RULES BY COUNTRY
Drone rules in Spain
The open-category framework is European, but each Member State keeps control over decisive points — and that is where the nasty surprises hide. Here is what actually applies in Spain, verified against national official sources.
At a glance
Operator registration
- Registration applies to the operator, not to the aircraft: it is mandatory from 250 g, or at any weight if the drone carries a camera or a sensor capable of capturing personal data. Only a toy without a sensor is exempt.
- Competent authority: Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA).
- The procedure is free.
- Registration must be renewed every 3 years.
- The operator registration number you receive must be displayed on each of your drones.
Remote pilot training
- The A1/A3 proof of completion is obtained through online training and an online exam. The procedure is free.
- The A2 certificate requires the A1/A3 proof, self-declared practical self-training, then an additional theoretical exam taken online under remote invigilation.
- These credentials are valid for 5 years and recognised throughout the European Union.
Night flying
Night flying is allowed in the open category, provided the drone is fitted with a flashing green light. All other rules remain the same as by day, starting with visual line of sight.
Insurance
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in subcategory A2, in the specific and certified categories, and for any aircraft of 20 kg or more. It is not required in A1 or in A3 under 20 kg.
Minimum age
- 12 in subcategory A1 with a class C0 drone that is not a toy.
- 14 in the other open-category cases.
Remote identification
There is no national electronic signalling requirement: remote identification follows solely from the drone's class (C1, C2, C3).
Geographical zones
The general 120 m ceiling can be lowered, and some zones are prohibited or conditional: airports, military sites, protected natural areas, sensitive locations. These restrictions change — check the official tool before every flight.
ENAIRE DronesPenalties
The most common breach, failure to register, carries a fine of up to €45,000. Other offences (flying in a prohibited zone, endangerment) fall under separate and sometimes heavier penalties.
What is specific to Spain
- To fly in an urban environment, prior notification to the authorities is mandatory at least 5 days in advance, and flying over buildings and homes is prohibited.
- The urban environment is defined broadly: it extends vertically up to 300 metres above the highest obstacle within a 600-metre radius.
- A class C1 drone of 250 g or more must stay at least 5 metres from buildings and homes, even when the flight takes place outside those areas.
- The operator registration number must be legible to the naked eye when the drone is on the ground; it may go inside the battery compartment if the aircraft is too small.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fly a drone at night in Spain?+
Night flying is allowed in the open category, provided the drone is fitted with a flashing green light. All other rules remain the same as by day, starting with visual line of sight.
Do you have to register your drone in Spain?+
Registration applies to the operator, not to the aircraft: it is mandatory from 250 g, or at any weight if the drone carries a camera or a sensor capable of capturing personal data. Only a toy without a sensor is exempt. Competent authority: Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA). The procedure is free.
Is insurance mandatory in Spain?+
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory in subcategory A2, in the specific and certified categories, and for any aircraft of 20 kg or more. It is not required in A1 or in A3 under 20 kg.
How old do you have to be to fly a drone in Spain?+
12 in subcategory A1 with a class C0 drone that is not a toy. 14 in the other open-category cases.
Does my drone need electronic signalling in Spain?+
There is no national electronic signalling requirement: remote identification follows solely from the drone's class (C1, C2, C3).
See also
Taking your drone abroad in Europe: your operator registration and your training stay valid everywhere. Geographical zones, night flying, insurance and minimum age do not.
Official sources
- Categoría abierta A1/A2/A3 — AESA
- Real Decreto 517/2024 (texte consolidé) — BOE
- Ley 21/2003 de Seguridad Aérea (sanctions) — BOE
- Zonas geográficas de UAS — ENAIRE
Information provided for guidance, based on the official sources listed. It does not replace checking geographical zones and temporary restrictions before every flight.
And for your drone specifically?
This page covers the national framework. To find out YOUR exact obligations in Spain, run the calculator.
Calculate my obligations