The constitutional authorities will not issue gun permits to individuals who have not resided for at least five consecutive years on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The prohibition also applies to individuals residing in the administrative-territorial units on the left bank of the Dniester, with the exception of the localities Cocieri, Coșnița, Doroțcaia, Molovata Nouă, Pârâta, and Pohrebea. Likewise, individuals residing in the city of Bender and in the localities Gâsca, Chițcani, Zahorna, Merenești, and Cremenciug in the Căușeni district will not be able to obtain permits. The provisions in this regard are contained in a bill, approved by Parliament in the first reading, reports IPN.
In addition, the project stipulates the reduction of the firearm permit review period from five years to three years. Permit holders will be required to attend a minimum 40-hour qualification course for firearm handling.
Another novelty is the introduction of the State Digital Register of Weapons, a platform that will transparently track the path of each weapon, from production and import to transfer, repair, or ammunition destruction. At the same time, the project introduces the European passport for firearms, which will allow the legal transportation of personal weapons through the member states of the European Union.
According to the project, the police will be able to confiscate weapons from owners in case of legal violations, and these will be examined by the State Commission for the evaluation and grading of weapons.
The data from the Police, presented in the project, shows that recently, the number of crimes and incidents related to the use, storage, or illegal procurement of weapons is on the rise. In 2024, there were 216 crimes recorded, and the number of incidents reached 5 368. In the first months of the current year, the authorities reported 117 crimes and 2 667 incidents related to weapons.
