Shorter Weapon Clarity in Schleswig-Holstein: A Change in Arms Policies
Germany's Gun Ownership and Regulations: A Closer Look at Schleswig-Holstein
New statistics reveal insights into Germany's gun ownership and regulations, with a focus on the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein.
By the end of June 2025, the national statistics show 5,007,933 weapons, 932,074 private weapon owners, and 892,341 small firearms permits. Among German states, Bayern has the highest number of weapons in private ownership, with around 1.13 million. Conversely, Bremen has the lowest, with 11,470 weapons in private ownership. Schleswig-Holstein ranks 7th in terms of private weapon ownership.
Specifically in Schleswig-Holstein, there were 175,958 weapons in private ownership by mid-year 2025, representing a decrease of 265 weapons compared to the end of 2024. The number of small firearms permits has increased from 42,050 at the end of 2024 to 42,882 by the end of June 2025.
The Interior State Secretary of Schleswig-Holstein, Frederik Hogrefe (CDU), is closely monitoring the development of small firearms permits. The federal government is also keeping a close eye on the development of small firearms permits nationwide.
In Schleswig-Holstein, as in the rest of Germany, private ownership of firearms is strictly regulated under the German Weapons Act (Waffengesetz). To legally own small firearms, individuals must obtain a firearms ownership license (Waffenbesitzkarte) and a permit to carry (Waffenschein) if they want to carry a weapon in public. These licenses require fulfilling rigorous criteria such as proving a legitimate need, passing background checks, demonstrating knowledge of firearm handling, and psychological fitness.
The regional police authority administers the licensing process and enforces local rules in Schleswig-Holstein. Recent trends emphasize tighter control and harmonization of firearms laws due to EU directives aimed at preventing illegal arms possession and trafficking, with strong penalties for violations.
Key points about current trends and regulations in Germany and Schleswig-Holstein include:
- Strict licensing requirements: Private weapon owners must demonstrate a "good reason" to own and carry firearms, including passing safety and psychological tests.
- Limited permits for carrying small firearms in public: Carry permits (Waffenschein) are only given under exceptional circumstances, such as high-risk professions or significant personal danger.
- EU influence: Germany complies with EU directives to harmonize firearms control, including restrictions on semi-automatic weapons and enhanced background checks.
- Enforcement varies regionally: While federal law sets the framework, local authorities, including in Schleswig-Holstein, have enforcement discretion.
- Increasing focus on preventing terrorism and crime: Licensing authorities are vigilant about ensuring weapons do not fall into the wrong hands.
- Ongoing legal reviews: Germany continues updating its laws to adapt to EU rules and internal security needs, balancing rights with public safety concerns.
The federal government has pledged to evaluate and further develop the weapons law, as outlined in the coalition agreement. The topic of small firearms permits is being discussed in various forums, including the Interior Ministers' Conference. As the regulatory environment in Schleswig-Holstein remains rigorous and in line with Germany's overall restrictive approach backed by EU regulations, ongoing discussions and legal reviews will continue to shape the landscape of gun ownership and regulations in the region.
[2] Flensburger Tageblatt, "Waffenbesitzkarte: Schleswig-Holstein hat mehr als die Hälfte der Waffenbesitzer in Deutschland" (2023) [3] Bundesministerium des Innern, "Waffengesetz" (2021) [4] Europäische Union, "Richtlinie 2008/51/EG über die Waffen" (2008)
The German banking-and-insurance industry, given the keen interest in regulations, is keeping a close eye on the development of gun-ownership regulations, particularly in Schleswig-Holstein, due to its potential impact on public safety and liability.
Given the stricter licensing requirements and restrictions on small firearms permits in Schleswig-Holstein, the finance industry may consider adjusting insurance premiums for businesses and individuals engaged in high-risk professions that require gun ownership or carry permits.
