Can I fly a drone in Austria?
Yes, but usually only with registration and a drone licence. Anyone operating a drone of 250 g or more, or any drone with a camera, must register with Austro Control via the dronespace.at portal — costing €46.80 and valid for 3 years. In the open category (A1/A3), drones from 250 g need the EU competence certificate (online course + test). Subcategory A2 also requires flight practice and a theory exam (fee €69.60). You must carry your registration number and proof of competence when flying. No-fly areas include near airports, over crowds and in nature reserves. In short: yes, with registration and a competence certificate.
📋 The rules
- Register from 250 g or with a camera
- Registration costs €46.80, valid 3 years
- From 250 g: EU competence certificate (course + test)
- A2: additional theory exam (€69.60)
- Carry your registration number and proof
🔓 Exceptions
- Toy drones under 250 g without a camera: no registration
- 'Specific'/'certified' categories need separate authorisation
- First competence certificates (2021) expire in 2026 — renew
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Flying without the required registration or competence, or breaching no-fly rules, is an administrative offence enforced by Austro Control and the authorities with a fine. Registration costs €46.80 (3 years) and the A2 exam €69.60. Competence certificates are valid 5 years and must be renewed. Beware a myth: "a small camera drone under 250 g needs no registration" is false in Austria — any drone with a camera must be registered; the 250 g cut-off only exempts camera-less toys. Tip: check the dronespace map for no-fly zones before you take off.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have to register my drone?
In Austria, yes, as soon as the drone weighs at least 250 grams or has a camera. You register with Austro Control via the dronespace.at portal; it costs €46.80 and is valid for three years. Only camera-less toy drones under 250 grams are exempt.
Do I need a drone licence?
For drones from 250 grams in the open category, you need the EU competence certificate, which consists of an online course and an online test. The more demanding subcategory A2 additionally requires flight practice and a theory exam with Austro Control.
Where can't I fly?
Flying is prohibited near airports, over crowds, in many nature reserves and over military sites, among others. The dronespace map shows the no-fly and restriction zones — check it before every flight, regardless of your competence certificate.
What does registration cost?
Registration with Austro Control costs €46.80 and is valid for three years. The additional A2 theory exam costs €69.60. The competence certificate itself is valid for five years and must then be renewed, which is why the first certificates from 2021 are now expiring.
Does this apply to very small drones?
A drone under 250 grams without a camera is exempt from registration and testing. But as soon as it has a camera, the registration duty applies regardless of weight. You should still familiarise yourself with the manual and the flight rules.
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