Process for Flying Drones in Portugal

By Urvish Shah•
Process for Flying Drones in Portugal

Portugal offers some of Europe's most spectacular landscapes for drone photography, from the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve to the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto. However, flying drones in Portugal requires careful attention to regulations and proper documentation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to fly legally and safely.

Understanding Portuguese Drone Regulations

Portugal follows the European Union's EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) drone regulations, which are among the most comprehensive in the world. These regulations are designed to ensure safety while allowing responsible drone operations.

Key Regulatory Bodies

ANAC (Autoridade Nacional de Aviação Civil): Portugal's national aviation authority responsible for drone regulations and licensing.

EASA: European Union aviation safety agency that sets the framework for drone operations across EU member states.

Local Municipalities: May have additional restrictions for specific areas like parks, beaches, and historic sites.

Drone Categories and Requirements

Open Category (Simplest)

A1 Subcategory (Drones under 250g):

  • No registration required for recreational use
  • Must fly below 120m altitude
  • Keep drone in visual line of sight
  • No flying over people
  • Examples: DJI Mini series, Mavic Mini

A2 Subcategory (Drones 250g-2kg):

  • Requires online registration with ANAC
  • Must maintain 50m distance from people
  • Can fly up to 120m altitude
  • Examples: DJI Mavic Air, Phantom series

A3 Subcategory (Drones 2kg-25kg):

  • Requires online registration
  • Must maintain 150m distance from people and buildings
  • Can fly up to 120m altitude
  • Examples: DJI Mavic Pro, Inspire series

Specific Category (More Complex)

For operations that don't fit the Open category:

  • Requires operational authorization from ANAC
  • Must submit detailed risk assessment
  • May require additional training and certification
  • Examples: flying over crowds, beyond visual line of sight

Step-by-Step Registration Process (for non commercial use)

Step 1: Online Registration

  1. Visit ANAC Website: Go to the official ANAC portal (www.anac.pt)
  2. Create Account: Register with your personal details and email
  3. Drone Information: Provide your drone's make, model, and serial number
  4. Pilot Details: Submit your personal information and contact details
  5. Payment: Pay the registration fee (typically €15-30) (If you are registered in another european country than you don't need to pay the fee)
  6. Receive Certificate: Download your registration certificate

Step 2: Drone Marking

  • Physical Label: Attach your registration number to your drone
  • Format: Use the format "UAS-XXXXXXX" where X is your registration number
  • Visibility: Ensure the label is clearly visible and weather-resistant

Step 3: Insurance Requirements

Third-Party Liability Insurance: Mandatory for all drone operations

  • Minimum coverage: €1.5 million
  • Must cover damage to property and persons
  • Can be obtained through specialized drone insurance providers
  • Keep insurance certificate with you while flying

##No Fly Zones

The best way to plan your flight and look for restrictions is to use Voa No Boa app. This app has the most up to date information about no fly zones and restrictions.

Permissions

Even for hobby flights in Portugal in open category for drones below 250g weight every flight needs a prior permission from ANAC if you plan on recording any images or videos. The process is quite simple, just open your E-AAN account and in th Areas section you need to individually apply for each flight with date, time and for some districts even gps locations. If you want to fly on water you need to mention it in the application with gps location.

Another thing is to fly in a protected area you need to apply from the relevant authorities. I flew in Madeira and the IFCN is the responsible authority, they suggested me to apply on Simplifica portal and I got permission in 2 days. Surprisingly the application was free of cost, you just need to apply and mention your reasons for flying I just mentioned that I want to capture some videos of nature for private use.

Although this may seem a bit cumbersome, it is a good thing to do since it helps you to avoid any unwanted situations and also you will have the permission to fly in the area you want to fly in. The thing is they provide permission for most of the areas without any issues, it is just extra process but in my opinion this is worth it as then you are stress free and you can fly in the area you want to fly in.

Conclusion

Flying drones in Portugal can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering unique perspectives on some of Europe's most beautiful landscapes. However, success requires careful planning, proper documentation, and strict adherence to regulations. By following this guide and staying informed about the latest regulations, you can enjoy safe and legal drone operations while capturing stunning aerial footage of Portugal's diverse beauty.

Remember this is my personal experience and research and not an official process and regulations/process can change, so always check the latest requirements before your trip. When in doubt, contact ANAC or local authorities for clarification. Happy flying!