Firearms licence
Last update
Purchasing a firearm, possessing one at one's domicile, and using a firearm for recreational purposes (hunting or target shooting) all require a licence issued by the Minister of Justice.
The requirement applies principally to hunters and recreational shooters, as well as arms collectors and owners of inherited firearms.
The firearms licence, which may be revoked at any time, is renewable upon request every 5 years. The licence may be denied where it is feared that the applicant may be a danger to themselves, to others, or to public order and security.
Who is concerned?
Subject to certain exceptions relating to antique firearms, any resident of Luxembourg who wishes to possess a firearm is required to seek authorisation from the Ministry of Justice. The most common reasons are: recreational shooting, hunting, collecting, or inheritance.
In addition to the usual reasons for the possession and carrying of firearms, a firearm may be acquired for special reasons such as dog training, track and field competitions (starting guns), underwater diving (knives), etc.
Minors may be issued a licence to carry sports or hunting weapons on the condition, among others, that they have written parental permission (French, Pdf, 332 Kb). However, firearms licences may not be granted to anyone under the age of 14.
After the age of 14, a licence to carry a sports weapon may be issued for non-firearm weapons. After the age of 16, a licence to carry a sports weapon may be issued for shoulder firearms only. After the age of 17, a licence to carry hunting weapons may be validly issued to minors holding a valid hunting licence. Authorisations to purchase firearms are not granted to minors.
Minors may then engage in hunting or recreational shooting in the presence and under the responsibility of their father or mother (parental authority), or of another adult who has held the same type of firearms licence as the minor (for recreational shooting or hunting) for at least 2 years.
Prerequisites
In accordance with the precautionary principle, individuals who wish to obtain a firearms licence must provide a valid reason, and there must be no factors that would prevent the licence from being issued.
In particular, licences may be refused where it may be feared that the applicant, given their behaviour, mental state, or personal history, could be a danger to themselves, to others, or to public order and safety.
Preliminary steps
For hunters, the issuance of a licence to carry hunting weapons is subject to their first obtaining a hunting licence for the current hunting season.
When they apply for a licence, recreational shooters must attach a copy of their recreational shooting club membership card, or their federal licence, for the current year.
Collectors must be able to define the general theme of their collection and stick to that in the future.
Costs
Fees
For the first issuance, the modification (e.g. adding a firearm) and/or the renewal of a firearms licence, a fee (taxe de chancellerie) of EUR 50 must be paid in advance.
Payment
The fee must be paid by wire transfer or direct deposit of the amount to the account BCEELULL LU36 0019 5955 4436 2000 of the Fines and Collection Office (Bureau des amendes et recouvrements) at the Registration Duties, Estates and VAT Authority, with the indication of the precise wording as stated in the form, depending on the procedure performed.
Proof of the deposit/wire transfer (statement of debit) must always be attached to the application for the issuance of a firearms licence.
How to proceed
Justifying the application
Licences to acquire, hold, and carry arms and ammunition are issued by the Minister of Justice or their delegate.
Holders of a valid hunting licence do not require a licence to purchase and carry hunting knives. Holders of a firearms licence do not require a licence to purchase ammunition, on the condition that the ammunition corresponds to the authorised firearm.
First-time application for a firearms licence
A first-time application for a ministerial authorisation must be filed if the applicant is acquiring their first firearm for reasons that are deemed to be valid.
The application is forwarded to the local police station having jurisdiction for the district where the applicant lives, for an inquiry into the applicant's reputation and character. Where applicable, additional information is requested from the public prosecutor's office.
Supporting documents
Various documents must be attached to the application:
- 2 full-colour ID photos taken no more than 6 months prior, with no markings, perforations or folds, in 35×45 mm format, with the head facing forward and centred, with no head coverings (hat, cap or any other article), with eyes fully visible, on a plain light-coloured background, taken by a professional photographer;
- a copy of the applicant's identity card;
- proof of payment by bank transfer (statement of debit);
- for hunters: a copy of their hunting licence for the current hunting season;
- for recreational shooters: a copy of their recreational shooting club membership card, or their federal licence, for the current year.
Validity of the licence
A firearms licence is valid for 5 years, and is renewable upon request.
Licences may be revoked at any time.
Renewal of the firearms licence
Every 5 years, approximately 6 weeks before their current licence expires, holders of firearms licences automatically receive a letter from the Ministry of Justice inviting them to renew their licence.
A form for each specific case is available online. It may be used if the initial renewal letter was misplaced, or if renewal is being applied for more than 6 weeks before the expiry of the current licence.
In support of the application, the holder must provide:
- proof of the bank transfer (statement of debit);
- for hunters: a copy of their hunting licence for the current hunting season;
- for recreational shooters: a copy of their recreational shooting club membership card, or their federal licence, for the current year.
Transporting a firearm and ammunition
During transport, firearms requiring a licence must be unloaded and packaged in such a way that they cannot be identified as weapons.
Registering a new firearm
For persons who already hold a firearms licence, the acquisition of an additional firearm (through purchase, loan, donation, etc.) also requires prior registration.
This registration application is made using a form that includes the applicant's identity and contact details, the specifications of the firearm, the reasons for the acquisition, and the identity of the seller or lender of the firearm.
The following documents must be submitted with the application:
- the original of the previous licence to carry/possess a firearm;
- proof of payment of the fee (notification of debit).
Online services and forms
Who to contact
Arms and Security Service
-
Ministry of Justice Arms and Security Service
- Address:
- 13, rue Erasme L-1468 Luxembourg Luxembourg
- Fax:
- (+352) 22 05 19
- Email address:
- armes@mj.etat.lu
Closed ⋅ Opens Monday at 8.30
- Sunday:
- Closed
- Monday:
- 8.30 to 11.30, 14.30 to 16.00
- Tuesday:
- 8.30 to 11.30, 14.30 to 16.00
- Wednesday:
- 8.30 to 11.30, 14.30 to 16.00
- Thursday:
- 8.30 to 11.30, 14.30 to 16.00
- Friday:
- 8.30 to 11.30, 14.30 to 16.00
- Saturday:
- Closed
Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 11.30 and from 14.30 to 16.00 (except at year-end and during the summer holidays)
Related procedures and links
Links
Further information
sur le site du ministère de la Justice
Legal references
sur les armes et munitions
An error occurred
Oops, an error has been detected during your form processing.