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Drone licence in Greece: how to get your A1/A3 certificate step by step
In short
- To fly a drone with a camera in Greece you need the A1/A3 certificate, valid in all 31 EASA countries.
- In Greece the exam is taken at an approved training centre, and the HCAA then issues the certificate for a 20 euro fee.
- You can sit the exam online with another EASA authority instead, for example in Spain, where it is free.
- Before you fly: register with the HCAA and check the DAGR map, which is mandatory.
To fly a drone in Greece you almost always need the A1/A3 certificate, issued by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA). Unlike most EASA countries, the HCAA does not run the exam itself: you sit it at an approved UAS training centre, and the HCAA then issues the certificate. This guide covers the steps, the A2 certificate, registration, insurance and the zones map, plus the option of sitting the exam online in another EASA country.
The certificate is European: once you have it, it is valid in all 31 EASA countries, Greece included.
Who needs a drone licence in Greece
You need the A1/A3 certificate to fly any drone with a camera, even one under 250 grams. Only toy drones without a camera are exempt.
The A1/A3 certificate lets you fly in the Open category:
- A1: with light drones (under 250 g, or class C0 and C1), near uninvolved people but never over crowds.
- A3: with drones up to 25 kg, at least 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.
If you want to fly a class C2 drone closer to people, you will also need the A2 certificate after your A1/A3.
The A1/A3 exam in Greece step by step
- Sit the exam at an approved centre. The HCAA has approved a number of UAS training centres to run the A1/A3 exam: 40 multiple-choice questions, recorded on video.
- Apply to the HCAA with the certificates issued by the centre, a copy of your ID and the HCAA fee of 20 euros.
- Receive your certificate. It is valid for 5 years.
The minimum age is 16. Sources: HCAA, registration procedures and HCAA, FAQ.
The alternative: sit the exam online in another EASA country
You do not have to take the exam in Greece: the HCAA itself confirms that you may choose which EASA country examines you, and the certificate is valid in all 31. The HCAA also accepts an A1/A3 from another member state towards the Greek A2.
In Spain, for example, the A1/A3 exam run by AESA is free, fully online and open to any nationality, so you can do it from home. Your browser’s translator is enough to get through it.
Our course includes links to the official exam in every EASA country, with instructions on how to register.
The A2 certificate in Greece
The A2 builds on your A1/A3 and adds practical self-training and a second theory exam.
| A1/A3 certificate | From Greece or any other EASA country |
|---|---|
| Exam | An additional 30-question exam at an approved training centre |
| Practical training | Self-training in A3 conditions, with a sworn declaration on gov.gr and a copy of your logbook |
| HCAA fee | 20 euros |
| Validity | 5 years |
Source: HCAA, registration procedures.
Registration, insurance and where you can fly
As well as your certificate, you need to register as an operator before your first flight.
- Operator registration: on the HCAA UAS portal. It costs 20 euros and is valid for 3 years. Your GRC number must be shown on every drone and loaded into Remote ID. If you are already registered in another EASA country, you do not need to register again.
- Insurance: third-party liability insurance is mandatory for all professional use, and for private use of drones of 4 kg or more.
- Where you can fly: checking the official DAGR map before flying is mandatory. Archaeological sites are in restricted zones and need prior HCAA authorisation, and in restricted zones you must file a flight notification at least 5 working days ahead. Source: HCAA, where you can fly.
Your certificate and your registration are two different things: the certificate is about you as a pilot, the registration is about you as the drone’s operator.
How to prepare for the exam
The quickest route is an online course that takes you straight to the official exam.
The EU Drone Port A1/A3 course is built for exactly that:
- Video lessons online, whenever you like.
- 5 mock exams and a final exam.
- Links to the official exam in every EASA country.
- Lifetime access, handy for renewal after 5 years.
EU Drone Port is an Official Designated Training Entity. The course prepares you for the exam: the certificate is issued by the authority where you sit it.
Want to test yourself first? Download our free 25 practice questions for A1/A3 and A2.
For the A2, there is the A2 course, with mock exams and a guide to practical self-training.
Online course
Prepare for your A1/A3 exam
Video lessons online at your own pace, 5 mock exams and links to the official exam in every EASA country. A course by an Official Designated Training Entity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the Greek drone exam online?
In Greece the exam is taken at an HCAA-approved training centre. If you prefer to do it online, you can sit the A1/A3 exam with another EASA authority, such as Spain’s.
How much does a drone licence cost in Greece?
The HCAA charges 20 euros to issue the certificate, on top of the exam centre’s own fee. In Spain the A1/A3 exam is free.
Is a drone certificate from another country valid in Greece?
Yes. A certificate issued by any EASA authority is valid in all 31 EASA countries, Greece included.
Do I need a licence for a drone under 250 grams?
Yes, if it has a camera. Only toy drones without a camera are exempt.
Can I fly a drone over archaeological sites in Greece?
Only with prior HCAA authorisation: archaeological sites are in restricted zones.
Is drone insurance mandatory in Greece?
For all professional flights, and for private flights with drones of 4 kg or more.
How long does it take to prepare?
With a structured online course, a few hours is enough: our A1/A3 course takes about three and a half hours, mock exams included.