Editing Overview of gun laws by nation (section)

====Belgium====
{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2023}}
Possessing or carrying firearms is generally illegal in [[Belgium]] with very limited exemptions. Gun laws in Belgium are among the strictest in the world. An exception is made for people who have a valid firearms license. Since 2006, after a [[Hans Van Themsche|shooting incident in Antwerp]], there are very strict conditions and rules for gun owners to obtain such a licence. The legal reasons to get a license include sport shooting, hunting, collecting and self-defense, although self-defense licenses are almost never approved. The granting of gun permits is the responsibility of the governor of the province in which the applicant resides. Applicants must always pass a theoretical and practical exam, have a clean criminal record and be able to present a medical certificate proving that they are competent to handle weapons.

When purchasing a gun, in most cases a permit called 'Model 4' has to be requested first, even when you already have a license, in order to register the firearm. The requisition of such a permit has a cost of around €140 (as of February 2025) and is increased every year, as well as a waiting period of up to 4 months. There are exceptions to this rule however, but these are different depending on the reason for the possession of the firearm. I.e.: a .22LR semi automatic pistol is exempt from a model 4 permit for sport shooters, but not for hunters. All revolvers, centerfire pistols, semi-automatic rifles and pump action shotguns always require a Model 4 permit. When requesting a Model 4 you have to be able to prove that you passed the forementioned theoretical and practical exam, have a clean criminal record, present a medical certificate, provide proof that you are a member of a licensed shooting range, and get written permission by every adult person whom you share a house with that they do not object to you having the firearms.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Demeyere |first1=Nico |title=Aankoop vergunningsplichtig wapen |url=https://www.wapenwet.be/portaal/wapenbezitters/aankoopvergunning |website=Wapenunie Online |access-date=20 February 2025}}</ref>

However, the laws and regulations concerning the carrying and possession of firearms for hunters, sport shooters, collectors and also for the import and export of guns, differs slightly from area to area in Belgium; a valid licence is almost always required. Airsoft guns, paintball guns and some blank guns do not need a permit or licence and are free to purchase. Deactivated guns also need a license as of 2019. The only firearms that can be bought without a license in Belgium are those which are manufactured before 1890, or those that only use black powder and were patented before 1895 and manufactured before 1945. The possession of ammunition is always restricted to people who have a valid license. Belgium is the only country in the EU where magazines are also subject to license and registration.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Demeyere |first1=Nico |title=Laders |url=https://www.wapenwet.be/portaal/wapenbezitters/laders |website=Wapenunie Online |access-date=20 February 2025}}</ref>

Gun laws in Belgium do not apply (or at least applies differently) for the military and law enforcement services such as the police. Until its abolition in 2019, the security units of Belgian courts and prison transport (''Corps de securité Justice/Veiligheidskorps Justitie'') were also permitted to carry handguns.

Because of the very strict laws, and the long and expensive process of obtaining licenses, Belgian law allows for people over the age of 18 without a license to shoot once per year and only under strict supervision in a licensed shooting range.