Check2FlyEuropean drone flight rules at a glance

Western Europe

Portugal

Portugal applies the common EASA framework but combines it with additional ANAC restrictions for airport zones, heliports and other geographical zones. In practice, before each flight you must check the ANAC UAS platform, the local conditions and whether the flight still falls within the open category.

Altitude: 120 m AGLRegistration: May be required depending on the operation or aircraft.

Flight rules

Quick overview for this country

This is a short overview of the most important requirements. Always confirm details and exceptions in official sources.

Registration requiredYes, depending on the operation or equipment.

Training requiredYes, often needed for compliance in the open category.

Maximum altitude120 m AGL

Camera / registration noteOperator registration is always required when the drone has a sensor on board, e.g. a camera, microphone or lidar, regardless of mass. Registration is also required for drones without a sensor over 249 g or light drones capable of exceeding 80 J of kinetic energy. Registration takes place in ANAC Registo / UAS Portugal, and the operator generally registers in the EU country of their main residence or registered office.

Local points to double-check

Do not fly higher than 120 m above the surface, keep VLOS and do not fly over gatherings of people.
In Portugal, flights in the open category may be carried out by day and by night without separate ANAC consent, but you must still meet all the conditions of subcategory A1, A2 or A3. The minimum pilot age in the open category is 16.
Operations in the open category generally do not require an ANAC operational authorisation. Restrictions arise, however, through geographical zones and the operational protection zones of airports and heliports under Regulamento ANAC No. 1093/2016, until the Article 15 mechanism of Regulation 2019/947 is fully implemented.
You may not fly in prohibited zones or in the operational restriction zones of airports and heliports without the conditions indicated by ANAC; at some airports without a CTR or ATZ/TRMZ, a flight up to 120 m is possible with the airport director's consent and without additional ANAC consent.
A2 requires a prior A1/A3, practical self-training and an in-person exam. ANAC also publishes a calendar of A2 and STS exams for the year.
Portuguese national liability insurance is mandatory for UAS with an operating mass over 900 g and up to 20 kg. Above 20 kg, the requirements of Regulation (EC) 785/2004 apply. For specific or cross-border flights, even a lighter drone may need liability insurance depending on the operation conditions and the law of the state of flight.
If a flight does not fall within the open category conditions, or the operator wishes to use PDRA, STS or LUC, the operation moves to the specific category and requires a process with ANAC.

Pre-flight checklist

Check everything before takeoff

Tick off the steps to verify the most important points before the flight.

0/5 done

Step 1Check whether the operator should be registered in ANAC Registo / UAS Portugal and whether the operator number is correctly assigned to the drone.Step 2Confirm the required pilot competency: A1/A3 for many flights in the open category and A2 if the planned operation is to be carried out in subcategory A2; account for practical self-training and the in-person exam.Step 3Before take-off, verify the ANAC UAS platform, the local airport and heliport zones and all conditions published for the flight location.Step 4Check whether you need liability insurance: in Portugal the national obligation essentially concerns drones over 900 g up to 20 kg, but for specific or foreign flights the requirements may be broader.Step 5If the flight does not fall within the open category, prepare the appropriate process for the specific category, including PDRA, STS, LUC or an application for authorisation to ANAC.

Official sources

Where to confirm current information

Open the authority or official flight map to confirm zones and current restrictions.

Authority websiteANAC PortugalOpen source Flight mapANAC Registo / UAS PortugalOpen source

Information sources

ANAC: open category ANAC: training, exams and certificates ANAC Registry: operator registration support FAQ ANAC Registry: official platform ANAC: open category forms ANAC: specific category ANAC FAQ: insurance obligation

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Important

Check2Fly provides a simplified overview and does not replace official aviation regulations or current airspace data. Always verify local restrictions in official sources before flying.