10 completed firearm homicides out of 45 total homicides (22.2%), representing a rate of 0.11 per 100,000 population.

However, critics point to a different concern: high firearm suicide rates. Statistics show that home firearm availability, especially military weapons, correlates with higher suicide indicators.

"After ammunition storage changes, firearm suicides fell from ~400 to ~200 annually." — The Diplomatic Envoy (2019)

Over the past 20 years, since most soldiers stopped storing ammunition at home, firearm suicides decreased significantly. Distribution of army ammunition stopped in 2007. By March 2011, more than 99% had been returned. Only approximately 2,000 specialist militia members (who protect airports and other sites of particular sensitivity) are permitted to keep their military-issued ammunition at home.

"Regulatory structure and social context matter more than ownership levels." — AOAV (2024)

This underscores the complexity of assessing legal frameworks' impact on public safety. The comparison with the United States shows that regulatory structure matters more than ownership levels. The US has similar ownership rates but gun-related deaths three times higher.

Switzerland's laws compared to EU and Schengen zone

As part of the Schengen zone but not an EU member, Switzerland must implement key provisions of the European Firearms Directive. This led to legislative tightening in recent years, particularly regarding semi-automatic weapons. The May 19, 2019 referendum saw 63.7% of voters approve stricter regulations aligned with EU standards, under threat of Schengen exclusion.

Switzerland vs EU Firearms Legislation

Comparison after EU Directive implementation

Legislative Aspect	1 Switzerland (Post-Implementation)	2 EU Directive (General Requirements)
Semi-automatic Registration	Semi-automatic rifles with magazines >10 rounds and pistols with magazines >20 rounds require special cantonal permit (Ausnahmebewilligung)	Similar restrictions on high-capacity semi-automatics
Magazine Capacity	Prohibited For civilian possession without exceptional permit and documented justification	Restrictions on high-capacity magazines
Weapon Marking	Mandatory serial number marking and traceability Per WG/LArm Article 10	Standardized marking requirements across EU
Data Exchange	Participation in Schengen Information System Since 2008 for cross-border firearm tracking	Mandatory data sharing among member states

Caption: "Comparison of firearms legislation: Switzerland vs. EU Directive"

"Mandatory background checks and bans on fully automatic weapons underpin Switzerland's stricter regime." — The Diplomatic Envoy (2019)

The EU granted Switzerland a "Swiss exception" (Article 6(6)) allowing militia members to keep service rifles post-duty. This was upheld by the Court of Justice of the European Union in 2020 against a Czech challenge, due to Switzerland's demonstrated tracing capability.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Yes, but under strict conditions. For temporary import you generally need a permit linked to a European Firearms Pass. Hunters and sport shooters from Schengen do not need an additional permit if their firearm is listed in the EFP and they can show proof of participation in a hunting or sporting event. All firearms must be declared at customs.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Swiss firearms legislation and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change periodically; therefore, information may not reflect the most current regulations. For specific legal guidance on firearm acquisition, storage, or carrying, consult cantonal police authorities or qualified legal counsel. Goldblum and Partners offers comprehensive advisory services on Swiss regulatory compliance matters.