Firearms and pepper spray in Austria: what you need to know in 2026

In Austria, firearms are regulated by the Weapons Act (Waffengesetz, WaffG), and pepper spray is also classified as a weapon. This guide explains the categories, which permit is needed for different activities, the costs involved and when pepper spray may legally be used.

Firearm categories in Austria

A firearm is a weapon that can fire a solid projectile through a barrel in a defined direction. The category determines which permit is required.

• Category A: Prohibited weapons and war material, such as a pump-action shotgun. Acquisition, possession and carrying are generally prohibited.
• Category B: Revolvers, pistols, semi-automatic firearms and repeating shotguns. Acquisition and possession require a Waffenbesitzkarte or Waffenpass. Carrying requires a Waffenpass.
• Category C: Rifles (Büchse) and shotguns (Flinte) that require manual reloading after each shot. Acquisition and possession require a Waffenbesitzkarte, Waffenpass or valid hunting licence (Jagdkarte). Carrying is permitted with a Waffenpass, valid hunting licence or, in certain cases, for members of traditional shooting clubs.

Category A includes, for example, a shotgun with a total length of less than 90 cm, a concealed weapon such as a “shooting ballpoint pen”, a knuckle-duster and a centre-fire handgun fitted with a magazine holding more than 20 rounds. If you are unsure about a weapon’s category, a specialist firearms dealer can help.

Possession or carrying: which permit do you need?

The Waffenbesitzkarte permits you to acquire and possess a firearm at home, but it does not allow you to carry it with you. A Category B card is also valid for Category C firearms.

The Waffenpass permits acquisition and possession as well as carrying a firearm (Führen). A Category B Waffenpass also authorises the carrying of Category C firearms. Hunters may carry their Category C hunting firearm without a Waffenpass if they have a valid hunting licence.

Who can obtain a permit?

The requirements for the two permits are largely similar:

• The applicant must be a reliable EEA citizen.
• The minimum age is generally 25 for Category B and 21 for Category C.
• A psychological assessment must confirm that the applicant will not handle a firearm recklessly even under psychological stress. This is not required when the applicant has a valid hunting licence.
• The applicant must provide proof of proper firearms handling, usually a training certificate from a specialist firearms dealer, commonly called a “Waffenführerschein”.

The main difference concerns the justification. For a Waffenbesitzkarte, you must make a credible case for possessing the firearm, for example for self-defence in your home, business premises or enclosed property. For a Waffenpass, you must demonstrate that carrying the firearm is necessary, such as being exposed to a particular danger outside these locations.

Applications from third-country nationals, as well as certain professional or hunting-related applications from people aged between 18 and 21, are decided at the authorities’ discretion.

How much does it cost and how long is it valid?

• Waffenbesitzkarte, up to two firearms: 110 euros. A new permit is valid for 5 years; an indefinite permit may then be requested.
• Waffenpass, up to two firearms: 175 euros. A new permit is valid for 5 years; an indefinite permit may then be requested.
• European Firearms Pass (Europäischer Feuerwaffenpass): 21 € application fee + 21 € document fee + 43 € federal administrative fee + 6 € for each attachment. It is valid for 5 years and may be extended once.

Additional costs may apply, for example for the psychological assessment.

Where do you apply?

The competent firearms authority (Waffenbehörde) is determined by your main residence (Hauptwohnsitz). It may be the district authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft), the Magistrat in a statutory city or, in some municipalities, the provincial police directorate (Landespolizeidirektion). In Vienna, applications must be submitted at a police station (Polizeikommissariat). Online appointment booking is recommended for police administration.

Required documents include an official photo ID, birth certificate, proof of citizenship and a photograph.

Storage, inheritance and travel

Firearms and ammunition must be stored securely in a burglary-resistant container and kept inaccessible to unauthorised people living in the same household. Storage of Category B firearms is generally checked every five years. A permit may be revoked if the rules are breached.

If a Category B or C firearm is included in an estate, the authority must be informed without delay. You cannot wait until the inheritance proceedings are completed. The heir has twelve months to obtain the right to possess the firearm or to sell or transfer it to someone who is authorised.

For travel within the EU, a European Firearms Pass is generally required. It does not, however, authorise acquisition or carrying.

Pepper spray: what is allowed?

Pepper spray (Pfefferspray) is a weapon. Possessing it or carrying it with you is prohibited under the age of 18.

It may be used only in a lawful self-defence situation (Notwehr): when there is a direct or ongoing attack threatening your life, health, physical integrity, sexual integrity and self-determination, freedom or property.

Important: Spraying someone without an unlawful attack, or exceeding the necessary level of defensive force, may constitute a criminal offence.

Frequently asked questions

Can an EEA citizen apply for a firearm permit in Austria?

Yes, a reliable EEA citizen may apply, provided all other requirements are met.

Can I carry my pistol if I have a Waffenbesitzkarte?

No. A Waffenbesitzkarte permits possession only. Carrying requires a Waffenpass.

How old must I be to buy pepper spray?

Possessing and carrying pepper spray is prohibited under the age of 18.

Can I request a free list of firearms registered in my name?

Yes. You can request a free certificate from the Central Weapons Register (Zentrales Waffenregister, ZWR) online using ID Austria or EU Login.

Practical steps

1. Identify the firearm’s category before buying or possessing it.
2. Check whether you need a Waffenbesitzkarte or Waffenpass, depending on whether you want possession or carrying rights.
3. Arrange the required psychological assessment and firearms-handling proof, unless a valid hunting licence means the assessment is not required.
4. Contact the Waffenbehörde responsible for your Hauptwohnsitz and confirm the current application procedure and documents.
5. Store firearms and ammunition in a burglary-resistant container and keep them away from unauthorised household members.
6. If travelling within the EU, check whether you need an Europäischer Feuerwaffenpass.
7. Use pepper spray only in lawful self-defence and never carry or possess it if you are under 18.

This article is based on information available online and does not constitute legal advice. Use the information at your own risk. For specialist advice, contact a lawyer or other appropriate professional.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at