Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

Data sourced from the official website of the National Police Headquarters.

* Does not include persons who received a decision under Article 155 of the Code of Administrative Procedure modifying the number of firearms, nor those granted a firearm permit for the same purpose after 2011 under Article 10 of the Act on Firearms and Ammunition.

Number of persons issued a permit (2014–2024)

Number of persons issued a firearm permit for the most common purposes (2014–2024)

Over the past 10 years, the number of people holding a firearm permit for hunting purposes has remained stagnant. Although it increases slightly year by year, the changes are minimal compared to other types of permits. Interestingly, the number of people with a permit for collection purposes is increasingly surpassing those with a permit for sports purposes. Nevertheless, both groups are experiencing growth.

Comparison of increases: 2022/2023 and 2023/2024

For the protection of persons and property

• 2022-2023: +7540%
• 2023-2024: +102,2%

For personal protection

• 2022-2023: +14,62%
• 2023-2024: +23,81%

For collection purposes

• 2022-2023: +28,7%
• 2023-2024: +22,9%

For sports purposes

• 2022-2023: +20,6%
• 2023-2024: +19,4%

For hunting purposes

• 2022-2023: +2%
• 2023-2024: +2%

For commemorative purposes

• 2022-2023: +0,12%
• 2023-2024: -0,75%

For historical reenactment purposes

• 2022-2023: +7,45%
• 2023-2024: +5,94%

For training purposes

• 2022-2023: +16,82%
• 2023-2024: +14,79%

Other purposes

• 2022-2023: +5,92%
• 2023-2024: +73,49%

Increase in the years 2023–2024

Analyzing the statistical data, a continuous increase in the number of permits for the most popular types can be observed: sports (+19.4%) and collection (+22.9%). Particularly noteworthy is the further rise in permits for the protection of persons and property, as well as for personal protection: +102.2% (following an enormous +7540% increase in 2023) and +23.8%, respectively. The growth in these two types of permits is linked to the amendment of the Act on Firearms and Ammunition in April 2023, which significantly simplified the process of obtaining permits for these purposes for members of selected uniformed services. Hunting permits are increasing at a much slower rate, with only a +2% rise. A decline was observed only in permits for memorabilia purposes (-0.75%). In 2023, there was a significantly higher increase in permits for other purposes compared to 2022 (+5.92% compared to +73.49% in 2023).

Overall, a slightly higher growth in the total number of issued permits can be observed compared to 2023. The increase in permits in 2023 was +12.98%, while in 2024, it reached +13.4%. This may indicate a stabilizing trend.

Number of firearms owned by Poles

As of December 31, 2024, a total of 930,121 firearms were in the hands of Poles. However, it is worth considering whether a portion of this number includes essential firearm components registered under separate permits. In 2023, there were 843,755 registered firearms, representing a 10.24% increase. This is slightly lower than the growth observed in 2023 compared to 2022, which stood at 10.99%.

The issue of legally owning a firearm in Poland has been surrounded by many myths and legends over the years. A significant part of society is unaware that such a possibility even exists. Those who do know about it often believe that obtaining a permit is burdened with numerous legal and financial barriers. However, the reality is quite different, and the Polish shooting community continues to grow. This is evidenced not only by the increasing number of issued permits but also by the rising number of firearm stores, which enjoy strong demand. We warmly invite you to explore our article series, Introduction To Shooting, which provides a comprehensive overview of the realities of shooting sports in Poland and the process of obtaining a firearm permit.

Strzelectwo od podstaw, cz. 1 – Początki i perspektywy (PL)

Strzelectwo od podstaw cz.2 – Droga do pozwolenia na broń (PL)

“The hardest step is the first one,” sang the late, great Anna Jantar. And while the lyrics of that song were about a man meeting a woman, the same can be said about the journey almost every shooter goes through. Even those who never expected it—who never thought they had the skills for it—end up catching the bug. Once the initial barriers are broken, it turns out that shooting is engaging, fun, and allows us to focus solely on the target. And the results? They suggest that with a little practice, we might actually get pretty good at this. At some point, the instructor asks: “Have you thought about joining a club or getting a permit so you can bring your own firearm to the range?”

Wait, what? Me? Is that even legal?—That’s the typical reaction, rooted in a lack of knowledge about current laws and procedures. But in most cases, the answer is simple: Yes, you! It’s possible, entirely legal, and easier than you might think.

Tomasz Karasiński in the article Introduction to Shooting, Part 2 – The Path to a Firearm Permit