Can I buy and use an air gun or airsoft in Malta without a licence?
It depends on the type: a real air gun is a licensed sporting weapon, while airsoft and paintball have lighter rules but not zero. Under the Arms Act (Cap. 480), air guns (air rifle or air pistol) fall under Schedule II and need a Target Shooter Licence B (airgun) to acquire and use on a licensed range, or a Collector Licence for collection. Airsoft and paintball, after the 2013 reform, were moved to Schedule III: no licence is needed to transfer them, but they must be registered and may only be taken outdoors if the owner is a member of a club. The myth: that an air gun or airsoft is just a toy you can fire wherever you like. In fact, firing in a street or public garden, or carrying one exposed without a reason, can bring you serious trouble. Minors from 14 years of age may be given a special permit by the Commissioner of Police to practise target shooting with an air rifle or air pistol only.
📋 The rules
- Air guns fall under Schedule II of Cap. 480 and need a Target Shooter Licence B (airgun) or a Collector Licence.
- Airsoft and paintball are in Schedule III (since 2013): no licence to transfer them, but they must be registered.
- Airsoft or paintball may be taken outdoors only if the owner is a member of a registered club.
- Minors from 14 years of age may get a special Police permit for target shooting with an air gun only.
- Shooting must take place at a licensed range or authorised site; firing in a public area or at people, animals or property is a separate offence.
🔓 Exceptions
- Members of an airsoft or paintball club may use their guns at the club's events and outdoor sites.
- Collectors with a Collector Licence may keep air guns for collection under the licence conditions.
- On your own private property use may be more flexible, but it still must not endanger anyone or cause a nuisance or damage.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Treating an air gun or airsoft as a toy can cost you dearly. If you keep or use a Schedule II air gun without the right licence, you breach the Arms Act and risk charges, confiscation of the weapon and a stained criminal record. If you use airsoft or paintball outside the club site, or ignore the registration duty, you can lose the right to keep the weapon and be taken to court. Worse still, firing at people, animals or property — even in "play" shooting — can bring charges of bodily harm or damage, and even a public-order case if you fire in the street. While nobody is watching, an air gun looks and behaves like a firearm, and the Police can react in the most serious way if they think it is real. The advice: licence it, register it, and shoot only where it is authorised.
📎 Official sources
- Legislation Malta · Arms Act (Cap. 480) →
- Malta Police Force · arms licences and permits →
- AMACS · summary of the Arms Act schedules (2013 reform) →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need a licence for an air gun in Malta?
Yes, a real air gun falls under Schedule II of the Arms Act and needs a Target Shooter Licence B (airgun) to acquire and use it on a licensed range, or a Collector Licence for collection. It is not treated as a toy, so keeping it without a licence can lead to charges and confiscation.
Does airsoft need a licence in Malta?
Since 2013 airsoft and paintball are in Schedule III: you do not need a licence to transfer them, but they must be registered. They may only be taken outdoors if the owner is a member of an airsoft or paintball club, so you cannot simply play with them in any public place.
From what age can I shoot with an air gun?
Minors from 14 years of age may be given a special permit by the Commissioner of Police to practise target shooting with an air rifle or air pistol only. Beyond that framework, air guns remain subject to the licensing rules and to use on an authorised range.
Can I shoot airsoft in my garden?
Use on private property may be more flexible, but it still must not endanger the neighbours or cause a nuisance or damage. Outside the club site, public use is not allowed, and firing at people or property can turn into an offence of bodily harm or damage.
What if I carry an airsoft gun exposed in the street?
An airsoft gun looks just like a firearm, and carrying it exposed in public can lead to a serious Police response and public-order charges. It is best to carry it wrapped and properly transported to the club site, not exposed in a public area.
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