--- title: "Rules and Requirements for Owning a Firearm for Self-Defence in Bulgaria" description: "How to acquire, store and use a firearm in Bulgaria. The legislation, the permits required and the key safety requirements." url: "https://www.da-law.eu/en/insights/owning-a-firearm-for-self-defence-in-bulgaria" lang: en author: "Desislava Arsenova" published: 2024-08-08 updated: 2026-10-18 category: "Administrative Law" --- # Rules and Requirements for Owning a Firearm for Self-Defence in Bulgaria Author: Desislava Arsenova · Published: 8 August 2024 · Updated: 18 October 2026 *How to acquire, store and use a firearm in Bulgaria. The legislation, the permits required and the key safety requirements.* ## Key points - A self-defence weapon is a short firearm (a pistol or revolver with a barrel of up to 30 cm) with up to 100 rounds of ammunition for each weapon. - Three successive permits from the Ministry of Interior are required, for acquisition, for storage and for carrying and use. - No permit is issued to persons under 18, persons convicted or facing pending charges, or persons without a safety course or a valid reason. - A new short firearm must be test-fired at the Ministry of Interior within 7 days of acquisition. Owning a firearm for self-defence or for hunting attracts considerable interest and carries great responsibility. Bulgarian legislation regulates the matter strictly in order to ensure public safety and order. This article examines the main provisions of the law, the procedures for acquiring, storing, carrying and using a self-defence weapon and its ammunition, and the obligations of owners. ## Main Provisions - The principal statute is the **Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives and Pyrotechnic Articles Act**. - The Act sets out the conditions for acquiring, storing, carrying and using weapons and ammunition. - Fines and penalties are laid down in the Act and in the Criminal Code (Art. 337–341a). ## Key Terms - **Firearms for self-defence** are short firearms (pistols and revolvers with a barrel length of up to 30 cm) together with up to 100 rounds of ammunition for each weapon. - **Ammunition** means cartridges or rounds, loaded cases, primers or projectiles used in firearms. ## Who Cannot Be Granted a Permit? Permits are not issued to persons who - are under 18; - have not completed basic education; - have been convicted of an intentional offence or are subject to pending charges; - suffer from a mental disorder; - have been treated for drug use in the last 3 years; - have been subject to protection measures against domestic violence in the last 3 years; - have not completed a course in the safe handling of weapons; - have no valid reason for acquisition (such as self-defence). ## Procedure for Acquiring a Weapon The acquisition permit is issued by the Chief Directorate of the National Police of the Ministry of Interior or by the local police department, upon application. **Methods of acquisition** - Purchase - Gift - Exchange - Inheritance - Award (the award order replaces the permit) **Documents required for acquisition** - Application (in writing or electronically) - Document showing the method of acquisition (inheritance, award) - Declaration that the weapon will be stored in a metal safe - Certificate of completed basic education - Prior approval (for foreign nationals) - Medical certificate - Proof of no criminal record (for foreign nationals) - Power of attorney (where applicable) **Time limit** – one month. The permit is valid for 3 months and may be used once. ## Storage Permit It is issued for a period of 5 years. **Documents required** - Application - Certificate of fitness (if the weapon is not new) - Quality certificate and invoice (if the weapon is new) - Acquisition permit - Proof of test firing (for a new short firearm) - Power of attorney (if the application is filed by another person) ## Permit to Carry and Use It is issued for 5 years or until the storage permit expires. **Documents required** - Application - Proof of completion of a safety course - Certificate of fitness of the weapon (if it is not new) - Photograph (for foreign nationals) - Proof of no pending charges and a medical certificate (for foreign nationals) A person may carry only one self-defence weapon, which must be entered in the permit. ## Test Firing of Short Firearms - It must take place within 7 days of acquisition. - It is carried out by designated officers of the Sofia Metropolitan Directorate of Interior or the relevant regional directorate of the Ministry of Interior. ## Eligibility Requirements for Permit Holders - Bulgarian citizenship, or foreign nationality with permanent residence - Age over 18 - A valid permanent address in Bulgaria - A valid identity document ## Supervision and Penalties Supervision is exercised by the Ministry of Interior, which may - revoke permits; - seize weapons and ammunition; - issue statements of administrative violation; - refer offences to the prosecution service. Firearm ownership in Bulgaria is strictly regulated in the interest of public safety. Compliance with the statutory requirements is mandatory for every owner. Our firm can provide advice and legal assistance on all matters relating to the ownership and use of firearms, protecting the rights and interests of its clients. If a permit has been refused or you encounter difficulties in obtaining one, our [administrative law](https://www.da-law.eu/en/services/administrative-law) team can assist you with an appeal. ## Legal basis - [Weapons, Ammunition, Explosives and Pyrotechnic Articles Act (Закон за оръжията, боеприпасите, взривните вещества и пиротехническите изделия)](https://lex.bg/laws/ldoc/2135696097) - [Criminal Code (Наказателен кодекс): Art. 337–341a](https://lex.bg/laws/ldoc/1589654529) ## Frequently asked questions ### Who issues the permit to acquire a weapon? The Chief Directorate of the National Police or the police department for your permanent address, upon an application with the required documents. The time limit is one month, and the permit is valid for 3 months and may be used once. ### How long is the storage permit valid? For 5 years. The permit to carry and use is also issued for 5 years or until the storage permit expires. ### How many self-defence weapons may I carry? Only one, which must be entered in the permit to carry and use. ### Can I appeal against the refusal of a permit? Yes. The refusal is an administrative act and may be appealed through the administrative channels or before the administrative court. --- *The information on this website is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case has its specifics and requires an individual approach. For a professional opinion and a tailored strategy, please contact us.* Source: https://www.da-law.eu/en/insights/owning-a-firearm-for-self-defence-in-bulgaria