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WHAT DO I NEED TO FLY A DRONE?
In short: to fly a drone in the EU you need to register as a UAS operator in the country where you live, hold the pilot certificate that matches your drone and the kind of flight (A1/A3, A2 or STS), and follow the airspace rules of the place where you fly. If you are new to the drone industry and starting from scratch, this article is a good starting point. Below we explain each step.
How to Register as a UAS Operator
Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, and their use has expanded to many fields, from package delivery to photography and video. However, with the increase in drone popularity, there have also been increasing concerns about safety and privacy. To ensure safety, the European Union has introduced a registration requirement for all drone pilots.
Starting from January 1st, 2021, all individuals or companies who want to fly drones must register as a UAS operator in the country where they reside. This registration is valid throughout the EU and allows pilots to legally and safely operate their drones in the European airspace.
The registration process is simple and can be done online. Users or companies must provide basic information about themselves, such as their name, address and contact details. In addition, they must agree to comply with all European regulations and standards on drone flight. To find the UAS operator registration page in your country, we recommend that you access the following article: How to Fly Drones in the EU?
Registration as a UAS operator is mandatory for all pilots, including those who use drones for commercial or recreational purposes. However, there are some cases where operator registration is not required, although they are very exceptional.
After registering as a UAS operator, you will receive a certificate with your name and data, as well as a registration number that will be used to identify you as a drone operator, request permits, etc.
Drone Pilot Training Requirements
Training is essential for drone pilots and is now mandatory to fly almost all UAS. However, the required training will depend on the type of drone to be flown and the scenario in which it is used.
For example, the training required to fly a 250 gram drone will be different from that required for a 900 gram or 15 kg drone, and it will also be different if it is flown in the city or in an open space. Each scenario and type of drone will determine the training required for the pilot.
If you do not know in which category you will fly the drone, you can consult our article on Open Category and Specific Category.
Drone training for Open Category
Drones under 250 grams, subcategory A1 and A3
No training is required to fly drones weighing less than 250 g. Just knowing the manufacturer’s instructions is enough to operate these drones in the open category.
Drones over 250 grams for subcategory A1 and A3
A1/A3 training must be completed. It is done online and includes both theory and an exam: our A1/A3 course is online and asynchronous, so you study at your own pace, and the certificate is valid in 31 countries. With it you can use these drones in Open Category A1 up to 900 grams, and in A3 up to 25 kg.
Drones over 900 grams for subcategory A2
If they are going to be operated in urban environments, close to people or buildings, you need the A2 certificate of competency on top of A1/A3: an additional theory exam plus a declaration of practical self-training. See our A2 course.
Specific Category Drone Training
The specific category training is designed for the standard scenarios STS-01 and STS-02. Since 1 January 2026 the national standard scenarios are no longer valid, so pilots need the EU STS theoretical knowledge certificate and practical skills training. Our STS course covers the theory. For operations that do not fit a standard scenario, the operator needs an operational authorisation.
Regulations for Drone Flight
Now that we are registered as an operator and have completed the training, all that is left is to go flying! To do this, it is important to know and follow the air rules. The rules for flying drones are set at European level, but national authorities define the geographical zones (restricted or prohibited areas) and some national requirements, so what applies can differ between member states. If you need to fly in controlled airspace or a restricted zone, our drone flight coordination service handles the permissions for you.
Ready to fly legally?
Pilots
Get your A1/A3 certificate online
The A1/A3 certificate is the starting point for almost every drone pilot in Europe. Our course is online and asynchronous, from an Official Designated Training Entity, and more than 50,000 pilots have trained with us. The certificate is valid in 31 countries.
Operators
Flying beyond the Open category?
If your operation needs a standard scenario, a PDRA or a SORA, or you have to fly in controlled airspace, we prepare the paperwork and coordinate the permissions across Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to fly a drone in Europe?
There is no single “drone licence” in the EU. You need two things: registration as a UAS operator (if your drone weighs 250 g or more, or has a camera and is not a toy) and the pilot certificate that matches your drone and flight: A1/A3 for most leisure and light professional flights, A2 to fly C2 drones closer to people, and STS for the standard scenarios. Start with the A1/A3 course.
How do I register as a drone operator in the EU?
You register once, online, with the aviation authority of the country where you live (or where your company has its main place of business). You receive an operator registration number that is valid across the EU and must be displayed on every drone you operate.
How long is the A1/A3 certificate valid?
The A1/A3 certificate is valid for five years. The training and the exam are online, so you can prepare at your own pace and take the exam when you are ready.
Is my drone pilot certificate valid in other countries?
Yes. EU pilot certificates (A1/A3, A2 and STS) are recognised in the 27 EU member states plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland: 31 countries in total.
Do I need a certificate to fly a drone under 250 g?
No training is required to fly a drone under 250 g in subcategory A1, but you must still register as an operator if the drone has a camera (unless it is a toy), and you must follow the Open category rules.
Do I need permission to fly in a specific place?
Check the national map of geographical zones before every flight. Restricted zones and controlled airspace usually require prior permission from the authority or the zone manager. Our flight coordination service can request it for you.