Interest among Poles in owning weapons has grown significantly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with permits increasing from 10,000 in 2020 to 411,000 in 2025.
Growing Interest in Firearms
Interest among Poles in owning their own weapons has clearly begun to grow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Record-Breaking Permit Numbers
According to data from the National Police Headquarters, in 2020, only slightly more than 10,000 permits were issued annually, while in 2022 this number increased to 34,000.
Peak Demand in 2025
A record was set in 2025 when another 50,000 Poles expressed a desire to own their own weapons. The total number of permits exceeded 411,000 (235,000 in 2020).
Widespread Arms Ownership
This surge in permits has resulted in approximately one million pieces of weapons now in Polish homes.
