Deutsche Version

To purchase a firearm in Switzerland - depending on the type of firearm - a specific permit or a written contract is needed. Most firearms can be purchased with a Weapon Acquisition Permit (WAP). In German, the permit is called “Waffenerwerbsschein” or short “WES”.

Below you'll find answers to the following questions regarding the Weapon Acquisition Permit:

For which weapons do you need a WAP?
What requirements must you meet to obtain a WAP?
What steps do you need to take to obtain a WAP?
How do you fill out the application form correctly?
How much does a WAP cost, and how long is it valid?
Can the police summon me for an interview?
How many firearms can I purchase with a WAP?
Can I purchase my WAP-authorized firearms from different sellers?
I have my WAP: What’s next?

For which weapons do you need a WAP?

First, you need to decide which weapon(s) you want to purchase. This will determine which application you need to submit to the appropriate authority.

With a WAP, you can purchase the following weapons (non exhaustive list):

Handguns with a magazine capacity of up to 20 rounds
Revolvers
Lever-action rifles
Pump-action rifles
Semi-automatic rifles (ARs or AKs) for centerfire ammunition with a magazine capacity of up to 10 rounds

If you wish to purchase one or more of the firearms listed above, you need a WAP.

What requirements must you meet to obtain a WAP?

A WAP is issued to anyone who meets the following requirements (Art. 8 WG):

Legal age: at least 18 years old
Legal capacity: not under comprehensive guardianship
No danger to yourself or others: There must be no indication that you could endanger yourself or others with the firearm.
No violent or socially dangerous disposition and no history of repeated crimes or offenses: Ideally, you have a clean criminal record.

The term “violent or socially dangerous disposition” also includes actual incidents that have not (yet) resulted in a final conviction (e.g., verbal, written, or electronic threats, or preparatory acts for relevant offenses).

Two or more entries on a criminal record are sufficient to satisfy the ground for disqualification based on the “repeated commission of crimes or misdemeanors,” even if those crimes and misdemeanors are not related to weapons or violence (such as forgery or tax fraud).

How to proceed to obtain a WAP?

A Swiss citizen needs the following documents to obtain a WAP:

The completed and signed WAP application form: The WAP application form can be found on the website of the relevant cantonal firearms office, or you can submit the application directly through Suisse ePolice.
A copy of a valid passport or a valid identity card

Foreign nationals need:

Persons with a permanent residence permit: a copy of your foreigner’s identity card
Persons residing abroad and foreign nationals without a permanent residence permit who reside in Switzerland: an official confirmation from your country of residence or country of origin stating that you are authorized there to acquire the firearm in question or its essential components.

These documents must be submitted to the appropriate cantonal office. The competent authority has a different name in every canton, and in the Canton of Zurich, the municipality of residence is even responsible for issuing the WES.

There is no longer need to include a criminal record; the cantonal firearms offices obtain it on their own.

How do you fill out the application form correctly?

You must fill out the personal information and your contact details. However, you can leave the field for the reason for purchase blank. Unlike e.g. in Germany, proof of need is not required in Switzerland. It is assumed that you are purchasing the firearms for sports, hunting, or collecting purposes.

With a WAP, you can purchase up to three weapons (Note: Under certain circumstances, you may only receive one weapon with a WAP; see below for more information). You are not required to specify the type of firearm in detail on the WAP, although it asks you. It is best to just write “firearm” three times when describing the type of weapon. This gives the maximum flexibility when purchasing weapons and allows you to acquire any type of handgun or rifle, in case you change your mind. Even if you end up purchasing only two firearms, it will not have any negative consequences. For example, if you write “handgun” only twice, you will not be able to redeem the WAP later for long guns or three firearms.

How much does a WAP cost, and how long is it valid?

The fee for a WAP is 50 CHF. The WAP is valid for 6 months. For a fee of 20 CHF, a WAP that has already been issued can be extended for an additional 2 months.

Can the police ask me to come in for an interview?

The short answer is: Yes, the police may invite you in for an interview or even - under certain circumstances - come to your home before the competent authority grants you a WES. Whether a risk to oneself or others within the meaning of Art. 8 Abs. 2 lit. c of the Weapons Act (WA) can be assumed is assessed based on the person’s overall behavior, taking into account all relevant circumstances (which may include their living situation). The competent authority must assess the risk of misuse of the firearm. The cantons are responsible for conducting this review (Art. 9 WA).

Which types of evidence are admissible and how the authority determines the facts relevant to the issuance of an administrative measure are matters governed by administrative procedure, which is generally subject to cantonal law. If cantonal law provides that the requirements for granting a permit can be assessed through an interview (or an on-site visit), the authority has the option of inviting applicants to an interview or conducting a home visit. A provision of this kind can be found in the Administrative Procedure Act of virtually every canton. Since the administrative burden is relatively high even for the competent authorities, such interviews are rarely conducted (e.g., with very young individuals) or take place only during the first WAP (as is the case in the canton of Schaffhausen).

How many weapons can be purchased with a WAP?

A WAP generally authorizes the purchase of a single firearm or a single essential firearm component (Art. 9b WA). Many (prospective) shooters mistakenly assume that a WAP always allows them to purchase three firearms at once. The competent cantonal authorities may (i.e., they are not required to) issue a single WES for the purchase of up to three firearms or essential firearm components, provided that these are purchased at the same time and from the same seller (Art. 16 WV). It is therefore quite possible that, for example, the first WES allows the purchase of only a single firearm. E.g. this is standard practice in the canton of Schaffhausen, where the first WES is valid for only a single firearm.

Can I purchase my WES firearms from different sellers?

No. If the competent authority issues a WAP for the purchase of more than one firearm or essential firearm components, all of these firearms must be purchased from the same seller (Art. 16 WV). If you have seen the three firearms covered by the WAP that you wish to purchase at different gun shops, you can ask them to transfer the firearms to a single dealer. This way, you’ll only need one WAP and can still obtain your three firearms (provided the three firearms have been approved).

I've earned my WAP: What's next?

First of all: Congratulations! Depending on your canton, you may have to be quite patient before your application is processed, you’re invited to an interview, or the WAP is sent directly to your home. When you receive the WAP, be sure to pay the bill on time. In some cantons, the bill is sent directly to your home along with the WAP.

You will receive your WAP in three copies: One copy is for you - be sure to keep this one in a safe place - one copy is for the seller, and one copy goes back to the relevant authority. The seller has 30 or 20 days to fill it out and return it to the relevant authority.

Take your three copies of the WAP form to the seller; specify which weapons you’re purchasing, and both of you sign all three copies. Your trusted arms dealer will take care of everything for you. All you have to do is sign.

Now you’re the proud owner of one (or even several) new firearms! If you’re still new to handling firearms, it’s best to take a shooting course where you’ll be taught everything properly.

And if, for whatever reason, you don’t need your WES and don’t end up buying a firearm, you must return it to the appropriate authority once the redemption period has expired.