Can I shoot with an air gun?
Yes, shooting with an air gun is allowed, but only safely, with a legitimate reason and in a suitable place. Air, gas or spring guns are, under the Weapons Act of 8 June 2006, in principle freely available (art. 5): all long air guns and short air guns up to 7.5 joules muzzle energy may be bought by an adult (18+) without a licence, on showing ID. Freely available does not mean unregulated: you need a legitimate reason (e.g. sport shooting) and must shoot safely. That means: on private property, with a proper backstop, out of sight of the public road and certainly not on or across it, and without danger or nuisance to others. A more powerful short gun (above 7.5 joules) or one that resembles or can be converted into a real firearm may be licence-required. Municipalities can also restrict shooting in built-up areas. Minors may only shoot under supervision (e.g. in a recognized club).
📋 The rules
- All long air guns and short ones up to 7.5 joules are freely available from age 18 (with ID)
- Shoot only on private property, with a backstop, out of sight of / not toward the public road
- No danger or nuisance to others; you need a legitimate reason (sport shooting)
- Above 7.5 joules or resembling/convertible to a real firearm: possibly licence-required
- The municipal regulation can restrict or forbid shooting in built-up areas
- Minors may not buy and may only shoot under supervision (e.g. in a recognized club)
🔓 Exceptions
- In a recognized range or club their own safety rules apply and a minor may shoot when accompanied
- Reckless or threatening use makes the gun a prohibited weapon by circumstance
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Dangerous or unlawful use — shooting toward the public road, endangering others or threatening someone — can be prosecuted under the Weapons Act and the Criminal Code; as a prohibited weapon by circumstance you risk a fine up to €25,000 (before surcharges) and/or up to 5 years in prison. Purely local breaches (shooting in a built-up area) bring a GAS fine up to €500 for adults (€175 for minors).
📎 Official sources
- Police · what the Weapons Act says →
- FPS Justice · weapon categories →
- ejustice · Weapons Act of 8 June 2006 →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I buy an air gun without a licence?
Yes, as an adult (18+) on showing ID: all long air guns and short ones up to 7.5 joules are freely available. More powerful models or ones resembling a firearm may be licence-required.
Can I shoot in my garden?
Only safely: on your own land, with a backstop, out of sight of the public road and not on or across it, without danger or nuisance to others. The municipal regulation can restrict it in built-up areas.
From what age may I shoot?
Buying is allowed from age 18. Minors may only shoot under supervision, for example in a recognized shooting club with guidance.
What if I shoot toward the street?
That is forbidden and dangerous. You risk prosecution under the Weapons Act and the Criminal Code, with heavy fines, and a GAS fine for the local regulation.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “air gun belgium allowed”
- “air gun 7.5 joules licence”
- “shoot air gun garden”
- “air gun age 18”
- “airgun rules belgium”