Europe-wide drone regulations came into full effect in 2021 under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), replacing the fragmented national rules that had previously made cross-border flying a legal maze. For the first time, pilots across most of Europe operate under a single harmonised framework. Understanding it is essential before you take off anywhere in the EU, and in 2025 the rules are well established but still widely misunderstood.
This guide breaks down the EASA framework clearly, covers the key categories and subcategories, explains registration and competency requirements, and addresses what happens when you fly in a different EU member state.
Who Does the EASA Framework Apply To?
The EASA drone regulations apply to all 27 EU member states, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland under their agreements with the EU. The UK left EASA after Brexit and now operates under its own CAA framework, though there are broad similarities in structure.
The rules apply to drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used for any purpose, recreational and commercial alike. If you fly in the EU, regardless of where you bought your drone or what country you are from, these rules apply to you.
The Three Categories: Open, Specific, and Certified
EASA divides all drone operations into three categories based on the risk they present. The higher the risk, the more authorisation and oversight is required.
Open Category
The Open category covers low-risk operations and is where the vast majority of recreational and hobbyist pilots, as well as many commercial photographers, operate. No prior authorisation is needed from an aviation authority, but you must comply with the applicable subcategory rules.
To fly in the Open category, your drone must:
- Weigh less than 25 kilograms
- Stay below 120 metres (approximately 400 feet) above ground level
- Remain within visual line of sight
- Not fly over assemblies of people
The Open category is further divided into three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3.
Subcategory A1
A1 permits flight over uninvolved people (but not over assemblies of people) with drones in class C0 or C1. C0 drones weigh less than 250 grams; C1 drones weigh less than 900 grams with specific safety features. Popular drones in this weight range include the DJI Mini series.
To fly in A1, pilots must complete a free online training module provided by their national aviation authority (NAA) and pass an online test. There is no practical component.
Subcategory A2
A2 allows you to fly closer to uninvolved people than A3, specifically down to a 30-metre horizontal distance in standard mode, or as close as 5 metres in low-speed mode for drones with that capability. It covers drones in class C2, which weigh less than 4 kilograms.
A2 requires an A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC). This involves completing the A1/A3 online training first, then additional self-study on topics including meteorology, drone flight performance, and technical knowledge, followed by an in-person theory exam at a NAA-designated examination centre.
Subcategory A3
A3 is for flying away from people and residential areas, with at least 150 metres of horizontal distance from residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas. It covers C2, C3, and C4 class drones, plus legacy drones not carrying a class label.
Pilots need the same A1/A3 online training and test as for A1. No additional certificate is required.
Specific Category
The Specific category covers higher-risk operations that fall outside the Open category rules. This includes flights beyond visual line of sight, operations over crowds, flights at higher altitudes, and operations with heavier aircraft.
To operate in the Specific category, you generally need either:
- A Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) approved by your NAA, or
- Authorisation under a Standard Scenario (STS) published by EASA, which covers pre-defined common use cases
Standard Scenarios exist for specific types of BVLOS and other advanced operations. If your planned operation matches an STS, the process is simpler than a full SORA. Commercial operators doing complex photography work, surveying, or inspection at scale typically end up in the Specific category.
Certified Category
The Certified category applies to the highest-risk operations, such as transporting people, carrying dangerous goods, or operations over large crowds at low altitudes. These require full certification of the operator, the aircraft, and the remote pilot, equivalent to traditional manned aviation certification. Most civilian commercial operators will never operate in this category.
Drone Registration
Registration requirements depend on your drone’s weight and the subcategory you intend to fly in.
Drones above 250 grams must be registered with the NAA in your country of residence. Even drones under 250 grams must be registered if they are equipped with a camera or sensor capable of capturing personal data, as these present a privacy risk.
Registration is done through your country’s NAA portal. In the UK, this is the CAA. In Germany, it is the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA). In France, it is the Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC). Each country’s portal issues a registration number that must be affixed to your drone.
The registration number takes the format of a UAS Operator Registration Number. This is not the same as a serial number or model number; it is issued specifically to you as the operator.
Operators must also display an e-identification (Remote ID) capability on drones that require it under the class markings. Many modern drones from DJI and other manufacturers come with Remote ID built in; for older drones, an external Remote ID module may be needed.
Pilot Competency and Training
The level of competency required scales with the subcategory:
- A1/A3: Free online training through your NAA, followed by an online test. No minimum age stated in the regulation, though NAAs may set their own minimum.
- A2 CofC: Additional self-study plus an in-person theory exam.
- Specific category: More extensive training and assessment depending on the operation type.
The online training and tests for A1/A3 are available through each country’s NAA website. In most countries, the test can be taken entirely online from home. Scores are recorded and linked to your operator registration.
Flying Across EU Member States
One of the most significant advantages of the EASA framework is cross-border harmonisation. If you are registered in one EU member state and have passed the required competency tests, you can fly in any other EU member state under the same rules, with your home country registration valid throughout the EU.
However, there are important nuances:
Geographical zones vary by country. Each member state can designate specific geographical zones where drone flight is prohibited, restricted, or conditionally allowed. These zones are defined by individual countries and differ from place to place. Always check the UAS geographical zone information for the specific country and area you plan to fly in before you travel.
National apps and tools. Each country may have its own app or tool for checking zones and obtaining local authorisations. Germany uses the DFS Aviation Services map. France uses Geoportail. Spain uses ENAIRE’s Drones app. Familiarise yourself with the tool for each country you visit.
Temporary restrictions. Temporary airspace restrictions for events, military exercises, or VIP movements can be imposed at short notice. Check NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen/Airwomen) and local app data before every flight.
Some rules remain national. While the category and competency framework is harmonised, some aspects such as noise regulations, liability insurance requirements, and privacy laws remain within the jurisdiction of individual member states.
Insurance Considerations
The EU Drone Regulation requires operators in the Open and Specific categories to have third-party liability insurance. Requirements vary by country, but flying commercially without adequate insurance is both illegal and a serious financial risk. In many EU countries, insurance is mandatory regardless of category. Check the specific requirements for every country you intend to fly in commercially.
Legacy Drones and Transition Rules
Drones manufactured before the class marking system came into effect (C0 through C5) are referred to as legacy drones. These do not carry EASA class identification labels. Legacy drones have their own transitional placement within the Open category rules, generally fitting into the A3 subcategory based on weight and operation type. The transition period for legacy operations has been extended multiple times; always check current EASA guidance for the latest status.
FAQ
Does my Part 107 certification from the US count in Europe?
No. The FAA Part 107 certificate has no direct equivalence in the EASA system. If you are visiting Europe and want to fly commercially, you must meet the EASA competency requirements for the relevant subcategory. For A1/A3 operations, this means completing the online training and test through a relevant EU member state’s NAA. Some NAAs accept applications from non-EU residents, but the process varies.
Can I fly my DJI Mini 4 Pro in the EU without any training?
The DJI Mini 4 Pro weighs under 249 grams. However, it is equipped with a camera, which means registration may be required in certain countries even though it is under the 250-gram registration threshold for non-camera drones. You also need to complete the A1/A3 online training and test to fly in A1 or A3. Always check the specific rules for the country you are in.
What is the maximum altitude I can fly in the Open category in Europe?
The maximum altitude in the Open category is 120 metres (approximately 400 feet) above ground level. Some geographical zones may have lower ceilings. Always check the local zone information before flying.
I registered my drone in Germany. Do I need to re-register in France when I visit?
No. Your EU registration from Germany is valid for flight throughout all EU member states. You do not need to re-register in each country. However, you must still comply with local geographical zone restrictions and any country-specific rules.
Is drone insurance mandatory in the EU?
EU regulation requires operators to have third-party liability insurance, and many member states enforce this requirement strictly. The required coverage level varies. For commercial operations, a dedicated drone liability policy is strongly recommended. Do not assume your general business liability or home insurance covers drone operations, as most do not.