Practical guides

The rules for selling, buying or inheriting a firearm in Switzerland, explained step by step. Each guide cites the relevant articles of law and links to the official sources.

Selling a firearm privately in Switzerland

How to sell a firearm legally to a private buyer in Switzerland: when a weapon acquisition permit is needed, what goes into the contract, reporting within 30 days and what to check about the buyer.

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Inherited a firearm: what to do

Inherited firearm in Switzerland: within six months you must apply for a weapon acquisition permit or report it to the cantonal office, or sell it to an authorised person. Here is how.

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Firearm sale contract: what it must contain

The written contract for selling a weapon privately in Switzerland: when it is mandatory, the details required by Art. 11 WA, the documents to attach and where to get the official form.

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This guide summarises federal law in practical terms and is not legal advice. The legal text and the instructions of the cantonal weapons office of your canton, which may have its own forms and procedures, are authoritative. Swiss legal texts are binding only in German, French and Italian.