Sweden's New Gun Law Tightens Firearms Rules Today

Sweden’s stricter gun law officially takes effect today, May 6, 2026, following months of preparation and political debate in Stockholm. The Swedish government's major firearm reform was passed by the Riksdag in late 2025, targeting rising gun violence through a series of new requirements. The Swedish Parliament approved the new Firearms Act in November 2025, marking a policy shift for the country. Under the law, semi-automatic rifles now face tighter regulations, and all first-time gun applicants must undergo mandatory psychological screening. This marks one of the most comprehensive updates to Sweden’s weapons legislation in recent years, directly tied to a spike in gang-related shootings. The reform came in direct response to a sharp increase in fatal shootings across the country. According to official data cited in the legislation, Sweden recorded 63 fatal shootings in 2025 alone, a figure that fueled calls for stricter control from both government policymakers and law enforcement. Starting today, every existing gun owner must re-register their firearms with Swedish authorities, a process that police have warned could face processing delays due to the high volume of applications. Rosenbad officials expect the new rules to close loopholes that previously allowed easier access to certain weapon types. The Riksdag building in Stockholm became the focal point for debates leading up to the vote, which saw broad cross-party support despite some opposition concerns over burdens on legal gun owners. Police agencies across Sweden are now tasked with implementing the changes, including the re-registration requirement that applies to hundreds of thousands of firearms already in circulation.