Arms and Ammunition Law in Nepal

Yes. All firearms require a license issued by the Chief District Officer (CDO). Possessing a firearm without a valid license is a criminal offence carrying imprisonment up to 10 years.

You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a firearm license in Nepal. Additionally, you must pass a background check, have no criminal record, and provide a medical fitness certificate.

Required documents:

• Citizenship certificate
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical fitness certificate (physical and mental)
• Proof of purpose (self-defense, hunting, sports)
• Application form to CDO

Illegal possession of a firearm carries imprisonment up to 10 years depending on the type of weapon. Unlicensed manufacture of arms carries up to 15 years. All illegal weapons are confiscated.

No. Automatic weapons, military-grade arms, and explosives are prohibited for civilians. Only government forces (Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force) are authorized to possess such weapons. Special government permission is required for any restricted weapon category.

No. Foreign nationals cannot possess arms in Nepal except with special permission from the Government of Nepal. This applies to all foreign citizens including those on long-term visas. Diplomatic exemptions may apply under international conventions.

A firearm license in Nepal is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. It must be renewed before expiry by submitting updated documents (including a fresh police clearance and medical certificate) to the CDO.

License categories include: personal protection (self-defense), hunting (in designated areas), sports/shooting (competitive athletes and clubs), organizational security (licensed security firms), and government/military (Nepal Police, Army, APF).

Yes. A firearm license can be revoked if: the holder commits a criminal offence, the weapon is used illegally, the holder becomes mentally unfit, the holder sells or transfers the weapon to an unlicensed person, or the license conditions are violated.

Using a licensed firearm in genuine self-defense may be excused under the National Penal Code provisions on self-defense. However, the force used must be proportional to the threat. Excessive force can result in criminal charges including manslaughter or murder.

Air guns and pellet guns below certain power thresholds may not require a full firearm license, but regulations vary. It is recommended to check with the local CDO office. Carrying any weapon-like device in public without justification can still result in police action.

Yes, but you must carry your license at all times when transporting the weapon. The firearm must be unloaded during transport. Carrying a loaded weapon in public places without justification is an offence even with a valid license.

Use of weapons (including firearms) in domestic violence constitutes an aggravated offence. Courts can order confiscation of firearms from an accused domestic violence perpetrator. A domestic violence conviction can result in license revocation.

Illegal import, export, or trafficking of arms carries severe penalties including imprisonment up to 15 years, heavy fines, and confiscation of all weapons and vehicles involved. International trafficking may also trigger charges under Nepal's organized crime provisions.