Prelude: I was originally debating whether or not to publish this months-old draft, but feel compelled to share my experiences after the murder-suicide of Teodora Marcu. I can’t say for sure if this article will ever get indexed by Google, but I hope it provides at least some guidance for those who find themselves in a position to defend their life, liberty, and property.
About a year ago, I decided to pursue something that few foreigners in Romania ever attempt: legally owning and carrying firearms.
My decision to pursue firearm ownership in Romania was, in part, rooted in ideology. As a libertarian, I’ve always believed in the individual’s right to self-defense and the principle that governments should be held accountable to their own laws.
Of course, there were also practical motivations: self-sufficiency, personal security, and yes, the fact that I’ve received credible death threats over the years related to my business dealings. I operate my business like an American capitalist (because I am one) and that upsets a lot of socialist Europeans; and, from a personal aspect, there’s at least two or three people trying to scam me at any given moment. I’ve had certifiably insane people show up at my house and at our office, in addition to harassing me online.
I am fortunately in a position to defend myself if needed, unlike Teodora, who was a victim of not only a senseless crime but also a government who failed to serve their duty of protecting their citizens.
Here’s just a handful of the messages and harassing behavior I’ve received while I’ve lived in Romania:
More than anything, this was a civics experiment. I wanted to see whether the Romanian state would honor the letter of its own law and allow someone like me – a legal resident, soon-to-be citizen, with no criminal record, and a history of working deeply with law enforcement – to exercise rights that are clearly laid out in statute, but rarely invoked by foreigners. It was a way of stress-testing the system from the inside, not with the intent to break it, but to understand its integrity.
To my surprise, the law was more permissive than expected, but the culture surrounding firearms is vastly different from where I come from. In Romania, gun ownership is possible, but uncommon. Particularly as a foreigner, you’re likely to face puzzled expressions, raised eyebrows, and even polite disbelief. The legality is one thing; navigating the system and social perception is another altogether.
Disclaimer: the Romanian gun law is complex and changes every so often. This article is not updated frequently, and I make no claims of accuracy regarding the legal or procedure aspects of Romanian firearm ownership. Before you start this process, please obtain your own legal counsel that specializes in law 295/2004.
Yes, Foreigners Can Legally Own and Carry Firearms
Romania has a clear legal framework that allows foreign residents to own firearms under certain categories. These include non-lethal firearms for self-defense (covered under Permis de Port Armă Tip B) and lethal weapons for hunting, sport shooting, or collecting, provided you meet stringent conditions.
The legal pathway exists and is not ambiguous, but that doesn’t mean it’s common. In practice, very few foreigners go through the process, and even fewer Romanians are aware that foreigners can legally do so. This leads to a lot of confusion – even among police officers or instructors at the gun range. I’ve been in more than one situation where I had to explain my rights to someone who had never seen a foreigner with a valid permit.
Despite the rarity, the process is accessible. If you have the time, patience, and resources, you can absolutely pursue this path within the bounds of Romanian law.
Costs for Foreigners: Be Ready to Spend $20,000 to $50,000
Firearm ownership in Romania is not just legally complex – it’s expensive, especially if you are foreigner. Depending on how far you want to go in the process, the total cost can range from $20,000 to $50,000. These are not official fees from the government, but rather the total outlay when you factor in training, evaluations, liability insurance, membership dues, equipment, storage, and legal support.
For example, special types of firearm safes are required for every weapon category, and they must meet strict criteria and often need to be professionally installed. Law enforcement officers will visit your house to check the installation and condition of the safe.
Membership in a recognized shooting club is mandatory for sport shooters and collectors, and these memberships come with annual dues and participation requirements. Ammunition purchases are restricted to licensed types and quantities, and you’ll need to maintain active range usage to keep your status in good standing.
Your residency status also plays a role. Those on an investment or business visa may find the process smoother than those on family reunification, humanitarian, or work permits. The Directorate of Arms, Explosives and Dangerous Substances (DAESP) officers have considerable discretion in reviewing your case, and your perceived “fit” for ownership may vary from one county to another.
The Course and Final Exam: Romanian Only, No Exceptions
By far the most demanding part of Romania’s firearms licensing process, especially for foreigners, is the mandatory firearms safety and legal education course. This is a state-accredited program required for all applicants, regardless of whether you plan to carry a self-defense weapon or collect historic rifles. The course is conducted entirely in Romanian, and that’s non-negotiable. There are no pre-translated versions, no special tracks for foreigners, and no allowances made during the final exam for language limitations.
In terms of structure, the course typically runs for four hours per day, five days a week, over the span of a month. It’s a serious classroom environment, held at an authorized training center, usually including a certified gun range and a firearms training academy. The content covers a wide spectrum of legal, technical, and practical knowledge. You’ll study everything from the types and classifications of firearms, to ballistics, ammunition storage, and cleaning procedures. A major portion of the curriculum is dedicated to Romanian firearms law, use-of-force regulations, and police procedures.
This isn’t just about checking boxes. The instructors, many of whom are former law enforcement or military, expect you to absorb the material at a professional level. The theoretical portion is reinforced with hands-on demonstrations and range time. Foreigners and Romanian citizens are held to the same educational standards.
At the end of the course comes the final exam, which is as intense as the course itself. It’s a timed, multiple-choice test written entirely in Romanian, administered under strict supervision by uniformed police officers. These are not administrative observers; they are active-duty officers who treat the exam as a formal legal evaluation. No notes, no dictionaries, no help. You either know the material cold or you risk failing. And if you fail, you’ll need to repeat the course, including all associated fees and scheduling delays.
For non-Romanian speakers, this can be a nightmare. The language used in the test is highly specific, often lifting directly from Romanian legal texts and procedural codes. If you don’t speak Romanian fluently, you’ll either need an exceptional memory or a well-organized study system. In my case, I leaned heavily on AI translation tools to break down legal texts and practice questions. I built custom study materials, flashcards, and even mock quizzes to drill the exact wording of certain definitions. It wasn’t easy, but it was possible.
The silver lining? You only have to do it once.
Successfully completing the firearms course grants you a certificate that is valid for life. Whether you’re applying for a single non-lethal pistol or building out a collector’s portfolio of antique rifles, this one-time credential clears a permanent legal hurdle. You’ll never be asked to repeat the course, retake the exam, or revalidate your certification… unless you let your permits lapse entirely or commit a disqualifying offense. That makes the upfront struggle well worth the effort, especially if you plan to engage with Romania’s firearms laws long-term.
So while this course may be the single greatest barrier for foreigners – especially those unfamiliar with Romanian, it’s also a one-time ordeal. Treat it seriously, invest the time to prepare properly, and you’ll come out the other side with a certificate.
Background Checks: Deep, Personal, and Thorough
Romanian authorities do not issue firearm licenses lightly, and the background check process reflects that seriousness. You’ll need a clean criminal record free of felonies in not just Romania, but also your home country and the entire European Union. You must also be free of anything that might raise a red flag, including unresolved traffic violations, disputes with neighbors, etc…
But it doesn’t stop there. Investigators will speak to your landlord, your neighbors, your coworkers, and even acquaintances to assess your character. They want to know that you’re responsible, stable, and not involved in any concerning behavior.
The police officers that visited my home went door-to-door to ask my neighbors what kind of person I was, the types of people I associated with, and what they thought of me. They easily spent half an hour with each neighbor. This kind of social vetting might feel invasive to foreigners, and it is compared to America, but that’s just how Romania is.
That said… While this process can feel intrusive, it is not adversarial. As long as you have nothing to hide and maintain a respectful posture, this part of the process, while stressful, is manageable. DAESP has been the most friendly and insightful government agency I’ve worked with in Romania, even if they’re a little slow sometimes.
Health Requirements: Medical and Psychological Fitness
Alongside the legal and character assessments, Romania requires applicants to undergo a series of medical and psychological evaluations. This includes general physical exams, psychiatric assessments, and neurological screenings. These aren’t box-checking exercises – they are designed to rule out individuals with conditions that could impair safe firearm use.
You’ll likely visit multiple clinics, and you must use institutions authorized by the police. The paperwork must be complete, signed, and submitted according to a strict schedule. If you’re flagged for anything, even something seemingly minor like high blood pressure or anxiety, you may face delays or denials. If you take any prescription medication, you are at a high risk of a denial.
These evaluations are required for each permit renewal, the collector’s certificate, and hunter’s license, so being in ongoing good health isn’t just a prerequisite – it’s a long-term requirement. The Romanian police can compel you to visit a clinic and retake all of the tests, including psychiatric, without a court order or a “valid” reason.
What You Can Own: Firearm Categories Under Romanian Law
One of the more surprising aspects of Romania’s firearm legislation is how specific – and, in some cases, permissive – it is when it comes to what kinds of weapons civilians can legally own. Ownership is divided into well-defined categories, and what you’re allowed to buy, carry, or store depends entirely on the type of permit you hold and the justification you provide.
Below is a rough breakdown of the main categories foreigners and citizens alike can access. Note that this is not an exact or exhaustive list, the law is not exactly easy to interpret and in many cases, DAESP seems to have their own idea of how each type of firearm falls into each category. I’ve compiled this list from my course documentation, conversations with arms dealers, the DAESP officers themselves, but your mileage will vary.
Non-Lethal Firearms for Self-Defense
(Permis Tip B – Portul armelor neletale destinate autoapărării)
This is the most straightforward permit and is commonly pursued by individuals who want the legal right to carry a weapon for self-defense. The key condition: the firearm must be classified as non-lethal under Romanian law.
You can own:
- Pistols designed to fire rubber or polymer bullets (commonly in 10x28mm or similar proprietary calibers), such as the Fort 17R or Grand Power T12.
- Certain gas pistols or noise pistols, provided they are certified non-modifiable for live ammunition.
Despite the “non-lethal” label, it’s important not to underestimate the power of these firearms. Independent ballistic tests show that rubber bullet pistols can deliver potentially lethal kinetic force within a range of 5 to 10 meters. These weapons can and do cause serious injury or death if misused. They are not toys – and Romanian law treats them accordingly.
What makes Tip B especially notable is that it allows you to legally conceal carry the weapon on your person. However, this comes with several caveats:
- You cannot carry while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- You cannot carry into restricted areas such as schools, government buildings, stadiums, or large public gatherings. Large gatherings is not well defined in law.
- The weapon must be kept loaded with authorized rubber bullets only, and carried in a holster or secured position.
Lethal Firearms for Hunting and Sport
(Permis Tip A – Armă letală)
For those looking to own and use live firearms – whether rifles, shotguns, or pistols – Romania offers clear legal pathways through either hunting or sport shooting.
As a Sport Shooter, you can legally own:
- Semi-automatic pistols (9mm, .22LR, .45 ACP, etc.)
- Bolt-action or semi-automatic rifles (within magazine and caliber restrictions)
- Smoothbore or rifled shotguns used in clay shooting disciplines like skeet and trap
To qualify, you must:
- Be a registered member of an authorized sport shooting club
- Maintain an active shooting schedule with documented range time
- Participate in a minimum number of competitions each year (as defined by club statutes)
- Store and use ammunition strictly in line with your declared discipline and registration
As a Hunter, you are permitted to own:
- Bolt-action or semi-automatic rifles appropriate for wild game (within caliber and magazine restrictions)
- Smoothbore hunting shotguns (including side-by-side and over/under)
- Some carbines, depending on the species and regional hunting regulations
Becoming a legal hunter in Romania requires a separate hunting license, which itself involves:
- An ecological and firearms safety exam
- Membership in an authorized hunting association
- Proof of ongoing participation in legally defined hunting seasons
Collector Firearms
(Certificat de Colecționar)
If you’re drawn to the craftsmanship or history of firearms rather than their utility, the collector’s license offers a path to legally own some of the rarest and most interesting weapons available to civilians.
As a licensed collector, you can own:
- Lethal firearms, including pistols and rifles, subject to restrictions (e.g., typically pre-1945, or semi-auto only, no fully automatic)
- Deactivated or demilitarized military firearms
- Replicas or rare civilian versions of military weapons
However, there are significant restrictions:
- They cannot be carried outside of a private collection setting – taking these firearms anywhere, even the gunsmith or the range, requires written approval from the police
- You cannot use them for sport, hunting, or self-defense (though a newer amendment to the law exists around using a registered collector weapon for home defense in exigent circumstances. Interpret at your own risk.)
Other Types of Permitting: Security, Diplomatic, and Institutional Use
Beyond civilian permits for self-defense, hunting, sport, and collecting, Romania also issues a range of other firearm authorizations tied to professional roles or institutional functions. These permits fall outside the scope of what most private individuals can obtain, but they’re useful to understand for context – especially if you work in the private security sector or in a diplomatic or international capacity.
Private Security (Pază și Protecție)
Licensed private security firms and their armed guards can be authorized to carry certain firearms, typically for protection of high-value assets or sensitive locations. These weapons usually fall into the same classification as standard Category B firearms of short-barrel pistols or revolvers, occasionally long guns for site security.
Key points:
- Only employees of licensed security firms may carry while on duty.
- Weapons are registered to the company, not the individual.
- Guards must undergo background checks, psychological evaluations, and firearms training through state-approved programs.
- Carrying outside work hours or outside of assigned duties is strictly prohibited.
That said, there is a little-known legal loophole in this area that may appeal to foreigners seeking a path to carry a lethal firearm: under Romanian law, it is technically possible for a non-citizen to open a private security SRL (Limited Liability Company), apply for accreditation, and employ themselves as a licensed armed guard.
Once accredited, the company can be issued firearms for authorized duties – duties which, if properly structured, can include executive protection of the owner. This is not unlike the loophole that Andrew Tate claimed to have completed in his own house, which was to register the property as a shooting range, allowing him to own and carry high-powered weapons in his own house.
In practice, this security SRL route is legally viable but extremely complex. Accreditation as a private security provider is not a rubber-stamp process. The company must submit detailed operational plans, obtain facility inspections, pass ongoing audits, and demonstrate legitimate need. The police will scrutinize your background, business activity, and operational justification at a higher standard than for a typical civilian permit.
While it may be the most cost-effective legal path to carry a lethal firearm on a daily basis as a foreigner, the up-front costs in legal consultation, corporate setup, and compliance can run tens of thousands of dollars. You will also need Romanian legal counsel deeply familiar with the laws which govern private security, weapons, and ammunition.
Institutional and Utility Use
Some permits are issued for “destinație utilitară” (practical or utility use), which may include:
- Animal control personnel (e.g., tranquilizer guns for wildlife or veterinary purposes)
- Utility companies or rail operators needing noise or signal devices (e.g., for flare guns or sound alarms)
- Film production or pyrotechnic crews using deactivated or modified firearms for shows, reenactments, or stage work
In most of these cases, the weapons must be certified as non-lethal or irreversibly deactivated and may only be used under strict safety protocols.
Diplomatic Use and Government Institutions
Foreign diplomatic personnel may be granted firearm authorizations through bilateral or international agreements, subject to Romanian state approval. In practice:
- Embassies may keep service weapons on premises, particularly if the sending state allows it.
- Armed diplomatic security is typically coordinated with Romania’s internal affairs ministry and is not governed by civilian firearms law.
- Romanian law enforcement agencies – including the SRI, Jandarmeria, and local police – are permitted a wider array of weaponry, including military firearms, which are otherwise banned for civilians.
These forms of access are not available to residents or expats, no matter their background, unless they are operating in an official capacity with the Romanian state or a recognized foreign mission. That said… there’s another technically possible loophole of becoming your own mayor of a one-population town (aka you), which qualifies you to carry lethal firearms 24/7. I’ve never seen anyone actually do this, but the lawyers assured me it’s possible on paper if you have a few million dollars to spare on land & legal fees.
Final Thoughts: A Rare But Achievable Path
Owning and carrying firearms in Romania as a foreigner is not for the faint of heart. It demands fluency in law and language, financial investment, emotional resilience, and a high degree of personal discipline. But for those who value preparedness, security, or collecting as a hobby, the process is worth the effort.
In many ways, this journey gave me a deeper appreciation for Romanian governance. Yes, the system is bureaucratic, but it is also built on a logic of responsibility. If you can demonstrate that you’re serious, capable, and law-abiding, Romania doesn’t shut the door on your rights – even as a foreigner.
This path won’t be for everyone. But if you’re determined, disciplined, and genuinely interested in integrating into the country’s legal and civic fabric, it’s more than just possible—it’s a meaningful achievement.