Free flight permits guide
Drone flight permits in Europe: when you need one and how to get it
Most open category flights below 120 m in uncontrolled airspace need no permit beyond operator registration and a pilot certificate. Controlled airspace, airports, restricted zones and specific category operations always need more. This guide shows which approval applies and who issues it. We obtain the drone flight permits your operation needs in any of the 31 EASA countries.
Permit essentials
Four situations that always need a permit
If your flight falls into any of these, registration and a pilot certificate are not enough.
| Term | What it is | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | One-off approval for a specific flight or area | A flight inside a CTR or a protected area |
| Authorisation | Ongoing approval for a type of operation | PDRA or SORA operations in the specific category |
| Declaration | Your signed statement that the operation meets standard scenario conditions | STS-01 or STS-02 operations |
Terms as used under Regulation (EU) 2019/947. National authorities may use local names for each.
1. Controlled airspace
Any flight inside a CTR or TMA needs authorisation from air traffic control. In countries with U-space, requests go through a U-space service provider.
2. The specific category
Operations beyond open category limits need an STS declaration, a PDRA authorisation or a full SORA-based operational authorisation.
3. Near airports
Most countries apply an exclusion zone of several kilometres around airports. Flying inside it needs prior authorisation, even with a small drone.
4. Restricted and special zones
Restricted zones, military areas, nature reserves and heritage sites each need approval from their own authority. Some are closed to drones entirely.
Who issues it
The national aviation authority, the air navigation service provider, military authorities, park managers or local councils, depending on the zone.
How long it takes
A single flight permit can take a few days. Authorisations for the specific category take weeks or months. Plan ahead for commercial work.
A pilot certificate is not a permit
Your A1/A3, A2 or STS certificate proves competence. It does not give permission to fly in controlled or restricted airspace. Check the zone for every flight.
What you’ll get
The free flight permits guide
- The four situations that always need a permit
- Permit, authorisation and declaration explained
- Which authority to contact for each zone
- How to speed up approval
- When to hand it to a specialist
Get the Free Flight Permits Guide
When you need a permit, which one, and how to get it in 31 countries.
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From planning to clearance
EU Drone Port coordinates flights, writes operations manuals and obtains authorisations across 31 countries.
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Flight Coordination
Send us date, time, coordinates, drone and pilot. We handle the airspace coordination until you have clearance, including in restricted zones.
- Per-flight coordination
- Authority and airspace notifications handled
- Restricted zones included
- 31 countries
€95 per flight + VAT, billed monthly
STS Operations Manual
We write your complete STS operations manual for STS-01, STS-02 or both, tailored to your operation and country.
- All required sections
- STS-01 and/or STS-02 covered
- Country-specific authority format
- Delivered in 5 business days
From €450 + VAT
PDRA Authorisation
We prepare the full PDRA application, submit it with you and answer the inspector until the authorisation is granted.
- All PDRA types
- 100+ PDRAs approved
- Operations manual included
- Support until approval
From €1,950 + VAT
More free guides
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FAQ
Questions about drone flight permits
Do I need a permit to fly a drone in Europe?
Not always. Open category flights below 120 m in uncontrolled airspace usually need only operator registration and a pilot certificate. Controlled airspace, airport zones, restricted areas and specific category operations need prior approval.
What is the difference between a permit and an authorisation?
A permit approves a specific flight or area. An operational authorisation approves a type of operation over time, such as a PDRA or SORA operation in the specific category.
Who issues drone flight permits?
It depends on the zone: air traffic control or a U-space service provider for controlled airspace, the national aviation authority for specific category operations, and military, environmental or local authorities for their own zones.
How long does a drone flight permit take?
A single-flight permit in controlled airspace can take from a few days to a few weeks depending on the country. Specific category authorisations usually take several weeks or months.
Can I use one permit in several countries?
No. Flight permits are national and zone-specific. A specific category authorisation from your home country can be used in another EASA country after notifying or applying to that country.
Can EU Drone Port handle my flight permits?
Yes. Our flight coordination service manages permit requests across 31 countries for €95 + VAT per flight, from airport zones to national parks.
Last updated: October 2026. Source: Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and national aeronautical publications.
Know which permit you need. Free guide.
Permits, authorisations and declarations explained for 31 countries.
31
Countries covered
5,000+
Flights coordinated per month
€95 + VAT
Per coordinated flight
120 m
Open category height limit