There are strict laws regulating firearms in Singapore.
The manufacture, use, sale, storage, transport, importation, exportation and possession of firearms are strictly prohibited without a valid licence or approval.
Licence applications for self-protection will not be approved, and all other reasons are strictly assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The punishment for any person found in unlawful possession of firearms or ammunition ranges in imprisonment of 5 – 20 years, including caning. Those trafficking in firearms may face the death penalty.
Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021 (GEWCA)
Meaning of “gun” and associated terms under GEWCA
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, “gun” means an object or a thing that, if used in the way for which it is or was designed or adapted, is or was capable of being aimed at a target and causing hurt or injury by —
(a) propelling a bullet, shot or other projectile (which may or may not contain any noxious substance); or
(b) discharging any corrosive substance or poison, by means of a burning propellant, compressed air or other compressed gas, or an explosive force (however caused), and includes any of the following:
(c) an object or a thing mentioned in subsection (2)(a);
(d) a collection of major parts of a gun mentioned in subsection (2)(b).
Examples
Firearms
- Handguns and revolvers
- Automatic guns and pistols
- Machine guns and sub-machine guns
- Self-loading rifles and shotguns
- Military firearms:
- Howitzer
- Mortar
- Bazooka and similar explosive projectile firearms
- Starting pistols (for sporting events)
- Firearms designed to fire:
- Tear gas projectiles
- Poison projectiles
Non-Firearms
- Electronic dart guns
- Spear guns
- Stun guns and tasers
- Paint-pellet guns/paintball markers
- Ballistic knives
- Airguns
- Tranquilizer guns (for animals)
Important Notes
Any of the above items are considered guns under GEWCA even if they:
- Have missing parts
- Have defects
- Have been modified
- Are collections of major parts that could be assembled into a working gun
Major gun parts are components that:
- Are essential to discharge projectiles
- Are integral to the gun's operation
- Relate to ammunition feeding mechanisms
Types of regulated Gun Accessories
- Magazine Adapters
- Devices that modify magazine compatibility
- Flash Suppressors
- Devices that reduce visible flash from firing
- Sound Reduction Devices
- Silencers
- Sound moderators
- Sound suppressors
- Any device capable of reducing discharge noise
- Modification Mechanisms Devices that convert guns to enable:
- Burst fire capability
- Semi-automatic operation
- Fully automatic operation
- Other Prescribed Accessories
- Any other mechanisms or devices specifically prescribed under GEWCA
For more information on the other Licence Matters under the GEW Regulatory Regime, please visit the following:
- Overview of Gun, Explosive and Weapon Licence Matters
- Information on Explosive Licence Matters
- Information on Explosive Precursor Licence Matters
- Information on Weapon and Noxious Substance Licence Matters
Apply
To apply for the Licence, you will need to visit GoBusiness webpage, which will require you to sign in using your Individual SingPass or Company SingPass.
The process may take about 15-20 minutes to complete.
Processing Time
About 3 weeks from the receipt of the application, processing fee and the necessary documents, if required. Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.
You will be notified of the outcome via email. Alternatively, you can login to GoBusiness to view your application status.
| Gun Licence Types | Description |
|---|---|
| Possession | Authorises the holder to possess, carry and use specified guns. For individuals, typically limited to members of approved shooting clubs for sports shooting. |
| Transport | Permits the movement of guns between approved locations (e.g., from armoury to shooting range). Only issued to authorised entities who need to transport guns, such as licensed entities, shooting clubs or logistic companies specialised in gun transportation. |
| Repair | Allows holder to repair and maintain guns. Limited to qualified gun smiths or companies with technical expertise in gun maintenance and repair. |
| Supply | Authorises the sale, transfer, or distribution of guns to other licensed entities. Typically issued to approved arms dealers and distributors only. |
|
Armourer (Storage) |
Authorises secure storage of guns at approved premises with required security infrastructure like strong rooms and CCTV systems. Permits holder to store and maintain their own guns or on behalf of licensed entities (e.g., managing armouries for storage of guns. Requires specific qualifications. |
| Range | Permits operation of shooting ranges with proper safety measures, qualified range officers, and approved range designs. Limited to approved shooting clubs, gun training facilities, or paintball range. |
| Dispose | Allows for proper disposal of guns through approved methods. Only issued to qualified entities with proper disposal procedures. |
| Manufacture | Permits production of guns under strict controls. Highly restricted - only issued to approved manufacturers with comprehensive security and quality control measures. |
Relevant Regulations:
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Guns) Regulations 2025
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Gun Disposal — Class Licence) Order 2025
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Shooting and Paintball Ranges) Regulations 2025
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (School Use — Class Licence) Order 2025
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Theatrical Use — Class Licence) Order 2025
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Sporting or Recreational Use — Class Licence) Order 2025
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Arms Exhibitions — Class Licence) Order 2025
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Aviation Industry — Class Licence) Order 2025
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Aviation Industry — Exemption) Order 2025
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (School Uniformed Corps — Exemption) Order 2025
- Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Maritime Industry — Exemption) Order 2025
GEWCA GUN Licence Fees
The full list of Licence Fees related to Guns is under the Fee Schedule of the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Guns) Regulations 2025
Licence Fees for Guns (Firearms) Licence
|
Activity |
New Fee under GEWCA / 3 years |
Bundled Licence Fee under GEWCA /3 years |
|||||
|
Possession |
$560 |
$560 + $170 for every additional Firearm |
|||||
|
Transport |
$300 |
$2,410 |
$3,400 |
$4,400 |
|||
|
Repair |
$250 |
$2,120 |
$3,110 |
$4,100 |
|||
|
Supply |
$580 |
||||||
|
Armourer (Store) |
$1,630 |
||||||
|
Range |
$1,630 |
Not Applicable |
|||||
|
Dispose |
$580 |
Not Applicable |
|||||
|
Manufacture |
$1,120 |
Not Applicable |
|||||
Licence Fees for Guns (Non-Firearms) Licence
|
Activity |
New Fee under GEWCA / 3 years |
Bundled Licence Fee under GEWCA /3 years |
|||||
|
Possession |
$320 |
$320 + $90 for every additional Firearm |
|||||
|
Transport |
$300 |
$1,280 |
$1,770 |
$2,280 |
|||
|
Repair |
$250 |
$1,130 |
$1,630 |
$2,140 |
|||
|
Supply |
$580 |
||||||
|
Armourer (Store) |
$520 |
||||||
|
Range |
$500 |
Not Applicable |
|||||
|
Dispose |
$580 |
Not Applicable |
|||||
|
Manufacture |
$1,120 |
Not Applicable |
|||||
Visit Overview of Gun Explosive and Weapon Licence to access information on the overview of Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control regulatory regime and useful downloads.