Am I allowed to own a firearm in Norway?
Yes — but only with an acquisition permit from the police and an approved purpose. Under the Firearms Act you must have a legitimate purpose, in practice hunting or sport shooting. For hunting you must have passed the hunting exam and be in the Hunter Register. For sport shooting you must document at least 6 months of active membership in an approved shooting club. The age limit is 18 for rifles and shotguns, and 21 for handguns. Guns must be locked in an approved gun cabinet, with a vital part or ammunition stored so the gun cannot be fired.
📋 The rules
- Requires an acquisition permit from the police
- Approved purpose: hunting or sport shooting
- Sport shooting: 6 months' membership in a club
- Age limit 18 rifle/shotgun, 21 handgun
- Guns locked in an approved cabinet
🔓 Exceptions
- Police can let a person from 16 borrow a shotgun or rifle for hunting with guardian consent
- Inherited commemorative weapons can be permitted with a special licence, often deactivated
- Collectors can hold otherwise-restricted weapons with a collector's permit
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Illegal possession of a firearm can bring a fine or up to 2 years prison, and up to 6 years for serious breaches. The weapons are confiscated and the permit revoked.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I own a firearm?
Yes, with an acquisition permit from the police and an approved purpose, in practice hunting or sport shooting.
How old must I be?
18 for rifles and shotguns, and 21 for handguns. From 16 you can borrow a gun for hunting with guardian consent.
What is required for sport shooting?
At least 6 months of active membership in an approved shooting club, in addition to the acquisition permit.
How must I store the gun?
Locked in an approved gun cabinet, with a vital part or ammunition stored so it cannot be fired.
What is the penalty for an illegal gun?
A fine or up to 2 years prison, and up to 6 years for serious breaches. The weapons are confiscated.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I own a firearm norway”
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- “sport shooting 6 months club”
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- “hunting exam firearm”