Weapons without a permit – what can You legally own in Poland?

The possession of firearms in Poland is strictly regulated by law. The Act on Weapons and Ammunition defines the conditions for obtaining a permit, as well as cases in which it is possible to legally own a weapon without a license. In this article, we explain the key rules for obtaining a firearm permit, the categories of individuals authorized to possess weapons, and the exceptions to the licensing requirement.

How to obtain a firearm permit?

According to the Polish Act on Weapons and Ammunition, a firearm permit is issued through an administrative decision. This decision specifies:

• the purpose of possessing the firearm,
• the type of firearm,
• the number of firearms allowed.

A Person Applying for a Firearm Permit Must:

• Be at least 21 years old,
• Have a permanent place of residence in Poland,
• Present a medical certificate confirming physical and mental fitness to handle firearms,
• Have no criminal record for intentional offenses,
• Be free from alcohol and psychoactive substance addiction,
• Pass a theoretical and practical exam.

The Exam Consists of:

1. Theoretical part – knowledge of firearm-related legal regulations.
2. Practical part – demonstrating the ability to handle and use firearms safely.

Who has the right to possess firearms?

The use of firearms in Poland is regulated by two legal acts:

1. The Act of August 24, 2002, on the Military Police and Military Law Enforcement Agencies.
2. The Act of May 24, 2013, on Means of Direct Coercion and Firearms.

According to these regulations, military personnel are allowed to use firearms in specific situations. First, they have the right to do so in self-defense against a direct and unlawful attack. Second, they may use firearms to protect their own or another person’s life, health, or freedom. Another justified situation for using firearms is the protection of important facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, firearms may be used to prevent illegal border crossings.

Legal possession of firearms without a permit

Polish law provides several exceptions where firearms can be owned without the need for a permit. One such exception includes black powder firearms with separate loading, produced before 1885, as well as their faithful replicas. Another category is pneumatic firearms with a power of up to 17J, commonly known as air rifles, which can be purchased with just an ID card. However, it is important to note that purchasing black powder firearms requires possessing a European Firearm Card, which is issued by the Provincial Police Headquarters.

Black Powder Firearms
Black powder firearms are a historical type of weapon in which gunpowder and projectiles are loaded separately. Popular among enthusiasts of historical replicas, they are widely sought after in Poland. These firearms do not require a permit, but the purchase must be recorded in the store's registry.

Pneumatic Firearms
Air rifles with a muzzle energy of up to 17J are legal to own without a permit. Stronger models require additional conditions, such as a medical certificate. Various models are available in stores, ranging from pistols to air rifles.

Consequences of illegal possession of firearms
Illegal possession of firearms in Poland is strictly penalized. According to the Penal Code, individuals caught in possession of illegal firearms face hefty fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of the firearms. The penalty can be even harsher if the firearm is used to commit a crime.

Polish law strictly regulates firearm possession. Obtaining a permit requires meeting numerous conditions, including passing an exam and providing the necessary documentation. However, there are certain exceptions that allow for the legal possession of specific types of firearms without a permit, such as black powder firearms or pneumatic guns with a specified power.