🇪🇸 Drone rules in Spain
Register once with AESA for a free operator number if your drone is 250 g+ or has a camera, pass AESA's free online A1/A3 exam, stay below 120 m, and check the ENAIRE Drones map to avoid airports, built-up areas and protected zones — all under the EU/EASA framework plus Spain's Real Decreto 517/2024.
Before you fly: drone rules change and vary by location. This page is a general summary, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules with the Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA) (official site). You are responsible for flying legally and safely.
Do I need to register my drone?
Register as an operator with AESA if your drone is 250 g or more, or carries a camera/sensor and isn't a toy. Registration is free and gives an EU-wide operator number that must be displayed on every drone; it is valid 3 years. Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for A2 operations and for drones of 20 kg or more, and recommended otherwise.
Do I need a licence or test?
Yes — complete AESA's free online A1/A3 course and exam (40 questions, 75% to pass); flying closer to people (A2) needs an additional proctored exam. Pilot certificates are valid 5 years. The general minimum age is 16 (lower for some drone classes).
Is Remote ID required?
Yes for class-marked drones (C1, C2, C3), which must have direct Remote ID and a unique serial number — the standard EASA requirement.
What is the maximum altitude?
120 m (about 400 ft) above the ground in the Open category. In controlled airspace outside aerodrome zones, Spain limits flying to 60 m.
Where can't I fly?
Check the ENAIRE Drones map before every flight. Flying near airports and in controlled airspace needs coordination; a Spanish specific requires notifying the Ministry of the Interior 5 calendar days ahead to fly over built-up/inhabited areas, and overflying buildings needs the owner's permission. Never fly over crowds, and defence, critical-infrastructure and protected natural sites need prior permission.
Authority: Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Aérea (AESA)