Inheriting a firearm in Switzerland: acquisition permit and legal obligations

The legal framework for inheriting firearms in Switzerland

Inherited firearms are subject to the Federal Act on Weapons (LArm) and its implementing ordinance. They form an integral part of the estate, just like the deceased's other assets.

Inheriting a weapon does not exempt you from legal obligations. Even if you become the owner through inheritance, you must regularise your situation with the cantonal authorities.

Swiss inheritance law defines who inherits and under what conditions. To understand the general framework for the transfer of assets, consult our complete guide on inheritance in Switzerland.

Ignorance of the law does not constitute a valid excuse. Heirs must inform themselves and act within the prescribed deadlines to avoid any offence.

Weapon categories: understanding what you inherit

Swiss legislation classifies weapons into several categories, each subject to specific obligations:

• Category A (prohibited weapons): automatic weapons, concealed weapons, certain military weapons. Prohibited for private individuals.

• Category B (authorisation required): pistols, revolvers, certain semi-automatic weapons. Require an exceptional acquisition permit.

• Category C (declaration): hunting rifles, sporting rifles, certain repeating rifles. Declaration to the cantonal weapons office is mandatory.

Correctly identifying the category of the inherited weapon is essential to know your legal obligations and the procedures to undertake.

In case of doubt, contact the cantonal weapons office or a licensed gunsmith to obtain a precise classification.

Category B weapons: authorisation required

Handguns (pistols and revolvers) as well as certain semi-automatic weapons belong to category B. Their possession requires an exceptional acquisition permit.

You have 6 months from the actual taking of possession to obtain this permit from the cantonal weapons office.

The conditions for obtaining authorisation are strict:

• Be of legal age (18 years old)

• Have a clean criminal record

• Not be subject to a general guardianship measure

• Present no danger to oneself or others

Without this authorisation, possession becomes illegal and you are exposed to criminal penalties.

Category C weapons: declaration sufficient

Hunting rifles and sporting rifles generally fall under category C. The procedure is simpler, but remains mandatory.

You must declare possession of the weapon to the cantonal weapons office within 6 months following taking possession.

This declaration is not a mere administrative formality. Its absence constitutes an offence under the Weapons Act and can lead to prosecution.

The declaration allows the authorities to maintain an updated register of weapons in circulation and their legitimate holders.

Even if you are familiar with firearms or if the deceased was an experienced hunter, this procedure remains essential to comply with the law.

The 6-month legal deadline: a deadline to respect

The 6-month deadline begins from the actual taking of possession of the weapon, not from the date of death. This distinction is important if the weapon temporarily remains with a third party.

This deadline applies to both category B weapons (exceptional acquisition permit) and category C weapons (declaration).

Failure to meet this deadline results in criminal consequences: fines that can reach several thousand francs, or even custodial sentences in serious cases.

To understand all the deadlines related to settling an estate, consult our guide on estate steps and deadlines.

Do not wait until the last minute. Administrative procedures can take time.

Option 1: Keep the inherited weapon

If you wish to keep the weapon, you must meet the legal conditions: be of legal age, have a clean criminal record and present no danger.

The procedures vary according to category:

• Category B: application for an exceptional acquisition permit from the cantonal weapons office

• Category C: simple declaration of possession

Required documents:

• Certificate of inheritance or estate inventory mentioning the weapon

• Valid identity document

• Recent criminal record extract (for category B)

• Specific cantonal forms

Once authorisation is obtained or the declaration made, you become the legal holder of the weapon and can keep it entirely legally.

Option 2: Sell or transfer the weapon

You can sell the inherited weapon to a licensed gunsmith or to a private individual meeting the legal conditions. This option is often preferred if you do not wish to keep the weapon.

The purchaser must have the acquisition permit or the necessary authorisation according to the weapon category. You cannot legally sell to an unauthorised person.

Gunsmiths play a secure intermediary role: they verify the legality of the transaction and handle the administrative formalities.

The sale or transfer must take place within the 6-month deadline following taking possession. After this deadline, you must first regularise your own situation before being able to transfer the weapon.

Option 3: Deactivate or destroy the weapon

If you wish neither to keep nor to sell the weapon, you can opt for its deactivation or destruction.

Deactivation consists of permanent neutralisation of the weapon by a licensed gunsmith. The weapon then becomes an inert object, which can be kept without authorisation (for example as a family memento).

Destruction can be carried out by the competent authorities or a gunsmith. This option is often free or at minimal cost depending on the canton.

These solutions are particularly suitable if:

• You do not meet the conditions to obtain authorisation

• You cannot find a purchaser

• You wish to avoid any responsibility related to holding a weapon

Contact the cantonal weapons office to find out the precise procedures in your region.

Practical procedures with the cantonal weapons office

Each canton has a weapons office responsible for applying federal legislation. Contact details are available on official cantonal websites or on the cantonal police website.

Documents to prepare:

• Certificate of inheritance or estate inventory mentioning the weapon

• Valid identity document

• Criminal record extract (for category B)

• Specific forms downloadable from the cantonal website

Processing times vary according to canton, generally between 2 and 6 weeks. Plan ahead to stay within the legal deadlines.

Some offices offer a free advisory service to help you identify the weapon category and the appropriate procedures. Do not hesitate to contact them in case of doubt.

Special cases and complex situations

Multiple heirs: If several people inherit the weapon, only one can legally take possession of it. An agreement between heirs is necessary to designate who will carry out the procedures.

Minor heir: A minor cannot legally hold a category B or C weapon. The weapon must be temporarily kept by an authorised adult or sold.

Antique or collector's weapons: Check whether they fall within the scope of the law. Some weapons manufactured before 1870 may be exempt, but verification with the authorities is recommended.

Prohibited weapons (category A): You must hand them over immediately to the cantonal weapons office. Their possession is strictly prohibited for private individuals, even temporarily.

Refusing an inheritance containing weapons

You have the right to refuse the inheritance in its entirety if it contains problematic elements: significant debts, unwanted weapons, or other complications.

The deadline for refusal is 3 months from the moment you become aware of your status as heir. This decision must be formalised with the competent authority in your canton.

Warning: refusing the inheritance means renouncing the entire estate, assets as well as liabilities. You inherit nothing.

This option may be wise if the estate is heavily indebted or if you do not wish to assume the responsibilities related to inherited weapons. For more information on managing estate debts, consult our guide on the debts of a deceased person.

Penalties for non-compliance with obligations

Failure to comply with legal obligations regarding inheriting weapons constitutes an offence under the Weapons Act. The authorities take these breaches very seriously.

Criminal penalties may include:

• Fines that can reach several thousand francs

• Custodial sentences in case of repeat offence or prohibited weapons

• Confiscation of the weapon

• Future prohibition on holding weapons

Illegal possession of a weapon, even through simple administrative negligence, is considered a criminal offence recorded in the criminal record.

If you have exceeded the 6-month deadline, regularise your situation immediately. The authorities appreciate voluntary action and may show leniency in processing your file.

Inheriting a weapon in Switzerland involves specific legal responsibilities. Depending on the weapon category, you will need to obtain an acquisition authorisation or make a simple declaration to the cantonal weapons office. The 6-month deadline after death must be respected to regularise your situation.

Three options are available to you: keep the weapon whilst complying with legal procedures, sell or transfer it to an authorised person, or have it deactivated or destroyed. Each solution meets different needs and requires specific administrative follow-up.

Managing an estate involves many legal and administrative aspects. To support you during this difficult period, Wolky allows you to publish an obituary quickly and with dignity, at an accessible rate of 180 CHF. You can also consult our complete guide on inheritance in Switzerland to better understand your rights and obligations.