Drone rules in Malta
| Drones allowed? | Yes — under EU rules |
| License needed | EU Drone License (from 250 g) |
| Registration | Required — via the Transport Malta drone portal |
| Insurance | Mandatory (proof at registration) |
| Night flying | Allowed — green flashing light required |
| Max altitude | 120 m |
| Authority | Transport Malta (TM-CAD) |
What you need to fly in Malta
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 Malta and all 30 European countries for 5 years.
2. Operator registration (the Transport Malta drone 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 Malta too. Local pilots register via the Transport Malta drone portal.
3. Liability insurance
Malta requires valid third-party insurance — proof is uploaded when you register on the Transport Malta drone portal, also for visiting pilots.
The rules while flying
These EU-wide basics apply in Malta — plus the local details on the right.
Specific to Malta
- All of Malta is controlled airspace — every drone flight needs TM-CAD authorisation via a flight request on tmcad.idronect.com (date, time, location, height)
- Visiting EASA-registered operators can take a 3-month registration for €10 (full registration €25) — with proof of third-party insurance uploaded
- The interactive geo-zone map lives on the TM-CAD portal; restricted zones include embassies, nature reserves, hospitals and the airport
- Flights touching a restricted zone need an uploaded 'no objection' email from the zone owner
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 Malta and 29 other countries for 5 years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license for a DJI Mini (under 250 g) in Malta?
No license is needed under 250 g, but registration and insurance are required for camera drones — and since all of Malta is controlled airspace, every flight still needs a TM-CAD flight authorisation.
Is my EU Drone License from another country valid in Malta?
Yes. The EU Drone License is valid in all EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland — one license covers all 30 countries.
Can I just take off at a beach in Malta?
No — all of Malta is controlled airspace, so every flight must be authorised by TM-CAD first via a flight request on the drone portal. Plan your flights before your trip.
What does drone registration cost in Malta as a tourist?
Visiting operators already registered in an EASA state can take a 3-month Malta registration for €10 (full registration €25), uploading proof of third-party insurance.
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:
