Drone rules in Portugal
| Drones allowed? | Yes — under EU rules |
| License needed | EU Drone License (from 250 g) |
| Registration | Required — via the ANAC UAS portal |
| Insurance | Mandatory above 900 g |
| Night flying | Allowed — green flashing light required |
| Max altitude | 120 m |
| Authority | ANAC · AAN |
What you need to fly in Portugal
Three things make your flight legal. Two are formalities — the license is the one that takes a few hours, and you can get it entirely online.
1. EU Drone License (A1-A3)
Required for every drone from 250 g. Online course + official exam, average ~4 hours. Valid in Portugal and all 30 European countries for 5 years.
2. Operator registration (the ANAC UAS portal)
Usually the trickiest step for travelling pilots. Register once as an operator in your EASA country of residence and put the number on your drone — that registration is valid in Portugal too. Local pilots register via the ANAC UAS portal.
3. Liability insurance
Portugal requires liability insurance for drones heavier than 900 g (Decree-Law 58/2018, minimum coverage per Portaria 2/2021). At or below 900 g it is not required but still strongly advised.
The rules while flying
These EU-wide basics apply in Portugal — plus the local details on the right.
Specific to Portugal
- Any camera use requires prior authorisation from the AAN (Autoridade Aeronáutica Nacional, aan.pt) — apply well before your trip
- Insurance is mandatory above 900 g (Decree-Law 58/2018 + Portaria 2/2021)
- Registration runs via the ANAC UAS portal (uas.anac.pt); the official geo-zone map is dnt.anac.pt
- Night flying is allowed in the open category — a green flashing light must be active on the drone
- Nature reserves require ICNF permission — relevant for many coastal cliffs and parks
You can still get licensed before your trip.
The average pilot finishes the course and exam in ~4 hours, fully online. Pass today and your official EU certificate lands in your inbox — valid in Portugal and 29 other countries for 5 years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license for a DJI Mini (under 250 g) in Portugal?
No license is needed under 250 g, but operator registration is required if the drone has a camera — and filming also requires AAN authorisation in Portugal. Zone rules apply to all drones.
Is my EU Drone License from another country valid in Portugal?
Yes. The EU Drone License is valid in all EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland — one license covers all 30 countries.
Do I need a permit to film with my drone in Portugal?
Yes — in addition to the EU rules, capturing aerial photos or video requires prior authorisation from the AAN (aan.pt), including recreational filming. Apply well before your trip.
Do I need insurance to fly a drone in Portugal?
Insurance is mandatory for drones heavier than 900 g. At or below 900 g it is not required, but still advised.
How fast can I get the EU Drone License?
The course and exam are fully online and take about 4 hours on average. Pass today and your certificate arrives in your inbox the same day.
One license. 30 countries.
Your EU Drone License is valid in every country below — check the local rules before you pack:
