Guide to Malta's Firearm Legislation History
Malta may be small in stature, but its firearm laws carry weight. Malta’s unique rules come from a long journey shaped by history, culture, and Malta’s role in Europe.
From colonial times until the present, this guide will examine how Malta’s firearm laws evolved, and how the law balances individual rights with public safety.
If you own guns, collect them, or practice shooting sports, understanding this history helps you see why the rules matter. It’s a mix of tradition, legal necessity, and practical safety.
Understanding Malta’s Firearm Legislation
Malta stands out among EU countries because it’s small but organised on guns. Its laws sometimes go beyond the EU’s baseline, especially on licensing, what guns you can own, what ammo you can use, and when you can carry.
At its core, Malta’s Arms Act maintains a fine balance between personal freedoms and public safety. This balance reflects Malta’s culture and politics, where the law supports gun collectors but never at the expense of the common good.
The country’s laws ensure responsible ownership, prevent misuse, and reduce risks linked to firearms. The rules don’t just come from the government. Groups like the Association of Maltese Arms Collectors and Shooters (AMACS) or the Association of Arms Collectors and Target Shooters (AACTS) also have a say in shaping Malta's gun laws. These organisations speak for gun enthusiasts, making sure their voices enter the conversation.
A Historical Look at Malta’s Firearm Laws
Malta’s gun laws tell a story of change and growth. The island’s laws started when it was still under British rule. Over the years, laws have adjusted to fit Malta’s changing society and its place in Europe.
The British Colonial Era and the 1931 Arms Act
The first firearm-related law was the Arms Act of 1931. This came during British colonial times. It set the groundwork for how Malta controls firearms today. The law focused on keeping order and control, which was typical of British governance back then.
This 1931 law was the backbone of regulation for decades. It introduced the idea that people needed permission to own firearms. It set limits on certain weapons and ammunition types. The structure of the 1931 Act still influences Malta’s firearm laws today.
20th Century Reforms and Amendments
Malta didn’t stop with the 1931 Act. It kept updating laws to meet new realities.
In 1971, Malta introduced tougher rules. This update aimed to improve public safety. More control over who owns guns and how they use them became a priority.
Then came 1996, which made licences mandatory for all. It also introduced background checks. This change tightened the door for anyone who may pose a risk.
Finally, the 2005 Arms Act marked a major update, replacing the old framework with a modern system aligned with EU standards.
Each step responded to Malta’s social and political shifts. The laws grew stricter to keep up with the times and challenges. They kept balance, respecting individual rights while drawing a line.
The Arms Act 2005: Malta’s Modern Firearm Law
The 2005 Arms Act is a milestone. It replaced the old 1931 laws with a modern framework and brought new rules, clearer categories, and stronger controls.~
One of the key changes was introducing new licence types. These licences provide a better structure for firearm ownership. The Act also demands that people get proper training through recognised clubs before they own guns.
This ensured that license holders have safety training from day one.
Current Firearm Licensing and Rules in Malta
Owning a gun in Malta involves more than just paperwork. The law requires membership in a hunting, shooting or collecting club.
A doctor must first certify your physical and mental fitness before you join a club. This health check is a must and required by law. It protects you and everyone else. Once you join a club, you will receive proper training, learn the laws, and prove you’re responsible before applying for your police test.
Once you finish training, the club writes a recommendation letter. This letter enables you to apply to the police. The police then test your knowledge of gun safety and the Arms Act while evaluating your interest in firearms. They will also ask you to perform an NSP (Normal Safety Procedure) to pass the test. A few weeks after passing the test, you should receive a notification at your home advising you that you have passed and that you may go to your local Police Weapons office to pay and collect your license.
From start to finish, this process takes time, at least a few months. While this may seem long, all these steps and the duration of the process helps weed out anyone who isn’t ready or serious about owning firearms.
Licence Types and Firearm Categories
Malta’s laws break firearms into clear categories:
Schedule I: Includes fully automatic guns and military weapons. Civilians cannot own these unless they collect antiques made before 1946. Getting a “Collector’s Licence A Special” lets you own such guns, but one may only apply for such a license after holding a “Collector’s Licence A” for two years. Keep in mind that such a license is only granted after the applicant has exhibited detailed knowledge of the guns they’re interested in and justified why they desire the license and what pieces they wish to collect.
Schedule II: Covers sporting firearms like pistols, rifles, and shotguns. These require a Target Shooter A Licence or Collector’s Licence A to own.
Schedule III: Lists guns made before 1900, replicas, deactivated firearms, and imitations. No licence is needed, but you must declare these to the police.
Self-Defence and Firearms in Malta
This is an important point to get right. Self-defence is not a valid reason to own or carry a gun in Malta. Many people think getting a firearm licence means they can carry a gun for protection. That’s not true!
Most licences only cover sport shooting, hunting, collecting, or specific security jobs. The law requires guns to be stored, unloaded, and locked away separately from ammunition. You cannot keep a loaded gun at home or carry it for self-defence.
Special Carry Licences for Protection
There is a tiny exception. If someone faces a serious, proven threat to life, they can apply for a special carry permit. Very little is known about htis license and the process to obtain it however, this license lets you carry a gun for personal protection.
These permits are extremely rare. The applicant must show strong proof of the threat. Police thoroughly vet the application and check if other protective options (like alarms or bodyguards) could work instead.
Most people don’t qualify. Authorities want firearms to stay out of daily street use and in safe, controlled hands.
If you believe you have a real reason for a self-defence licence, talk to a Maltese lawyer or an experienced shooting club. They know the law and the process better than anyone.
Penalties for Illegal Possession
Malta treats illegal gun possession very seriously. Penalties include heavy fines and prison time.
If you misuse a licence, like using a target shooter licence for self-defence, you risk losing your licence and facing extra penalties. This harms not just you but the entire gun-owning community. Responsible owners work hard to keep their rights, and misuse puts all that at risk.
Other Important Legal Points
Licences cannot be transferred. You can’t give or sell your licence to someone else.
When a licence holder dies, a family or a custodian has two years to transfer, deactivate, or surrender the firearms.
Losing a gun or having one stolen means reporting it to police within 24 hours.
Modifying a gun without permission is illegal. Changing its classification or function without a licence creates an unlicensed firearm.
The police monitor licence holders regularly. They check your health, behaviour, and club membership every few years.
Conclusion
Malta’s firearm laws tell a story of balance and care. From the British colonial 1931 Arms Act to the modern 2005 law, the rules keep pace with changing times.
The 2005 Arms Act organizes gun ownership clearly and strictly. It demands training, safety, and responsibility. The law respects gun enthusiasts but puts public safety first.
Licensing, club membership, training, and clear categories all help keep firearms in the right hands. Self-defence is not part of the picture for most owners. This clarity protects everyone.
The system may seem strict, but it works. Malta’s gun laws protect the rights of enthusiasts while keeping the island safe.