No, concealed carry without a permit is illegal in Norway. The Firearms Act (Våpenloven) § 9 strictly prohibits carrying concealed firearms or other weapons in public without a valid permit issued by the police. Exceptions exist only for law enforcement, military personnel, or under extraordinary circumstances with prior authorization. Violations may result in fines, confiscation, or imprisonment under § 32 of the Act.
Key Regulations for Concealed Carry Without a Permit in Norway
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Permit Requirement: The Police Act (Politiloven) § 10 mandates that all concealed carry requires a permit, which is granted only after rigorous background checks, including mental health and criminal history assessments. Permits are typically issued for specific purposes, such as professional security or hunting, and are location-restricted.
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Prohibited Circumstances: Carrying a concealed weapon in public spaces, including urban areas, public transport, or during gatherings, is illegal under the Firearms Act § 11. Even unloaded firearms or replicas are subject to restrictions if deemed capable of intimidation or use.
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2026 Compliance Shifts: Amendments to the Firearms Act, effective January 2026, tighten permit conditions further. The Norwegian Police Directorate (Politidirektoratet) now requires applicants to demonstrate a “compelling need,” such as active threat assessments, and mandates annual permit renewals with updated security protocols.