Can I fly a drone in Portugal?
Conditional: you can fly legally with ANAC registration and the EU Open-category rules. The framework is European (Reg. EU 2019/947), with three categories — Open / Specific / Certified — most users being "Open" (split into A1/A2/A3). Operator registration with ANAC is mandatory if the drone is ≥250 g or has a camera/sensor (at uas.anac.pt, free, valid 3 years; the number goes on the drone). Sub-250 g cameraless toys are exempt. You need competency (free online A1/A3 exam for C1–C4; A2 needs an extra exam). Limits: line of sight (VLOS), max 120 m altitude, and check the geozones (airports, military, natural parks) in the "Voa na Boa" app. In short: yes, with registration and within the rules.
📋 The rules
- Operator registration with ANAC if ≥250 g or with a camera
- EU rules: Open category (A1/A2/A3)
- Competency: free online exam (A1/A3; A2 extra)
- Line of sight (VLOS), max 120 m altitude
- Check the geozones ("Voa na Boa" app)
🔓 Exceptions
- Drones <250 g without a camera: exempt from registration
- Geozones (airports, military, parks): restricted flying
- Specific/Certified category: extra authorization
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The offences (Decree-Law 58/2018) can be very serious: €2,000 to €3,500 (individuals) and €5,000 to €7,500 (legal persons), with possible seizure and a ban on flying. Beware myths: "all drones must be registered" — false (sub-250 g cameraless ones are exempt); and "no flying within 5 km of any airport" is a simplification — the real limits are the published geozones (dnt.anac.pt / "Voa na Boa" app). To stay compliant: register with ANAC if your drone is ≥250 g or has a camera, take the competency exam, fly line-of-sight up to 120 m, and always check the geozones before take-off, especially near airports and natural parks.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need to register my drone?
You need to register as an operator with ANAC if the drone is 250 g or more, or if it has a camera or sensor. Registration is free, done at uas.anac.pt, valid for 3 years, and the number must go on the drone. Sub-250 g cameraless toys are exempt.
What rules must I follow to fly?
The EU Open-category rules apply: line-of-sight flying, a maximum altitude of 120 metres and respecting the geozones. For most drones you need to take the free online A1/A3 competency exam, valid 5 years. The A2 subcategory needs an additional exam.
Where is flying banned?
In the restricted geozones: airport zones, military areas, controlled airspace and many natural parks. It's not exactly "5 km from any airport", but rather the published geozones. You should always check them before flying, on the ANAC platform or the "Voa na Boa" app.
What's the fine for flying illegally?
Very serious offences are fined €2,000 to €3,500 for individuals and €5,000 to €7,500 for legal persons, with possible seizure of the drone and a ban on flying. Flying within the geozones and with registration avoids these high fines.
Do I need to take an exam?
For most consumer drones, yes. Subcategories C1 to C4 require the free online A1/A3 theory exam, valid 5 years. The A2 subcategory, which lets you fly closer to people, needs an additional exam. The smallest drones may be exempt.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “drone registration anac”
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- “drone 250 grams registration”
- “drone geozones voa na boa”
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- “open category drone rules”