How do I get a firearms licence?
By passing an exam before a panel — and it is no formality. The firearms licence has six categories, A to F, according to purpose: carrying a weapon for protection, holding one for protection, employment, hunting, sport and collecting. The age depends on the category: for A, B, C and E it is 21, for D and F it is 18, and category E is exceptionally open from 15 to members of sports shooting clubs. The application requires both a medical and a psychological assessment. The exam is held within 60 days of the application, before a panel of two police officers, a doctor and a prosecutor, and has a theoretical and a practical part.
📋 The rules
- Six categories: A to F, by purpose
- Categories A, B, C, E: from 21
- Categories D and F: from 18
- A medical and a psychological assessment are required
- Fee of €45; the exam is held within 60 days
🔓 Exceptions
- Category E is exceptionally open from 15 to members of sports clubs
- The exam is oral, with both a theoretical and a practical part
- The panel consists of two police officers, a doctor and a prosecutor
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The €45 fee is only the beginning. The real cost of the process runs much higher: a medical assessment costs roughly €30–40, a psychological examination €80–100, and to that come preparation and ammunition for the practical part — in practice the total reaches several hundred euros. Nor should the exam be underrated: it is oral, before a panel, and besides questions on the law and on safety you must demonstrate practical handling of a weapon. Pick the right category: a licence to hold a firearm does not entitle you to carry it on your person in public — that requires a different category.
📎 Official sources
- slovensko.sk · Obtaining a firearms licence →
- Slov-Lex · Firearms and Ammunition Act (190/2003) →
- Ministry of the Interior · Police →
❓ Frequently asked
What are the categories?
Six, lettered A to F, by purpose: carrying a weapon to protect person and property, holding one for protection, holding one for employment, for hunting, for sport, and for collecting or museum purposes.
What is the minimum age?
Twenty-one for categories A, B, C and E, and eighteen for categories D and F. Category E is exceptionally open from fifteen where the applicant is a member of a sports shooting club.
How does the exam work?
It is held within 60 days of the application, before a panel of two police officers, a doctor and a prosecutor. It is oral, with a theoretical and a practical part, including handling a weapon.
What does the whole thing cost?
The fee is €45, but add a medical assessment at around €30–40 and a psychological examination at €80–100. With preparation and ammunition, the total climbs to several hundred euros.
Can I carry a weapon with the licence?
Only with the right category. A licence to hold a firearm does not entitle you to carry it in public — carrying requires category A, which has stricter conditions and closer scrutiny of your stated reason.
🔎 Common searches
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