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Want to fly a drone in Portugal in 2026 without legal risks? This is the most complete and up-to-date guide on drone laws in Portugal. It covers everything: ANAC registration, operation categories, A1/A2/A3 subcategories, weight limits, mandatory training, no-fly zones, Remote ID, insurance and fines. If you’re thinking about buying a drone or already own one and aren’t sure what you can do, this article is for you.
All information presented here is based on the European regulation applicable in Portugal and the official guidelines from ANAC (National Civil Aviation Authority) updated for 2026.
Summary: The Essential Rules in 30 Seconds
If you want the quick version:
- ANAC registration: mandatory if the drone has a camera (and is not a toy) or weighs 250 g or more
- Maximum altitude: 120 metres above ground level
- Visual line of sight: you must see the drone with the naked eye throughout the flight
- No-fly zones: airports, military bases, protected areas — check the Voa na Boa app
- Remote ID: mandatory on class C1, C2 and C3 drones (since 1 January 2024)
- Insurance: mandatory above 900 g, whether the use is recreational or professional
- Sub-250 g drones (like the DJI Mini 4 Pro): more freedom, less bureaucracy
Now let’s get into the details.
Legal Framework: European UAS Regulation
Since 2021, Portugal follows the European UAS Regulation (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), which harmonised drone rules across the entire EU. ANAC is the entity responsible for oversight in Portugal.
The regulation divides drone operations into three categories, based on risk:
| Category | Risk | Type of Operation | Authorisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Low | Recreational and simple professional | Not required |
| Specific | Medium | Complex operations (BVLOS, events) | ANAC authorisation or declaration (standard scenarios) |
| Certified | High | Transport of people/cargo, large dimensions | Full certification |
The vast majority of recreational and professional pilots operate in the Open Category. That’s what we’ll focus on.
Open Category: Subcategories A1, A2 and A3
The Open Category is divided into three subcategories with different rules:
Subcategory A1 — Flight Over People
Requirements:
- Maximum weight: 250 g (class C0) or up to 900 g (class C1)
- Training: reading the manufacturer’s manual (C0) or online A1/A3 exam (C1)
- Can fly: over uninvolved people (but never over gatherings)
- Altitude: up to 120 m
This is where sub-250 g drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro fall. The big advantage: you can fly near and over individual people, and you don’t need an exam if the drone is C0 (under 250 g, with or without a camera), but since most have cameras, operator registration is mandatory. Note: the Mini 5 Pro is only C0 with the standard battery; with the Plus battery it is C1 and already requires the A1/A3 training.
Subcategory A2 — Flight Near People
Requirements:
- Maximum weight: up to 4 kg (class C2)
- Training: online A1/A3 exam + declared practical self-training + A2 theory exam, in person at ANAC
- Minimum distance: 30 metres from people (5 metres in low-speed mode)
- Altitude: up to 120 m
If you have a class C2 drone (between 900 g and 4 kg), you need more training and must keep your distance from people.
Subcategory A3 — Flight Away from People
Requirements:
- Maximum weight: up to 25 kg
- Training: online A1/A3 exam
- Distance: 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas
- Altitude: up to 120 m
Larger drones, or those without a class mark and weighing 250 g or more, fall into this subcategory. It’s the most restrictive: flights only in rural areas away from buildings.
How to Register with ANAC: Step by Step
Registration is mandatory if your drone has a camera or weighs 250 g or more. It’s free and done online.
What you need:
- Chave Movel Digital (CMD) active — required for authentication
- Personal data (tax number, address, contact)
Steps:
- Access the ANAC registration platform: uas.anac.pt
- Authenticate with your Chave Movel Digital
- Fill in the operator details (individual or company)
- Receive your operator registration number, once ANAC approves the application (within up to 10 working days)
- Physically place this number on your drone (visible label)
- Enter the number in your drone’s Remote ID system (via DJI Fly app or equivalent)
Renewal: registration must be renewed every 3 years. It’s your responsibility to keep the data updated.
Remote ID: What It Is and Why
Since 1 January 2024, Remote ID has been mandatory on drones with a C1, C2 or C3 class mark (C0 and C4 drones do not have it). It’s an electronic identification system that broadcasts in real time:
- Operator registration number
- GPS position of the drone
- GPS position of the pilot
- Altitude and speed
It works like an electronic “licence plate” — allowing authorities to identify the operator of any drone in flight. On DJI drones with Remote ID (class C1 or C2 models such as the Air 3S, the Mavic 4 Pro or the Mini 5 Pro with the Plus battery), Remote ID is activated automatically in the DJI Fly app after you enter your registration number.
No-Fly and Restricted Zones
Before flying in any location, you should always check if it’s permitted. And if the drone has a camera, you also need the free authorisation from the National Aeronautical Authority (AAN) to capture aerial images, requested through the e-AAN application. For the zones, there are official tools:
- “Voa na Boa” app (ANAC) — available for iOS and Android, shows restricted zones in real time on the map
- ANAC portal (uas.anac.pt): gives access to the geographical zones map (dnt.anac.pt), with the conditions and the authorising entity for each zone, and to authorisation requests for the specific category
Zones where you CANNOT fly without authorisation:
- Near airports and heliports (prohibited zone next to the runways of the international airports and at hospital heliports; around airports, only up to 30, 60 or 80 m in height, depending on the area)
- Military bases and sensitive government installations
- Natural parks and protected areas (requires ICNF approval)
- Coastline and maritime public domain (requires coordination with the National Maritime Authority, through the local harbour master’s office)
- Temporary exclusion zones (forest fires, crowd events)
Zones where you MUST exercise special care:
- Urban centres with high concentration of people
- Near hospitals and emergency services
- Monuments and historic buildings with local restrictions
Training and Exams
The training required depends on the subcategory:
| Subcategory | Drone Weight | Required Training |
|---|---|---|
| A1 (C0, sub-250g) | <250 g | Reading the manufacturer’s manual |
| A1 (C1, up to 900g) | 250-900 g | Online A1/A3 exam on the ANAC platform |
| A2 (C2, up to 4kg) | 900 g – 4 kg | Online A1/A3 exam + practical self-training + in-person theory exam at ANAC |
| A3 (up to 25kg) | up to 25 kg | Online A1/A3 exam |
The A1/A3 online exam can be taken on the ANAC platform. It consists of multiple-choice questions about safety, meteorology, regulations and operations. After passing, you receive the Proof of Competency, valid for 5 years.
Drone Insurance: When Is It Mandatory
Civil liability insurance for drones is mandatory in the following situations:
- Drones weighing above 900 g: mandatory insurance since 3 February 2021
- Professional use: the obligation depends on weight, not use; up to 900 g, insurance is not legally required, even for paid work
- Recreational drones sub-900 g: insurance is not legally required, but highly recommended
Several insurers in Portugal offer drone-specific policies. You can find options at Lusitania Seguros, NacionalGest or comparison sites like MUDEY. Prices vary depending on the drone’s weight and coverage, with options ranging from annual policies to per-day or per-hour coverage.
For more details, read our article on drone insurance in Portugal.
Privacy and GDPR
A frequently overlooked aspect: when flying a drone with a camera, you may be subject to GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). In practice:
- You cannot film identifiable people without their consent
- Avoid flying over private property with an active camera without the owner’s authorisation
- Captured images must be used only for the declared purpose
- Publishing images that identify individuals requires explicit consent
When in doubt, disable recording or fly at altitudes that don’t allow identification of individuals.
Fines and Consequences
Flying drones in violation of regulations can result in significant fines:
- Flying in a no-fly zone: fine from 1,000 EUR to 4,000 EUR (individuals; very serious offence)
- Lack of registration: fine from 1,000 EUR to 4,000 EUR (individuals; very serious offence)
- Lack of mandatory insurance: fine from 2,000 EUR to 3,500 EUR (individuals)
- Privacy violation: complaint and proceedings under GDPR (fines up to 20M EUR or 4% of turnover for companies)
- Operations that endanger manned aircraft: serious criminal consequences
Common sense is the best rule: always check the Voa na Boa app before flying, maintain visual line of sight and respect others’ privacy.
Sub-250g Drones: The Smart Choice
Regulations clearly favour drones weighing less than 250 grams. If you don’t have a drone yet and regulations concern you, a sub-250g model like the DJI Mini 4 Pro or the Mini 5 Pro is the smartest choice:
- No pilot exam required (with the C0 mark)
- Can fly over people (not gatherings)
- No mandatory insurance (only required above 900 g)
- No mandatory Remote ID in class C0
- Greater flying freedom in urban areas
Check out our complete guide to the best drones of 2026 to choose the ideal model.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Laws
Do I need a licence to fly a drone in Portugal?
A C0 drone normally requires reading the manufacturer’s instructions rather than an exam. C1-C4 training requirements depend on the subcategory. Camera-equipped drones normally require operator registration, with an exception for compliant toys; weight and other registration criteria also matter. Source: EASA.
How do I register a drone with ANAC?
Use the ANAC operator-registration platform and follow its identity and approval procedure. Display your operator number on the aircraft. Enter it into a direct Remote ID system where your aircraft or operation requires one; not every drone has Remote ID. Registration guidance.
What are the no-fly zones for drones in Portugal?
The main no-fly zones include the areas next to airport runways, hospital heliports, military bases, natural parks (without ICNF authorisation) and temporary exclusion areas; on the coastline, you need to coordinate with the harbour master’s office. Use the ANAC’s Voa na Boa app to check restrictions before each flight.
Is drone insurance mandatory?
In Portugal, the general liability-insurance requirement applies above 900 g maximum operational mass. Commercial use alone does not make insurance mandatory below that threshold. Check any additional conditions attached to your operation and policy. Source: ANAC.
Can I fly a drone at night in Portugal?
Open-category night flight is possible when the applicable flight conditions are met, including visual line of sight and an active flashing green light. Check geographical restrictions and any required permissions. Obstacle sensing does not replace those conditions. Open-category conditions.
Can I fly a drone at the beach?
It depends on the beach and the zone. Beaches in protected areas may require ICNF authorisation (some are even prohibited zones), and on the coastline ANAC says to coordinate with the National Maritime Authority, through the local harbour master’s office. On a crowded beach on a sunny day, beachgoers count as an assembly of people, which you cannot fly over. Always check the Voa na Boa app.
What is Remote ID and how does it work?
Remote ID is an electronic identification system, mandatory since 1 January 2024 on class C1, C2 and C3 drones, that broadcasts the operator’s registration number, GPS position of the drone and pilot, altitude and speed. On DJI drones, it’s activated automatically in the DJI Fly app after you enter your ANAC registration number.
Conclusion
Drone laws in Portugal in 2026 follow the harmonised European regulation, supervised by ANAC. The rules are clear: register, respect no-fly zones, maintain visual line of sight, fly below 120 metres and respect privacy.
If you choose a sub-250 g drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, you’ll have maximum freedom with minimum bureaucracy. And in case of doubt, ANAC and the Voa na Boa app are your best allies.
Happy flying — and legal ones!
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