More and more citizens of Kosovo are turning to firearms—whether for recreation or personal security.
Over the past three years, the number of firearm licenses issued has increased by nearly 3,000. In 2024 alone, more than 10,000 licenses were granted, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, reports RFE.
Why are Kosovars Arming Themselves?
While the government states that most applicants cite hobbies like shooting sports and hunting as their primary motivations, security experts argue otherwise. Public insecurity, they say, remains a driving factor.
Besnik, a 25-year-old from Pristina currently in the process of obtaining his firearm license, agrees.
“It’s natural to feel safer when you know how to use a gun and have it with you,” he said, speaking anonymously.
Leart, another applicant in his twenties, shared similar sentiments.
“I’m applying for both a short and long gun,” he explained. “I enjoy firearms as a hobby, but I also feel much safer carrying one.”
The Licensing Process
Obtaining a firearm license in Kosovo involves rigorous medical testing. Applicants undergo evaluations from psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, and ENT specialists, along with biochemistry tests.
Dr. Faton Kutllovci, director of the Psychiatry Clinic at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK), noted an uptick in applications among young people, particularly those in their early twenties. From late September to early December 2024 alone, the clinic issued approximately 500 health certificates required for firearm licenses.
“Some applicants fail the tests due to past psychiatric treatments, psychological disorders, or substance abuse,” Kutllovci explained.
Regional Trends in Firearm Licensing
Kosovo hospitals have reported a significant rise in health certificates issued for firearm licensing.
- Mitrovica General Hospital: 1,027 certificates issued from April to December 2024.
- Prizren General Hospital: 3,298 certificates issued in 2024, including 129 to individuals aged 21-23.
- Gjilan General Hospital: 1,908 certificates issued in 2024.
Growing Insecurity Fuels Demand
Kosovo’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued 35,293 firearm licenses over the past four years. The numbers have risen steadily:
- 2021: 7,520 licenses
- 2022: 7,125 licenses
- 2023: 10,458 licenses
- 2024: 10,190 licenses (as of December)
Security expert Burim Ramadani attributes the trend to growing public insecurity.
“Security is not just physical—it’s a feeling. In Kosovo, security concerns dominate the public discourse, driving the perception of insecurity,” Ramadani explained.
Illegal Firearms a Growing Concern
While legal firearm ownership is on the rise, illegal weapons remain a significant issue. Police estimate over 230,000 illegal firearms are in circulation. In 2024 alone, authorities confiscated 1,122 illegal firearms and over 20,000 rounds of ammunition.
Kosovo law imposes severe penalties for illegal firearm possession, including fines of up to €7,500 and prison sentences of up to 10 years.
The rising demand for firearms in Kosovo reflects growing concerns over public safety. While the government maintains that recreational and hunting purposes dominate applications, security experts and citizens point to deeper fears of insecurity as the primary motivator.
