The drone laws Spain have been created to ensure that the country’s citizens and visitors keep their drones safe, as well as ensuring that they don’t cause any harm to other people. It is important that you follow all of these rules if you want to stay on the right side of the law when flying your drone in Spain.
It is important to follow the Spanish government’s guidelines when it comes to flying drones in Spain. These guidelines include following drone laws and staying safe while operating your aircraft.
You should also be aware of your surroundings and the weather conditions, as well as where you are flying your drone, so that you do not collide with objects like birds or buildings.
You should also know where the pilot is standing at all times because if they get hit by a falling drone then there could be serious injuries sustained on both parties involved in this situation.
Drone laws Spain
Drone laws are laws and regulations that apply to the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. These include model aircraft, but may also encompass larger systems such as those used by media or industry.
The main areas of concern are safety and privacy. Safety concerns arise from the potential for damage to property, injury or death of people on the ground from accidental collisions with UAVs/drones.In many countries, including Spain, it is illegal for non-authorised individuals to operate a drone for any purpose without having obtained prior permission from their national aviation authority.There are strict regulations governing UAV usage in Spain.
All drones must be registered with the Spanish Civil Aviation Authority (AENA) before they can be used.It is illegal for anyone other than AENA to operate a drone weighing more than 25kg at an altitude above 120m unless they have obtained special permission to do so.
Drones must only be flown during daylight hours; there is no night flying allowed. The most important thing is that you follow what your local laws require when operating your drone in Spain!
Do not fly your drone higher than 120 metres
A drone can fly up to 120 metres high. If you want to fly it higher than that, you need the permission of the Spanish government. You can also fly your drone higher than 120 metres if you are a professional operator, but this is not common practice.
Stay at least 8 kilometres away from any airport
The minimum distance you must stay away from an airport is 8 kilometres (5 miles). You can find this information on a map of Spain, and it’s important to know that while the maps are accurate they likely won’t be up-to-date and may not show new construction.
If you’re flying within 5 miles (8 kilometres) of an airport, you must notify air traffic control first.
Do not fly in bad weather conditions
Don’t fly in bad weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds. If you can see your drone, it’s too windy for flying! Some models may be able to handle gusts up to 30 mph, but anything stronger than that is not advised.
You should also avoid flying in foggy conditions, which will make it difficult for the person controlling the drone to see where they are going.
Do not fly over groups of people
It is also important to note that you should not fly your drone over groups of people or sports stadiums during games. Flying a drone near an industrial or military facility could also land you in hot water, as well as flying over nuclear power plants.
Keep your drone within your visual line of sight
There are a few other rules you should be aware of that have to do with your drone’s operation, as well. First and foremost, you must keep your drone within your visual line of sight—that is, you may not let it fly out of sight from where you’re standing.
This rule makes sense if for no other reason than to prevent accidents (as with any vehicle). You must also avoid obstacles at all times when flying a drone in Spain.
Finally, we highly recommend using one or more of these safety features:
- A first person view headset (FPV) so that you can see what the camera sees on your computer monitor or smartphone screen
- A drone with an integrated camera so that if something goes wrong with the FPV or its battery dies unexpectedly, then at least there will still be a way for someone else who may be looking after children nearby to see what’s going on
Do not fly your drone within a 9 kilometre radius of a nuclear power plant
You should also know that it’s illegal to fly your drone within a 9 kilometre radius of a nuclear power plant. This includes nuclear power plants, nuclear waste storage sites, and nuclear research facilities. The 9 kilometre radius is measured from the centre of the plant.
How to register drone in Spain
As a drone pilot in Spain, you need to register your drone with the National Authority of Civil Aviation (AENA) before flying. The first step is to create an online account with AENA.
After that, you will have to complete the registration process by providing their ID number and uploading some photos of your drone.
This article will explain what documents are required for registering drones and how to do it step by step.
Open the website of enaire register drone
To register your drone, you must first open the website www.enaire.gob.es and click on the button “registro de aeronaves no tripuladas”.
Then, fill out all of the information required to create an account in this section. Once you have done so, click on “crear cuenta” (create an account). You will then receive an email with your password to allow access to this section of the site.
Register yourself as a user
Registration is a simple process and can be completed online. To register, you will need to provide your name, email address and a password.
Once you have provided this information and placed an order for the registration of your drone, we will send an email to confirm that the data has been received.
Verify your data and authorization code
It will take some time for the system to verify your data and authorization code. If you have any questions, you can contact the enaire customer service by calling +34 902 138 100 or sending an email to [email protected]
Open section called “Drone registration”
Now that you’ve found the right website, click on the link called “register a new drone”. This section should open up in a new window.
In this section, you’ll need to fill in all the fields for your drone registration and other personal information. Once finished, you will be provided with an ID number and certificate of registration that show that your drone has been registered.
Fill in all mandatory fields like email, full name, passport number, etc.
In order to register your drone in Spain, you’ll need to fill out a few things on the website. Here’s what we mean:
- Full name
- Passport number and passport photo (front-facing)
- Phone number (with country code)
Address information is also needed, such as:
Generate you a unique ID number
Once you have the certificate, you can print a copy or save it in your phone. You might be asked to provide it at any time while flying, so make sure you always have access to this information.
You can also save the certificate in a cloud or other online storage system if you don’t have a printer or mobile device on hand.
Final Step
After registering your drone, you should print a copy of the registration certificate or save it in your phone, you might be asked to provide it at any time while flying. You can also provide the certificate number if needed.
Are drones allowed in Spain
Is a drone allowed in Spain? Can I take a drone to Spain? These are some of the most commonly asked questions by those who want to travel with their drones.
Here, you will find answers to these questions as well as useful information about where you can fly your drone safely and legally.
Can I take a drone to Spain?
You can’t bring your drone to Spain. Drones are not allowed in some areas, even if you’re a professional pilot. If you want to fly your drone responsibly, ask the police for help.
Flying drones in Spain
To fly a drone in Spain, you will need to be over 18 years old and have a drone pilot license. If you are operating the drone for commercial purposes, then you will also need to have insurance.
You cannot fly your drone at night or over crowds of people (or buildings). This can be difficult since most parks open at 8am and close at 8pm – so there’s not much time to fly around before it becomes illegal!
Which drone should you buy?
If you’re new to drones (or even if you’re not), choosing the right drone can be a little overwhelming. Fortunately, there are tons of different options for where you can buy your drone.
- You can buy a drone from almost any retail store, online or in person.
- You can buy from a drone manufacturer directly. This is usually more expensive than buying from an authorized retailer, but it’s worth researching if you have questions about how something works or need parts that aren’t available elsewhere.
- You can also purchase drones directly from retailers who sell products made by particular manufacturers—in other words, they’re not selling their own branded products exclusively but rather items produced by several different companies (such as DJI).
Fly responsibly
Some areas are not allowed to fly drones, so make sure you know the rules and regulations before you fly. If you need help, contact the police.
- Fly responsibly: Don’t fly your drone in public places or near airports.
- Follow the rules and regulations: Some areas of Spain have specific rules about using drones, so it’s important that you read up on these before flying your drone out there.
Frequently Asked Question (Drone laws Spain)
What are the rules for flying a drone in Spain?
In Spain, you’re allowed to fly a drone up to a height of 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level. You must stay at least 150 meters away from airports, military bases or prisons and buildings dedicated to cultural activities.
If you plan on flying your drone over the sea or in a national park, get permission first. Don’t fly near people or vehicles, or above busy roads or beaches. If your drone weighs over 25 kilograms (55 pounds), it must be registered with the Spanish Civil Aviation Authority before you can fly it commercially.
How old do you need to be to fly a drone?
To fly a drone, you must be 16 years or older. For example, in Spain and France you must be at least 14 years old to fly a drone. In the UK you must be 18 years old or older.
How high can I fly my drone?
You can fly your drone up to 120 meters high, as long as you keep it at least 50 meters (160 feet) away from any people or buildings. This means that when flying at sea level, the maximum distance is 120 meters because the Earth’s curvature makes it impossible to see more than this distance. You can also fly your drone 150 meters (500 feet) away from any airfield or heliport, which includes heliports used by police helicopters and other emergency services (such as fire departments).
Can I fly my drone over confined gatherings of people or close to buildings?
You can fly your drone over a confined gathering of people, but you must not fly it directly over their heads. If you do, there’s a chance that your drone could harm the people below it. For example, if you are flying at an altitude of 50 feet and one of your propellers accidentally strikes a person on the ground below, it could cause serious injury or even death.
You can also fly your drone over buildings (including homes) as long as they are not occupied at the time by people who have no connection with aviation activities. For example: if someone is sitting in their living room watching TV while their drone flies overhead, then this would be considered trespassing by law enforcement officials because no one has given anyone permission to enter private property without permission first being granted by its owner(s).
Can I film from my drone?
Yes, you can film from your drone as long as you are not breaking any other laws. If you are filming for commercial purposes, you need to get permission. You cannot film in a way that breaches someone’s privacy or breaks the law.
What if I want to fly over private property with my Drone?
If you are flying over private property, you must have permission from the owner. This means that if you are filming a video of your neighbor’s house or garden, they need to give their consent.
If you are flying over someone else’s land and their land is not enclosed by a fence or wall (and therefore flying through it would be trespassing), then you must have permission from that person’s owner/landlord as well as their tenant/person in residence if applicable.
The drone must be visible at all times and should not be flown higher than 120 meters above ground level (or 400 feet).
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some insight into the drone laws in Spain and how they affect those who fly them. As always, it is important to follow the rules of the land when flying your drone so that we can continue enjoying this hobby without being punished for it.
FAQs
Do I need to register my drone in Spain? ›
You do not need to register your drone, unless it is certified. What is mandatory is your registration with AESA, regardless of how many drones you have operating. Registration will be valid for 5 years and will be recognised in all EASA member countries.
How do I register as a drone operator in Spain? ›Registration should be carried out in the Member State of residence or where the economic activity takes place, and it is not possible to be registered in more than one State at a time. Registration as UAS operator in AESA is free of charge and is done through its electronic site (link to the procedure).
What is the policy for drones in Spain? ›General Rules for Flying a Drone in Spain
A permit is required for commercial drone flights. Liability insurance is required for commercial drone pilots. Drones may be flown up to 120 meters (394 feet) above the ground. Drones may only be flown during the day.
In Spain, drones below 250g still NEED to be registered, IF they have a camera and can record, which is the case for Mini 2. Also, you need the EU A1 license. DO NOT fly in No-Fly Zones, you will get caught very easily if you're near a large city such as Barcelona or Madrid.
What happens if you don't register your drone? ›Failure to register a drone that requires registration may result in regulatory and criminal penalties. The FAA may assess civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three (3) years.
Which drones don't need to be registered? ›Small drones, under 0.55 pounds or 250 grams, do not need to be registered. All drones over that weight, but below 55 pounds, always need to be registered. If the drone is over 55 pounds, it's considered a commercial drone and has different regulation.
Do I need to put my operator ID on my drone? ›You must label your operator ID on every drone or model aircraft you're responsible for.
Can I bring my DJI mini 2 to Europe? ›Always check your local regulations before making purchase decisions or flying. As noted in the comments: in the US you do need a part 107 if you use the DJI Mini 2 for commercial use, in Europe and the UK there isn't such a requirement.
Do I need to register DJI Mini 2 in Europe? ›You must also upload it into the 'remote identification system' of your drone(s). Once registered in the host country, the drone operator's registration will be valid across Europe and the operator will be required to follow all the provisions of the Drone Regulation.
Do I need to register a drone under 250g? ›Small drones and model aircraft
You do not need to register if you'll only use a drone or model aircraft that weighs below 250g and is a toy or does not have a camera. Take a look at the registration requirements for drones and model aircraft to find out if you need to register.
How do I register my drone in the EU? ›
You must register with the National Aviation Authority (NAA) of the first EU country where you intend to fly your drone. Your registration number issued by the NAA must be displayed with a sticker on all of your drones and then upload it into the 'Remote Identification System' of your drone.
What Licences do I need to fly a drone in Europe? ›You also need to train and pass the drone pilot's certificate online exam and get the European certificate in any EASA Member State. Some National Aviation Authorities offer the training and exam in English. And of course, you need to comply with the European Drone regulations.
Can I fly DJI air 2S without license? ›I just traded in my Air 2 for the 2S. A: If you fly recreationally (for no other purpose than flying for recreation) you need to take the TRUST test and get a certificate. If you fly for any other reason you need to go through FAS Part 107 testing and certification.
Can you bring DJI Mini 2 on a plane? ›As DJI explains, yes you can take a drone on a plane as either a piece of carry-on luggage, or as a piece of checked luggage, depending on its size. But, no matter what, you must take out the drone's batteries and put those in your carry-on bag.
What is A1 and A3 drone license? ›Type of flying. Open A1 and A3. Basic, low-risk flying. Open A2.
Can the FAA track your drone? ›Remote ID helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies find the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly.
What is the biggest drone without a license? ›You must register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration if it weighs . 55lbs or more. You may face penalties if you don't adhere to this requirement.
Can police take control of your drone? ›Anatomy of a drone threat
The "respond" step usually entails tracking down the operator and asking them to remove the drone or face fines, or capturing the drone itself for evidence. At this point, it's not legal for law enforcement to take down a drone.
The answer is yes, the FAA can still regulate drones under 250 grams. You can't, say, fly in restricted areas (such as in your own backyard near an airport without other permission) just because your drone is under 250 grams.
What size drone can you fly without a Licence? ›I fly my drone as a hobby – do I need a licence? To be able to fly your drone (of up to 2kg) within 150m of people and built-up areas then you will need at least an A2 CofC (Certificate of Competency) licence, even if you only fly your drone as a hobby.
Are there different types of drone licenses? ›
Everyone flying drones needs some sort of certification The FAA divides drone flights into two categories: commercial (you're operating for a business or organization) or hobby (you're flying recreationally for fun). Hobby pilots need a certificate too, though it's much easier to get.
What information do I need to put on my drone? ›You only need to put the Operator ID on your drone. The Flyer ID is something you should carry with you as the remote pilot but you don't need to affix the ID to the drone.
What is the difference between drone pilot and drone operator? ›A drone pilot is the person actually flying the drone, without necessarily owning or renting the drone. And yes, you can be both, a drone operator and a drone pilot if you own or rent a drone and also fly one.
Do you need insurance to fly a drone? ›Although hobby drone pilots don't need insurance, commercial drone pilots do need insurance. At the minimum, if you're caught flying an uninsured drone, you may face fines.
How do I register my DJI Mini 2 in Europe? ›...
To register the drone, you must submit the following information to the authorities:
- Manufacturer and model name.
- Serial number of the drone.
- Name of the operator.
- Address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
The DJI Mini 2's Maximum Service Ceiling Above Sea Level is at 4000 m.
Can I fly a DJI mini without a license? ›The Autel Nano and DJI Mini series have a 249g takeoff weight, so they're exempted. You'll still need to obey the rules of the air, and you'll still need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification(Opens in a new window) to fly a lightweight drone for commercial purposes.
Do I need to register Mavic Mini in USA? ›The UK, USA, Canada and China only require registration for UAVs which have a take-off weight (including battery) of 250g or more, which is why the DJI Mavic Mini (opens in new tab), and successor Mini 2, were such big news.
What class is a DJI Mini 2? ›A1 Subcategory - Fly Over People
This category is for drones which pose the least risk, due to their weight and other factors. Drones such as the DJI Mavic Mini, Mini 2, and Mini 3 Pro can be operated in this subcategory.
And it's for this reason that the DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, which has a maximum flight time of 47 minutes, is not available in Europe.
Can you fly drones over private property? ›
If you fly your drone low over someone's land without their permission, you could be liable in trespass, even if you do not personally go onto the land (although this is generally a civil rather than a criminal matter).
When must you have drone insurance? ›You only need drone insurance when you are not flying for rectreational or sport use. If you are flying drones for a hobby (recreational) you are not required by law to have Public Liability Insurance, however, it is still advisory and there are many cost-effective options on the market.
Can I fly my drone over houses? ›Flying drones in London is perfectly legal.
It is important to remember that you must have a drone license to fly in London. You can apply for this license through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
(vi) Drone import policy was notified on 9th February 2022, banning import of foreign drones and freeing up import of drone components. (vii) Drone (Amendment) Rules, 2022 notified on 11th February 2022, abolished the requirement of a drone pilot license.
What is the new EU drone regulation? ›What new "EU drone operator licenses" are there? From 31.12. 2020 there will be two different types of documents for pilots of drones in the Open Category: The EU Remote Pilot Certificate and the EU Certificate of Competence. Both documents are valid for 5 years.
How do I register my drone online? ›- Create your account and profile on DigitalSky platform, if not already created.
- Login to DigitalSky platform and add your UAS Serial Number from dashboard.
- Navigate to the list of UAS and Apply for UIN for the added UAS serial number.
- Preview the Application for Registration of UIN (Unique Identification Number)
You, as drone operator, are always required to have an insurance for your drone if you are using a drone with a weight above 20kg. However most of EASA Member States mandate a third party insurance also if you are operating a lighter drone.
Can Tourists fly drones in Europe? ›According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), flying a drone is legal in the EU. However, non-EU travelers who plan on flying a drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must first register with the National Aviation Authority (NAA).
Which DJI drones require a license? ›The DJI Mavic Pro Drone unmanned aircraft system (UAS), is an aircraft without a human pilot onboard, controlled from an operator on the ground, and is required to be registered with the FAA. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires every DJI Mavic operator to register drones before flying.
Can DJI Air 2S follow me? ›FocusTrack features Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, making it a breeze for DJI Air 2S to follow or circle your subject.
Can you bypass DJI no fly zone? ›
There are two main ways to bypass DJI's no-fly zones restrictions: Self-Unlocking allows you to bypass geofencing restrictions without having to go through the official unlocking process. DJI Fly Safe Unlocking allows you to bypass geofencing from the restricted zones.
Can I bring a DJI drone to USA? ›Drones are allowed through the checkpoint. Please check with your airline prior to traveling for their policy. Drones containing lithium batteries, fuel cells, and components of certain parachute systems may be prohibited in baggage. For more information, see the FAA regulations.
How do you carry a drone on an international flight? ›Drones are allowed as check-in luggage on most major airlines. A drone weighing less than 250 grammes can be checked or carried in the cabin luggage. The batteries, on the other hand, would have to be removed and stored in the cabin luggage.
Can you fly DJI Mini in house? ›Both the Mini 2 and its predecessor, the Mavic Mini, can hover precisely indoors and outdoors thanks to a downward vision sensor and GPS functionality.
What happen if you fly DJI Mini 2 in restricted areas? ›DJI UAVs cannot takeoff in Restricted Zones. When a UAV flies near the boundary of a Restricted Zone, it will automatically decelerate and hover in place. If it flies into a Restricted Zone without a GPS signal, it will automatically land once it regains a GPS signal.
What is the difference between A1 and A2 drone? ›The 'open' category is in turn subdivided in three sub-categories – A1, A2, A3 -- which may be summarised as follows: A1: fly over people but not over assemblies of people. A2: fly close to people.
What is a Category 4 drone? ›Category 4 eligible small unmanned aircraft must have an airworthiness certificate issued under Part 21 of FAA regulations. Must be operated in accordance with the operating limitations Page 2 specified in the approved Flight Manual or as otherwise specified by the Administrator.
What is a Category 3 drone? ›Category 3 sUAS Operations
In the third category, the FAA has considered larger UAVs and states a UAV operating under Category 3 can not produce greater than 25 foot-pounds of kinetic energy upon impact from a rigid object.
You must register with the National Aviation Authority (NAA) of the first EU country where you intend to fly your drone. Your registration number issued by the NAA must be displayed with a sticker on all of your drones and then upload it into the 'Remote Identification System' of your drone.
Do I need a drone license in Europe? ›Non-EU residents visiting Europe
You also need to train and pass the drone pilot's certificate online exam and get the European certificate in any EASA Member State. Some National Aviation Authorities offer the training and exam in English. And of course, you need to comply with the European Drone regulations.
Do you need a drone Licence in EU? ›
Only a one-time registration is required, and the costs amount to EUR 31.20 (including VAT). All aircraft must be marked with the assigned vehicle registration number. The registration must be renewed after three years. In addition, the drones must be insured.
Which countries require drone license? ›While each country has slightly different requirements, there are no countries that restrict drone flight completely. Countries such as Brazil, Columbia, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela require some sort of permit or online registration, and have basic guidelines such as maximum altitudes and drone weights.
Is it worth registering a drone? ›However, registration is mandatory for all drones used for commercial purposes under Part 107 rules regardless of weight. Drone registration is one of the first and most basic steps of ensuring safety and accountability for drone flight. It's a fairly simple and inexpensive process.
Can an American fly a drone in Europe? ›According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), flying a drone is legal in the EU. However, non-EU travelers who plan on flying a drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must first register with the National Aviation Authority (NAA).
How do I get a EU drone license? ›The drone pilot needs to complete the necessary online training, pass a pilot exam and get a valid remote pilot competency certificate (valid for 5 years). NOTE: Make sure that you follow an online training offered by your National Aviation Authority. It allows for the correct licence to be issued.
Can you fly a DJI drone without a license? ›The Autel Nano and DJI Mini series have a 249g takeoff weight, so they're exempted. You'll still need to obey the rules of the air, and you'll still need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification(Opens in a new window) to fly a lightweight drone for commercial purposes.
What are the new drone laws in the EU? ›From 2023, Open Category drones can carry a camera but will not transport consumer goods. Open Category drones are for leisure use and do not require authorization from NAA to carry out their operations. Class C2 drones are allowed to fly within a 30-meter distance from uninvolved people.
Can I fly my drone in Madrid? ›The drone user must get an idea before they fly a drone in Spain. Being a drone user you will require a permit for a commercial drone flight. The commercial drone pilot must have a liability insurance. You can fly a drone up to 120 meters that are 394 above the ground.
How much is a drone license in us? ›Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. You'll need a credit or debit card and the make and model of your drone handy in order to register. Learn more about registering your drone. Create an account and register your drone at FAADroneZone.
Which country Cannot fly drone? ›While many countries allow people to fly drones without permits for now, some such as Thailand and Vietnam require a permit or registration of some kind for all drone flights, others like Sri Lanka and Brunei ban drones entirely, and then there are countries that haven't even established any laws regarding drones.