Interior Ministry: Over 20,000 applications for gun permits in 18 months, around 9,000 approved

The number of citizens seeking permits to own firearms has increased. Over the past 18 months, the Ministry of Interior has processed more than 20,000 applications, with only around 9,000 of them approved.

“Over the past 18 months, the Ministry of Interior has worked intensively on applications for permits to purchase firearms. Around 20,000 applications have been reviewed, of which more than 9,000 have been approved, contributing to more efficient administrative processing and the timely exercise of citizens’ rights,” the ministry said.

According to ministry data, around 8,000 applications for firearm possession permits have been registered this year alone. The vast majority of applications are for hunting firearms.

“During 2026, around 8,000 applications for firearm possession permits were submitted to the Ministry of Interior. Citizens have shown the greatest interest in permits to possess hunting firearms. Compared with previous years, an increase in the number of applications submitted has been observed,” the ministry added.

The ministry said that during this period it had stepped up its work reviewing applications, with the aim of speeding up administrative procedures and ensuring that citizens’ rights are exercised in a timely manner.