Drone Laws Europe: A Complete Guide for Pilots

Europe is a dream for aerial cinematography, from alpine ridgelines to medieval old towns and dramatic coastlines. Before you fly, it pays to understand how the drone laws Europe follows are structured, what paperwork you need, and how the rules work when you cross borders. This guide distils the essentials into one practical reference for recreational and commercial pilots planning shoots across the European Union and participating states, ensuring you comply with drone laws Europe authorities enforce.

At a high level, most European countries follow the European Union Aviation Safety Agency framework. The EASA rules harmonise much of the regulation so that once you have the correct pilot certificate and operator registration in one EASA state, you can normally fly in others, subject to local airspace conditions and geo-zones. You will still need to obey local signage, respect privacy laws, and check city-level restrictions, but the core categories, certificates, and operator registration under drone laws Europe remain consistent.

For country-by-country nuances, you can refer to our larger explainer that tracks national variations here: Guide to drone laws by country.

Are you allowed to fly a drone in Europe?

Yes, you are generally allowed to fly a drone in Europe, provided you follow the applicable drone laws Europe has in place. Under EASA, operations are grouped by risk. The Open Category covers the majority of low-risk flying and is divided into A1, A2, and A3 subcategories. More complex or higher risk missions require the Specific Category with an operational authorisation. Certified is reserved for operations comparable to manned aviation and is not typical for hobby or most commercial shoots.

In practice, many visiting and local pilots work within the Open Category. You must stay below 120 metres above ground level, keep the drone in visual line of sight, avoid uninvolved people unless your subcategory allows closer flight, and respect geo-zones that may restrict or prohibit flying over sensitive areas such as city centres, government buildings, national parks, or event sites. Local authorities can publish additional restrictions, so checking official national portals and NOTAMs before each flight is essential to remain compliant with drone laws Europe.

New drone laws Europe pilots should know

The shift to the EASA framework modernised how drones are regulated. The most relevant highlights for working pilots under the new drone laws Europe include:

• Three categories of operation: Open for low-risk flying, Specific for moderate risk with authorisation, and Certified for high-risk operations.
• Subcategories in Open: A1, A2, A3, each with limits on proximity to people and typical drone classes that can operate there.
• Operator registration: Most pilots who fly drones with cameras must register as an operator. The issued operator ID is used on all drones you own and is valid across EASA states.
• Pilot competency: Online theory training and testing apply in many cases. Details depend on whether you fly in A1/A3 or A2, and on your drone’s class marking.
• Remote ID: From 1 January 2024, Remote ID applies to drones with class marks in the Open Category and to all drones in the Specific Category, unless a state provides designated zones where it is not required.

Do I need a licence to fly a drone under 250g in Europe?

This is one of the most common questions about drone laws Europe. Sub-250 g drones usually fly in A1 and, if classed as C0 or legacy under 250 g, there is no formal training requirement for A1. However, many of these drones have cameras. If your drone has a camera and is not a toy, you must register as an operator. If it is a toy or has no camera, operator registration is not required. Regardless, you must still follow the Open Category limits, comply with geo-zones, respect privacy, and keep the drone within line of sight.

Remember that “no training required” does not mean “no rules.” You still need to understand where you can fly legally, avoid crowds, and keep within the 120 m height limit unless a geo-zone allows otherwise. If you plan to fly closer to people than A1 allows or use heavier aircraft, you will need the relevant certificates described below, as prescribed under drone laws Europe.

EASA drone registration and your operator ID

EASA drone registration is carried out with the National Aviation Authority of your country of residence, or if you live outside the EU or EEA, with the first EASA Member State where you intend to fly. The process is an online form plus a modest fee in most countries. Once registered, you receive a drone operator ID Europe code. You must label each of your drones with this operator ID. Where Remote ID applies, you must also upload the same operator ID into the drone’s Remote ID system before flight, as part of complying with drone laws Europe.

EASA drone registration online

Most NAAs provide a simple EASA drone registration online portal. Expect to provide identification, contact details, and sometimes your drone’s model and serial number. After payment, the operator ID is usually issued immediately by email. Keep a digital and printed copy available when travelling between countries, and store it in your flight bag along with your pilot certificate. This ensures you can prove compliance with drone laws Europe wherever you fly.

EASA drone regulations in the Open Category

The EASA drone regulations for Open operations are designed to keep risk low without heavy paperwork. The subcategories and what they typically entail are summarised here for planning shoots under drone laws Europe:

• A1: Fly over people only if incidental and not over assemblies. Typical for C0 and C1 drones and many legacy drones under 250 g.
• A2: Fly closer to people than A3 allows, but not over assemblies. Requires the A2 certificate and is designed for C2 class drones.
• A3: Fly far from people and at least 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. Common for heavier legacy drones and C3 or C4 aircraft.

All subcategories are capped at 120 m AGL, require visual line of sight, and require you to check and comply with geo-zones under drone laws Europe. Night flying is often allowed in the Open Category, but you must have the required navigation lights and maintain situational awareness. If your intended shot cannot be completed within Open, you may need to apply under the Specific Category with a risk assessment or a predefined risk scenario where available.

Pilot competency: what people call the “EASA drone license”

Pilots and forums often use the phrase EASA drone license informally, but your certificates are actually issued by your National Aviation Authority. The two most common Open Category certificates are essential parts of drone laws Europe compliance:

• A1/A3 online training and exam: This is the baseline theory course and test managed by your NAA or a designated provider. It covers safety, airspace awareness, and operational limits. Many pilots flying drones above 250 g will need this.
• A2 certificate: Required to operate a C2 class drone in A2, which allows flying closer to people than A3. You must complete A1/A3 first. The A2 pathway includes additional theory and a self-practical declaration that you have practised safely.

These certificates are recognised across EASA states, so you do not need to retake the test in each country. The exact exam format and pass marks vary by country. After passing, you receive a digital certificate that you should carry on your device or print for spot checks as proof of meeting drone laws Europe training obligations.

Remote ID in Europe

Remote ID improves accountability and airspace awareness by broadcasting identification data from the aircraft. From 1 January 2024, Remote ID is required for drones with class marks used in the Open Category and for all drones operated in the Specific Category, unless a country has created designated zones where Remote ID is not required. Where Remote ID applies, you must ensure your broadcast includes your operator ID and that your firmware and app settings are up to date. If you are using a legacy aircraft without built-in Remote ID, check whether your NAA permits an add-on module and how that module must be configured to meet drone laws Europe requirements.

Travelling to Europe as a non-EU pilot

If you live outside the EU or EEA and plan to fly in Europe, register as a drone operator with the NAA of the first EASA Member State you will operate in. Your operator ID then works across the other EASA states. Complete the A1/A3 and, if needed, A2 pilot certificates with any EASA state that offers an English programme suitable for visitors. Those certificates are recognised across the EASA system. Always carry proof of operator registration and your certificate when flying, and make sure your aircraft meets any Remote ID obligations before take-off so you remain within drone laws Europe.

Norway, Switzerland, and other non-EU states

Not every country on the map is an EU member. Norway participates in the EASA framework through the EEA, so recognition of certificates and operator IDs follows the same pattern as EU states. Switzerland has aligned rules to drone laws Europe, but maintains its own registration and certification processes through the Federal Office of Civil Aviation. In short, if your itinerary includes Switzerland, check the Swiss FOCA portal and follow its separate steps. For microstates and territories, confirm the status on their aviation authority websites before you travel.

Do I need insurance to fly in Europe?

Insurance requirements vary. Some countries strongly recommend public liability insurance for all drone pilots. Others require it for commercial operations or for heavier aircraft even if the flight is non-commercial. Given the density of people and property in many European locations, carrying liability cover is sensible risk management for any professional shoot and forms part of good practice under drone laws Europe.

Operational planning checklist

The following checklist maps a typical pilot workflow to the drone laws Europe uses, so you can move from scouting to flying with fewer surprises.

1. Confirm category and subcategory: Decide whether your mission fits Open A1, A2, or A3. If not, prepare for the Specific Category.
2. Certificates in place: Ensure you hold A1/A3 and, if relevant, A2. Keep digital copies on your phone and in your cloud drive.
3. Operator registration: Register with your NAA or, for visitors, with your first EASA destination. Label your aircraft with the operator ID and load it into Remote ID where required.
4. Geo-zones and NOTAMs: Use official maps and aeronautical notices for each filming location. Some cities have fine-grained restrictions street by street.
5. Site survey and risk assessment: Identify uninvolved people, roads, tram lines, overhead wires, and reflective surfaces. Plan take-off and landing points that provide safe separation.
6. Crew briefing: Roles, RTH heights, emergency procedures, and public interaction plans. Agree a hard 120 m ceiling.
7. Aircraft configuration: Verify firmware, Remote ID broadcast, compass calibration, home point accuracy, and battery health. Carry printed operator ID labels as spares.
8. On-site etiquette: Be visible, approachable, and respectful. Europe’s privacy expectations are high, so avoid prolonged hovering over private spaces and be ready to explain your permit and plan.

Common scenarios explained

City centre establishing shots

Many European city centres are covered by geo-zones, heritage protections, or local bylaws. Even in Open A1 with a lightweight aircraft, a geozone may prohibit take-off or flight. Check the national UAS map well before the shoot day and apply for any necessary local permissions. If the shot requires closer proximity to people than A3 allows, consider whether a C2 aircraft with A2 is appropriate, or whether you must step into the Specific Category with an authorisation. This is critical for compliance with drone laws Europe.

Mountain passes and coastal cliffs

Terrain undulation can put you above 120 m relative to the ground even if your controller shows a safe altitude from take-off. In mountainous areas, plan conservative altitudes and use observers to maintain line of sight. Winds at saddles and cliff edges can be significantly stronger than at your launch point. Keep margin in your battery plan for headwinds on the return leg to remain within safe operation under drone laws Europe.

Events and public gatherings

Assemblies of people are restricted in the Open Category. If you need aerials of an event, coordinate with the organiser, review the applicable national pre-defined risk scenarios or local authorisation processes, and plan crowd management. Even where Remote ID is not mandated by a designated zone, consider running it for transparency with local authorities. This proactive approach keeps you aligned with drone laws Europe.

Frequently searched questions about drone laws Europe

New drone laws Europe

The most visible changes in recent years are the migration to the EASA categories, the requirement for operator registration for most camera-equipped drones, the recognition of pilot certificates across member states, and the introduction of Remote ID. Keep your documentation current and check national portals for any temporary rules in tourist hotspots to stay within drone laws Europe.

EASA drone regulations versus national rules

EASA sets the harmonised framework for drone laws Europe wide, while each state publishes its own geo-zones, portals, and processes. Treat EASA as your baseline and the national NAA site as the authoritative local overlay for maps, forms, and contacts.

EASA drone license test

The A1/A3 test format and pass marks are set by each NAA. The A2 certificate requires A1/A3 first, additional theory, and a self-practical declaration. Many pilots complete the entire process online in a single afternoon, then receive a digital certificate to carry when flying. This certificate is a key element of drone laws Europe compliance.

Drone operator ID Europe

Your operator ID belongs to you rather than to a specific aircraft. Label all your drones with the same ID and update your details if you change address. Where Remote ID is required under drone laws Europe, make sure that broadcast includes the operator ID before you launch.

Key takeaways

• Know your category: Most filming fits Open A1, A2, or A3. If not, apply in the Specific Category.
• Get certified: A1/A3 for the baseline, A2 if you plan to fly a C2 drone closer to people.
• Register as an operator: Obtain and label your operator ID, then load it into Remote ID where required.
• Plan locally: Geo-zones, privacy expectations, and city bylaws vary widely. Always check the national portal and NOTAMs.
• Respect the 120 m ceiling: Maintain visual line of sight and build battery margins for wind and terrain.

With the right preparation, the drone laws Europe uses do not have to be a barrier. They provide predictable rules so visiting and local pilots can capture world-class imagery safely and legally. Do your homework, carry your documents, and enjoy some of the most spectacular locations on earth from the best vantage point available.