Can I own a gun in Cyprus?
It depends: yes for shotguns and air rifles with a police licence; handguns are restricted. Under the Firearms and Ammunition Law 113(I)/2004, you need to be 18 with a clean criminal record. Air guns over 1 joule need a licence and registration at the police station; only .177 / 4.5 mm calibre is allowed. Shotguns can be licensed; handguns are heavily restricted (sport shooting/collectors only), not for self-defence. Fully automatic firearms are banned, as are silencers. Storage: unloaded, in a locked container, separate from ammunition. In short: yes, under a licence and conditions.
📋 The rules
- Age 18 + clean criminal record
- Air guns >1 joule: licence (only .177/4.5 mm)
- Shotguns licensed; handguns restricted
- Automatics & silencers: banned
- Storage unloaded, locked, separate from ammo
🔓 Exceptions
- Shooting at a licensed club: no personal licence needed
- Antique/deactivated firearms: special collector's licence
- Air guns under 1 joule: outside licensing
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Illegal possession of a firearm carries up to 7 years' imprisonment; using one outside your licence terms up to 5 years; carrying in public without authorisation up to 2 years, plus fines that scale with severity. Possessing an unregistered air rifle or a silencer is prosecuted as illegal possession. Beware a myth: "I can keep a handgun at home for self-defence" is false — Cyprus doesn't licence handguns for personal protection; access is limited to sport shooting and collectors. Tip: shooting at a licensed club/range needs no personal licence.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I get a gun licence?
Yes, under conditions. You must be at least 18 with a clean criminal record. Shotguns and air rifles of the right calibre can be licensed by the police, while handguns are heavily restricted and automatic firearms are banned.
Does an air gun need a licence?
Air guns over 1 joule need a licence and registration at the local police station, and only .177 or 4.5 mm calibre is allowed. Air guns under 1 joule don't need a licence. Any other calibre is forbidden.
Can I have a handgun?
Handguns are heavily restricted. They're generally allowed only for sport shooting and to registered collectors, not for personal self-defence. Cyprus doesn't licence handguns for personal protection at home.
How must I store the firearm?
The firearm must be stored unloaded, in a locked container and separate from ammunition. When transported it must be unloaded and out of sight. Failing the storage rules can lead to sanctions.
What penalties for illegal possession?
Illegal possession of a firearm is punishable by up to seven years imprisonment, using one outside the licence terms up to five years, and carrying in public without a licence up to two years, plus fines. Silencers and automatics are also prosecuted.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “gun licence cyprus”
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