Firearms Permit for Sport Shooters in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, you obtain a firearms permit for sport shooters from the chief of police of the Amsterdam Police Unit. This is official permission to possess, transport, and use firearms and ammunition, but exclusively for competitive sport shooting. The permit complies with the Firearms and Ammunition Act (Wwm) and applies only to active members of recognized shooting clubs in the region, such as Shooting Association Amsterdam.
What exactly is a firearms permit for sport shooters?
The personal firearms permit (PWB) for sport shooters allows Amsterdam residents to legally purchase and use firearms at local shooting ranges. It does not grant unlimited possession but a limited right subject to strict conditions. Use is restricted to shooting sports such as small-caliber, large-caliber, or pistol shooting during training and competitions.
Recreational shooting does not qualify; only competitive sport counts. Membership in a Dynamic Sports Collective (DSC)-recognized club is essential. Without a permit, you risk criminal prosecution, seizure of firearms, and fines up to €9,000 or imprisonment.
Legal basis in the Netherlands
The rules are set out in the Firearms and Ammunition Act (Wwm), particularly Article 11 (personal permit) and Article 12 (sport shooter conditions). Ministerial decrees such as the Weapons and Ammunition Decree define disciplines and calibers. The chief of police of Amsterdam Police decides, advised by the Central Police Services Directorate (CDPD). The Weapons Act 2024 introduces stricter standards for storage and transport.
- Art. 11 Wwm: Permit for active sport shooters.
- Art. 18 Wwm: Prohibition on firearm possession without permission.
- Art. 55 Wwm: Penalties for violations.
Conditions for a firearms permit in Amsterdam
To obtain a permit, you must meet these criteria:
- At least 18 years old.
- Member of a ministerially recognized shooting club (at least 1 year).
- Active in competitions (min. 18 shooting sessions per year, 70% attendance).
- Submit a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
- Undergo medical examination by a police-approved doctor (no risks).
- Approved firearms safe, either personal or via the club.
- No criminal record posing a safety threat.
For pistols/revolvers: additional requirements for disciplines like IPSC or 25m shooting.
Application procedure in Amsterdam
The process takes about 26 weeks and runs through your local club:
- Join a recognized Amsterdam shooting club and shoot actively for 1 year.
- Gather documents: VOG, medical exam, membership proof, passport photos.
- Club submits application to chief of police of Amsterdam Police.
- Police reviews: home visit, background check.
- Decision within 26 weeks; objection to chief of police or District Court Amsterdam.
Costs: €50-€100 application + €200-€300 examination. Contact Amsterdam Legal Aid Office for free advice.
Rights and obligations for Amsterdam residents
Rights:
- Max. 5 firearms (up to 10 for elite athletes).
- Transport to range in locked case (unloaded).
- Use exclusively at range under supervision.
Obligations:
- 24/7 storage in SKG***-rated safe.
- Annually report ammunition and competitions to police.
- Immediately report loss/theft (Art. 14 Wwm).
- No alcohol or drugs at the range.
Practical examples from Amsterdam
Example 1: Jan (25) has been a member of Shooting Association Amsterdam for 1.5 years and shoots small-caliber weekly. With VOG and exam, he gets PWB for .22 pistol. He transports unloaded to the range and stores in home safe.
Example 2: Maria wants large-caliber for hunting, but that does not fit sport shooter PWB. Rejected; switch to hunters' permit via hunters.
Example 3: Pieter misses reporting; permit revoked, firearms confiscated. Restored after fine and course with Municipality of Amsterdam.
Comparison of firearms permits
| Type | For whom? | Number of firearms | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport Shooters (PWB) | Competitive shooters | Max. 5-10 | Shooting range only |
| Hunters | Hunting association | Max. 5 | Hunting grounds |
| Collectors | Collectors | Unlimited (unusable) | Display |
| Professional (BM) | Security personnel | 1-2 | Work |
Tips for sport shooters in Amsterdam
- Build membership at local clubs such as in Amsterdam-Noord.
- Purchase SKG***-rated safe (€500).
- Complete safety training via your club.
- Keep documents digital/physical.
- On moving within Amsterdam: notify police within 5 days.
- Consult Amsterdam Legal Aid Office for objections or firearms possession.
Related: illegal firearms possession, Dutch firearms law.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a sport shooter firearms permit in Amsterdam without a club?
No, membership in a recognized Amsterdam shooting club is mandatory. Contact Amsterdam Legal Aid Office for details.