Can I buy and own a gun in Switzerland?
It depends on the weapon — many need an acquisition permit, some only a contract. The basis is the Weapons Act (WG), enforced by the cantonal police. Three tiers: (1) contract only for single-shot/repeating hunting and sport rifles, shotguns, the Karabiner 31, air/Softair guns; (2) acquisition permit (WES) for handguns (pistols, revolvers), pump-action shotguns and certain semi-autos; (3) prohibited weapons only with an exceptional permit. For the WES: from 18, Swiss residence, no disqualifiers (e.g. relevant convictions, violent disposition). The WES is valid 6 months and covers up to 3 weapons. Carrying in public needs a separate carry permit (hard to obtain). In short: yes, depending on the weapon, with a contract or an acquisition permit.
📋 The rules
- Contract only: hunting/sport rifles, shotguns, Karabiner 31
- Acquisition permit: pistols, revolvers, certain semi-autos
- WES: from 18, no disqualifiers, valid 6 months
- Prohibited weapons: only with an exceptional permit
- Carrying in public: carry permit required
🔓 Exceptions
- Acquisition only against a valid legal title (contract/WES/permit)
- Since 2019: large-magazine semi-autos are prohibited weapons
- Transport to a range: unloaded, weapon and ammo separated
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Acquiring a weapon without the required permit or legal title, carrying it without a carry permit in public (including in a car), or owning a prohibited weapon without an exceptional permit is punishable under the Weapons Act (fine up to imprisonment, confiscation). Beware a myth: "anyone can freely carry a gun in Switzerland" is false — acquisition is regulated by weapon type, and carrying in public needs a hard-to-get permit. Tip: before buying, clarify with the cantonal weapons office which tier applies to the weapon you want.
📎 Official sources
- fedpol · acquiring a weapon as a private person →
- Fedlex · Weapons Act (WG, SR 514.54) →
- Canton of Zürich · weapons →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need an acquisition permit for every weapon?
No. Hunting and sport rifles with single-shot or repeating action, shotguns, the Karabiner 31 and air and Softair guns may be acquired with a written contract. Handguns such as pistols and revolvers, and certain semi-automatics, by contrast need an acquisition permit.
Who gets an acquisition permit?
The acquisition permit is granted to anyone at least 18 years old, resident in Switzerland and without disqualifiers, such as relevant convictions or signs of a violent disposition. It's issued by the cantonal police, is valid for six months and covers up to three weapons.
Can I carry a gun in public?
Only with a carry permit. Carrying or transporting a weapon in public, including in a car, is prohibited and punishable without a permit. The carry permit is hard to obtain and requires a demonstrated need plus an exam, so it's not available to ordinary owners by default.
What are prohibited weapons?
Since the 2019 Schengen reform, semi-automatic rifles with a large magazine and pistols with a magazine over 20 rounds, and the assault rifle, count as prohibited weapons. They're only available with an exceptional permit, for example for sport shooters with a shooting record, or collectors.
What about the army rifle?
Conscripts keep their army weapon at home during their service. After discharge the rifle can be taken into private ownership with a permit. As the assault rifle now counts as a prohibited weapon, private retention needs an exceptional permit from the cantonal police.
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