Drone rules in Spain
| Drones allowed? | Yes — under EU rules |
| License needed | EU Drone License (from 250 g) |
| Registration | Required — via the AESA e-office |
| Insurance | Mandatory (all flights) |
| Night flying | EU rules apply — check geo-zones |
| Max altitude | 120 m |
| Authority | AESA · ENAIRE Drones |
What you need to fly in Spain
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 Spain and all 30 European countries for 5 years.
2. Operator registration (the AESA e-office)
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 Spain too. Local pilots register via the AESA e-office.
3. Liability insurance
Spain requires a third-party liability insurance policy covering every drone flight — including open-category and hobby flying (Royal Decree 517/2024). Arrange cover before your trip.
The rules while flying
These EU-wide basics apply in Spain — plus the local details on the right.
Specific to Spain
- Check the official ENAIRE Drones map or app before every flight — Spain's national geo-zone rules (cities, controlled airspace, aerodromes) are set by Royal Decree 517/2024
- Liability insurance is mandatory for every flight, including hobby flying
- AESA's own remote-pilot courses and exams are Spanish-only — as a visitor you simply use your EU Drone License from home
- Certificates issued by any EASA member state are valid in Spain; do not register twice
- Spanish operator registration expires after 3 years and must be renewed
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 Spain and 29 other countries for 5 years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license for a DJI Mini (under 250 g) in Spain?
No license is needed under 250 g, but operator registration is required if the drone has a camera — and Spain requires liability insurance for every drone flight. Geo-zone rules apply to all drones.
Is my EU Drone License from another country valid in Spain?
Yes — AESA confirms certificates issued by one EASA member state are valid in all others. One license covers all 30 countries, including Spain and the Canary Islands.
Do I need insurance to fly a drone in Spain?
Yes — Spain requires a liability insurance policy covering every flight, including recreational flying. Check whether your travel insurance includes drone liability.
Where do I check no-fly zones in Spain?
Use the official ENAIRE Drones map or app — it shows all geo-zones including cities, beaches, airports and national parks.
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:
