Leslie Massey
Austria has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the European Union. Austrian citizens over the age of 18 can buy and own certain types of shotguns and semi-automatic rifles for sport and hunting without a license. Non-citizens can also obtain firearms in Austria, with permanent residents of Austria and EU nationals able to buy firearms from Category C without a permit. Austria is considered a 'shall-issue' country, meaning that the granting of a required license or permit is subject only to the applicant's meeting of determinate criteria laid out in the law.
Austria's Stance on Guns
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Firearm Possession | Allowed on a shall-issue basis with certain classes of shotguns and rifles available without a permit |
| Firearm License | Required for handguns and semi-automatic firearms |
| Good Reason | Required to acquire a license for a handgun; self-defence at home is accepted as a good reason |
| Carry Permit | Includes all the rights of a firearms license, with the additional right to carry those firearms throughout the country, even in certain weapon-free zones |
| Open or Concealed Carry | No distinction made in Austrian law |
| Display of Firearms | Carrying firearms in a way that constitutes a public nuisance is not allowed |
| Storage of Firearms | Firearms and ammunition must be stored securely and reasonably to prevent unauthorized access; there are no general storage requirements inside one's residence |
| Loaded Firearms | Allowed for self-defence; if 20 or more firearms are stored in a close area, the authorities must be informed of the measures taken to ensure safe storage |
| Third-Country Nationals | Eligible for a firearms license with permanent residence in Austria and a special background check |
| Legal Private Sale | Common practice; persons are required to sign a sale agreement with details such as legal names, residence address, serial number of the weapon, etc. |
| Registration of Firearms | Category C weapons purchased privately must be registered at a gun store within 6 weeks of purchase |
| Cool-off Period | No waiting period for private sales; for purchases at a gun store, a cool-off period may exist |
| Import Restrictions | European Firearms Pass and a permit to carry the weapon required to bring firearms into Austria from another country |
| Number of Firearms | As of 2019, there are 1,068,582 registered firearms in Austria owned by 320,352 people (6.5% of the population) |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's gun laws are considered 'liberal'
Austria's gun laws are considered liberal, with the country ranking as the 14th most armed country in the world. Austrian citizens, EU nationals residing in Austria, and third-country nationals with permanent residence in Austria can purchase firearms from Category C without a permit. A simple three-day background check is required, and individuals must be over 18. Hunters and sports shooters are exempt from needing a permit when travelling with firearms, as long as they have a European Firearms Pass and can prove the purpose of their trip.
Austrian law also allows for firearm possession on a shall-issue basis, with certain classes of shotguns and rifles available without a permit. A carry permit is included in the Austrian firearm license, and there is no distinction between concealed or open carry. This means that with a permit, an individual may carry their weapon throughout the country, even in certain "weapon-free zones". However, the weapon must be carried in a way that does not constitute a public nuisance.
Self-defence is recognised as a valid reason for owning a firearm in Austria, and firearms can be stored in a loaded condition within an individual's residence. There are no general storage requirements for firearms and ammunition inside one's own residence, and each gun owner is responsible for keeping their firearms and ammunition stored securely. However, if an individual has 20 or more firearms or a large quantity of ammunition, they must inform the authorities of the measures they have taken to ensure safe storage.
While Austria's gun laws are relatively liberal, there are still some restrictions in place. For example, pump-action shotguns are banned, and semi-auto long guns are limited to 10 rounds, while pistols are limited to 20 rounds. Additionally, third-country nationals must undergo a special background check and can only obtain a firearms permit on a may-issue basis for a limited time.
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Austrian citizens can own firearms for self-defence
Austrian citizens, EU nationals residing in Austria, and third-country nationals with permanent residence in the country can purchase firearms from Category C without a permit. A three-day background check is required, and the owner must provide a good reason for the purchase during the registration process. Self-defence is considered a valid reason to own a firearm in Austria, and keeping firearms stored in a loaded condition in one's home is permitted. However, if an individual has 20 or more firearms or a large quantity of ammunition (more than 5,000 rounds), they must inform the authorities of the measures they have taken to ensure safe storage and protection against unauthorised access.
Austria has a carry permit system that allows individuals to carry their weapons throughout the country, including in certain "weapon-free zones." However, the way in which the weapons are carried must not constitute a public nuisance. For example, openly displaying a handgun in a belt while in civilian clothing could be considered a nuisance. Additionally, firearms and ammunition must be stored securely to prevent unauthorised access.
Third-country nationals are eligible for a firearms license if they fulfil the necessary requirements and have permanent residence in Austria. The permit is issued on a may-issue basis and is valid for a limited time, requiring renewal after expiry. The legal private sale of firearms is common in Austria, and specific details of the sale, such as the names, residence address, and serial number of the weapon, must be included in a signed agreement.
Austria's stance on gun ownership for self-defence reflects a balance between permitting citizens to acquire and carry firearms for personal protection while also implementing measures to ensure the safe and secure storage of those weapons.
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Austria is the 14th most armed country in the world
Austria has relatively relaxed gun laws, allowing firearm possession on a shall-issue basis, with certain classes of shotguns and rifles available without a permit. The country has approximately 30 civilian firearms per 100 people, making it the 14th most armed country in the world. Austrian citizens, EU nationals with residence in Austria, and third-country nationals with permanent residence in Austria (with a special background check) can buy firearms from Category C without a permit after a three-day background check. However, they must provide a good reason during the registration process, such as self-defence, hunting, sport shooting, or collecting. There is no limit to the number of Category C weapons one can possess.
To obtain a firearm license for Category B weapons, one must be a non-prohibited citizen of the European Economic Area over 21 years old and have a good reason for the purchase, allowing the acquisition of up to two handguns. Third-country nationals can also obtain a firearms license with permanent residence in Austria, but it is not issued on a shall-issue basis and is instead evaluated on a more lenient may-issue basis. These permits are issued for a limited time and must be renewed.
Carrying firearms in public generally requires a carry permit or "Waffenpass", which can be obtained from the authorities on a shall-issue or may-issue basis, depending on the applicant and their reason for carrying a firearm. This permit includes the right to carry firearms without the need for an additional firearm license. Austria makes no distinction between concealed or open carry, and permit holders can carry their weapons throughout the country, even in certain "weapon-free zones". However, they must carry their weapons responsibly and avoid creating a public nuisance.
Austria also permits the private sale of firearms, which requires a signed agreement with details such as the legal names, residence address, and serial number of the weapon. When purchasing Category C weapons privately, they must be registered at a gun store within six weeks of purchase. Austria also allows the import and transit of Category C and D firearms (including most hunting weapons) from non-EU countries without restrictions, except for Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
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Austria's carry permits allow for open or concealed carry
Austria's gun laws are considered relatively relaxed. Austrian citizens, EU nationals with residence in Austria, or third-country nationals with permanent residence in Austria, can buy firearms from Category C without a permit after a three-day background check. A valid reason for owning a firearm must be provided, which can include self-defence, hunting, sport shooting, or collecting.
Austrians are permitted to carry firearms in public, with a carry permit, which can be obtained by any non-prohibited Austrian citizen, EU national with residence in Austria, or third-country national with permanent residence in Austria. The carry permit includes all the rights of a firearms license, with the additional right to carry those firearms. Austria's carry permits allow for open or concealed carry, with no distinction made in Austrian law between the two. Carry permit holders can carry their weapons throughout the country, even in certain "weapon-free zones". However, they must carry their weapons in a way that does not constitute a public nuisance. For example, openly displaying a handgun in a belt while in civilian clothing at the cinema could be considered a public nuisance.
Firearms and ammunition must be stored securely and safely to prevent unauthorized access. If an individual has 20 or more firearms stored in a close area or a large quantity of ammunition (more than 5,000 rounds), they must inform the authorities of the measures they have taken to ensure safe storage.
It is important to note that while Austria allows for relatively easy access to firearms, it also has strict regulations in place to ensure the safe storage and use of these weapons.
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EU nationals with residence in Austria can buy firearms from Category C without a permit
Austria's gun laws are considered relatively liberal, with the country ranking as the 14th most armed country in the world. Austrian law allows firearm possession on a shall-issue basis, with certain classes of shotguns and rifles available without a permit. The country has a long history of firearm ownership, dating back to the Waffenpatent era from 1853 to 1938, which allowed any non-prohibited person to own firearms without a permit.
While Austrian citizens and residents typically need a permit to carry a firearm, there are some exceptions. EU nationals with residence in Austria can buy firearms from Category C without a permit, provided they pass a three-day background check and are over 18 years old. Category C weapons include most hunting weapons, and there are no import or transit restrictions on these firearms from non-EU countries (except for Switzerland and Liechtenstein). This exception demonstrates Austria's relatively relaxed stance on gun ownership for law-abiding citizens.
It is important to note that while a permit is not required for EU nationals residing in Austria to purchase Category C firearms, there are still requirements and regulations in place. For example, the owner must provide a valid reason for acquiring the firearm during the registration process, such as self-defence, hunting, sport shooting, or collecting. Additionally, while there is no limit on the number of Category C weapons one can possess, safe storage and protection against unauthorised access are crucial. If an individual has a large number of firearms or ammunition, they must inform the appropriate authorities of the measures taken to ensure secure storage.
The ability for EU nationals with residence in Austria to purchase Category C firearms without a permit aligns with the country's overall approach to gun ownership. Austria recognises self-defence as a valid reason for owning firearms, and keeping firearms stored in a loaded condition within one's home is permitted by law. This further highlights the accessibility of firearms in Austria for those with lawful intentions.
In conclusion, Austria's stance on guns reflects a balance between permitting firearm ownership for personal protection and recreational purposes while also prioritising public safety through background checks, registration requirements, and secure storage regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian law allows firearm possession on a shall-issue basis with certain classes of shotguns and rifles available without a permit. Austria is considered partially licensed, meaning that any non-prohibited citizen may buy repeating rifles and break-action shotguns from licensed dealers, and a permit is required only for handguns and semi-automatic firearms.
Austrian citizens, EU nationals with residence in Austria, or third-country nationals with permanent residence in Austria (with a special background check) over the age of 18 can buy firearms from Category C without a permit after a three-day background check. The law requires the owner to provide a good reason during the registration process, such as self-defence, hunting, sport shooting, or collecting.
Austrian law makes no distinction between concealed or open carry. With a carry permit, an individual may carry their firearms freely throughout the country, even in certain weapon-free zones, as long as they do not create a public nuisance. Firearms and ammunition must be stored securely to prevent unauthorized access.
Individuals who possess 20 or more firearms or a large quantity of ammunition (more than 5,000 rounds) must inform the authorities about the measures taken to ensure safe storage and protection against unauthorized access.
To carry a firearm and its ammunition into Austria from EU countries, Switzerland, or Liechtenstein, a European Firearms Pass and a permit to carry that weapon are required. Hunters and sports shooters are exempt from the permit requirement but must provide proof of their hunting or shooting activity. Travellers from outside Austria must obtain a permit for the possession of firearms from the Austrian representative authorities abroad.
