Hungary has the strictest firearms laws in the EU

According to an independent forensic firearms expert, Hungary has the strictest laws in the European Union on obtaining and possessing weapons. Thanks to a well-functioning monitoring system and severe penalties, illegal gun purchases are rare in the country.

As Attila Nagy, an independent forensic expert on firearms, said, in Hungary the laws governing the acquisition and possession of firearms are strict Hungarian NemzetUnder the law and a 2004 government decree, numerous factors can prevent someone from obtaining a firearms licence, such as being under the care of someone who excludes legal capacity or having a criminal record.

Multiple assessments are required, with checks every 4 years

Applicants undergo a series of assessments to assess their suitability. Initially, a GP will conduct an examination, followed by check-ups every four years. For those over 60, check-ups are every two years, and for those over 70, every year. After passing the GP examination, applicants must undergo a psychological assessment by a designated psychologist.

Amateur hunters only need a one-time psychological evaluation, while athletes and people working in professions that require weapons, such as security guards, must undergo another evaluation six months later.

Weapons Knowledge Exam

To obtain a firearms license, you must pass a firearms knowledge exam. Prospective hunters must also pass a state hunter exam, which includes mandatory hours of training and annual renewal of their hunting license with the appropriate county hunting board. Target shooters must join a sports club or shooting association, where they will receive a certificate and then choose the firearm they want to use for their activities. The firearms expert emphasized that the firearms must be modified to prevent automatic firing, or purchased from manufacturers who make them that way.

Those seeking a weapon for self-defense must provide a detailed justification. A permit is usually granted only if the applicant can prove that his or her life or physical safety can only be protected by a firearm.

Firearms Storage Regulations

The regulations regarding the storage of firearms are also strict. Firearms must be made of a material that can withstand significant external forces and stored in a secure, locked cabinet or attached to a wall, floor or cabinet. Guns, such as pistols, must be stored in a permanent gun box. Firearms must be stored unloaded and ammunition must be stored separately, with authorities regularly checking compliance.

Firearms licenses must be renewed every five years, beginning 30 days before expiration. Failure to renew results in the license being revoked. The 30-day period allows authorities to verify that no disqualifying conditions have occurred in the past five years.

Firearms for work purposes

Those who possess firearms for official purposes must obtain quarterly certificates of participation in shooting exercises. Those who possess firearms for self-defense must do so annually by December 15, although there is no requirement to perform specific tasks as part of these exercises.

In practice, firearm owners must demonstrate their ability to draw their firearm from a holster during these sessions, especially since self-defense firearms must be concealed. This ensures that they practice and are proficient in the use of their firearms, including maintenance, to prevent accidents.

Number of firearms in Hungary

It is difficult to estimate the number of illegally held weapons in Hungary. However, it should be noted that many weapons disappeared from the Hungarian People’s Army in the late 1980s. There are currently around 300,000-350,000 legally held weapons in the country, including those for sporting, hunting, self-defense, and professional purposes. Legal gun owners generally obey the law to avoid losing their weapons.

Like vehicles, firearms require regular MOTs. The frequency of inspections for hunting weapons has been relaxed, now only required when changing owners. Other weapons require MOT renewal every five years, including authorized gas and alarm pistols. Even deactivated weapons are subject to strict transport regulations due to EU regulations.

Illegal acquisition of weapons

Illegal acquisition of weapons through the dark web is rare in Hungary, thanks to an effective monitoring system and severe penalties for illegal possession, ranging from two to eight years in prison. Strict court sentences further deter such activities. Unauthorized production of homemade weapons is also severely punished.

Abuse of firearms permits is rare in Hungary, as gun owners are usually cautious and well-informed, often due to mandatory military service. Although there have been cases of terminally ill gun owners using their firearms to end their own lives, intentional harm to others is rare.

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