Hungary has the strictest firearm laws in the EU

According to an independent judicial firearms expert, Hungary has the strictest regulations in the European Union for obtaining and possessing guns. Due to a well-functioning monitoring system and severe penalties, illegal gun purchases are uncommon in the country.

In Hungary, the laws governing gun acquisition and possession are stringent, Attila Nagy, an independent judicial firearms expert, told Magyar Nemzet. According to a 2004 law and government decree, numerous factors can prevent someone from obtaining a gun license, such as being under guardianship that excludes legal capacity or having a criminal record.

Multiple evaluations required, follow-ups every 4 years

Applicants undergo multiple evaluations to assess their suitability. Initially, a general practitioner conducts an examination, with follow-ups every four years. For those over 60, the check-ups occur every two years, and annually for those over 70. After passing the general practitioner’s examination, applicants must undergo a psychological evaluation by a designated psychologist.

Hobby hunters only need a one-time psychological evaluation, whereas athletes and those working in armed professions, like security personnel, must have another evaluation six months later.

Gun knowledge exam

Obtaining a firearms license requires passing a firearms knowledge exam. Aspiring hunters must also pass a state hunting exam, which includes mandatory training hours and an annual hunting license renewal with the relevant county hunting chamber. Sports shooters need to join a sports club or shooting association, where they receive certification and then select the gun they wish to use for their activities. The firearm expert highlighted that guns must be modified to prevent automatic firing or purchased from manufacturers that produce them in this manner.

For those seeking a gun for self-defence, they must provide a thorough justification. Permission is typically granted only if the applicant can prove that their life or physical safety can only be protected with a firearm.

Firearm storage laws

Firearm storage laws are also strict. Guns must be made of material resistant to significant external forces and stored in a secure, locked cabinet or fixed to a wall, floor, or cabinet. Handguns, such as pistols, must be stored in a fixed gun box. Firearms must be kept unloaded, with ammunition stored separately, and authorities regularly check compliance.

Firearm licenses must be renewed every five years, initiated 30 days before expiration. Failure to renew results in the revocation of the license. The 30-day period allows authorities to verify that no disqualifying conditions have arisen in the past five years.

Firearms for work purposes

Those who possess firearms for work purposes must obtain quarterly certifications of participation in shooting practices. Those with self-defence guns must do so annually by 15 December, although specific tasks for these practices are not mandated.

In practice, firearm owners must demonstrate their ability to draw the gun from its holster during these sessions, especially since self-defence firearms must be concealed. This ensures they practice and are proficient in handling their weapon, including maintenance, to prevent accidents.

Number of firearms in Hungary

Estimating the number of illegally held guns in Hungary is difficult. However, it’s noted that many weapons disappeared from the Hungarian People’s Army in the late 1980s. Currently, there are approximately 300,000-350,000 legally held guns in the country, including those for sport, hunting, self-defence, and work purposes. Legal gun owners typically adhere to the law to avoid losing their guns.

Like vehicles, firearms require regular technical inspections. The frequency for hunting weapons has been relaxed, now only needed upon ownership change. Other guns require renewal of their technical inspection every five years, including authorised gas and alarm guns. Even deactivated weapons are subject to strict transport regulations due to EU rules.

Illegal gun acquisition

Illegal gun acquisition 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 judicial sentences further deter such activities. Unauthorised homemade gun manufacturing is also heavily penalised.

Abuse of gun licenses is uncommon in Hungary, as gun owners are generally prudent and knowledgeable, often due to past mandatory military service. While there have been instances of terminally ill gun owners using their firearms to end their own lives, intentional harm to others is rare.

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