Am I allowed to own a firearm in Denmark?
Only with a weapons permit from the police, and there is no self-defence firearm right. Under the Firearms Act you may only own a firearm with a personal weapons permit tied to a purpose — in practice hunting or sport shooting. A shotgun can be held on a valid hunting licence without a separate paid permit. The permit costs 1,085 kr per firearm. A hunting licence can be taken from age 16 (with parental consent under 18), and handguns require at least 20 and 2 years of active membership of a shooting club. Firearms must be stored in an approved gun safe.
📋 The rules
- Only with a weapons permit from the police
- Tied to a purpose: hunting or sport shooting
- The permit costs 1,085 kr per firearm
- Hunting licence from 16, handguns from 20
- Firearms must be stored in an approved gun safe
🔓 Exceptions
- A shotgun can be held on a valid hunting licence without a separate paid permit
- Antique muzzle-loaders made before 1870 need no permit or storage
- Handguns require 2 years of active membership of a shooting club
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Illegal possession can bring a fine or up to 4 months prison under the Firearms Act, and up to 2 years in aggravated cases. Under Penal Code §192a, illegal handguns carry a minimum of 2 years prison.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I own a firearm?
Only with a weapons permit from the police, tied to a purpose such as hunting or sport shooting. There is no self-defence firearm right.
What does a weapons permit cost?
1,085 kr per firearm. A shotgun can be held on a valid hunting licence without a separate paid permit.
How old must I be?
A hunting licence can be taken from 16 with parental consent under 18. Handguns require at least 20.
What does a handgun require?
At least 20, a permit and 2 years of active membership of an approved shooting club.
How must I store the firearm?
In an approved gun safe. If you have many or particularly dangerous weapons, a stronger safe with an alarm is required.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I own a firearm denmark”
- “weapons permit police”
- “hunting licence 16”
- “handgun 20 shooting club”
- “gun safe storage”
- “self-defence firearm banned”