Flying Drones in Spain: Complete Guide to Regulations and Registration

AESA registration, A1/A3 and A2 certificates, flight zones, mandatory insurance, and penalties for drone pilots in Spain in 2026.

Spain has become one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for drone enthusiasts and professionals alike. With spectacular landscapes, over 300 days of sunshine per year, and a regulatory framework aligned with EASA's European regulations, the country offers ideal conditions for this activity. However, the rules are strict, and penalties for non-compliance can reach up to 225,000 EUR. If you are an expat looking to fly your drone in Spain — whether for leisure or professional purposes — this guide covers everything you need to know in 2026: from mandatory registration with AESA to flight zones, pilot certificates, insurance, and the latest provisions of Real Decreto 517/2024.

Legal Framework: From Real Decreto 1036/2017 to Real Decreto 517/2024

Drone regulation in Spain has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. The previous Real Decreto 1036/2017 was repealed and replaced by Real Decreto 517/2024, of 4 June, which came into force on 25 June 2024. This new decree aligns Spanish regulation with the European framework established by two EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) regulations:

• Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947: establishes flight rules, defines the operational categories (open, specific, certified) and pilot training requirements
• Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945: defines the technical drone classes (C0 to C6) and their marking requirements

The advantage for European expats is clear: pilot certificates obtained in Spain are valid throughout the entire EU, and vice versa.

The Three Operational Categories

The European regulation classifies drone operations into three categories based on the level of risk:

The vast majority of recreational pilots and many professionals operate in the open category (categoría abierta). This is the one we will cover in the most detail.

Open Category: Subcategories A1, A2 and A3

The open category is divided into three subcategories that determine where you can fly and how close to people:

Subcategory A1 — Flight over people (with restrictions)

• Class C0 drones (under 250 g, e.g. DJI Mini 4 Pro): may fly over uninvolved people, but not over assemblies of people
• Class C1 drones (under 900 g): may fly close to people, but not intentionally over them
• Training required: A1/A3 certificate
• Minimum pilot age: 16 years (or 14 under adult supervision)

Subcategory A2 — Flight close to people

• Class C2 drones (under 4 kg): minimum distance of 30 metres from uninvolved people (reducible to 5 metres in low-speed mode)
• Training required: A1/A3 certificate + A2 certificate
• Typical use: professional work in semi-urban environments

Subcategory A3 — Flight far from people

• Class C2, C3 and C4 drones (up to 25 kg): must fly at least 150 metres from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas
• Training required: A1/A3 certificate
• Typical use: recreational flying in open countryside, precision agriculture

Registering as an Operator with AESA

Registration as a UAS operator with AESA is mandatory and free of charge for anyone who flies a drone that:

• Weighs 250 grams or more, OR
• Has a camera or sensor capable of capturing personal data (which includes virtually all camera drones, even those weighing under 250 g)

Registration Process

1. Access the AESA electronic office using a digital certificate, Cl@ve, or electronic DNI
2. If you are a foreign national without a Spanish DNI, you must first register in the e4F system (eSignature for Foreigners) — you will need your NIE and passport. It is also recommended to have a TIE card if you plan to reside in Spain
3. Complete the operator registration form
4. You will receive an operator number in the format ESPxxxxxxxxxx
5. Display this number visibly on your drone (adhesive label)

Aircraft Registration with the Ministry of the Interior

Real Decreto 517/2024 also created a registry of unmanned aircraft managed by the Ministerio del Interior (Ministry of the Interior). All drones must be registered in this registry, and retailers are required to report drone sales to this body. This registry is separate from the AESA operator registration.

Pilot Certificates: A1/A3 and A2

A1/A3 Certificate — Basic Training

This is the minimum certificate required to fly any drone in the open category. The process is as follows:

1. Access the free online course on the AESA website
2. Complete the online training: modules on aviation safety, regulations, meteorology, human performance limitations, operational procedures, and general UAS knowledge
3. Pass the exam: 40 multiple-choice questions, pass mark of 75% (30 correct answers)
4. Receive your certificate immediately upon passing

The course and exam are completely free and taken online from any computer. They are available in both Spanish and English.

Validity: 5 years from the date of issue.

A2 Certificate — Advanced Training

If you need to fly class C2 drones close to people (subcategory A2), you must also obtain the A2 certificate:

1. Prerequisite: hold a valid A1/A3 certificate
2. Self-directed practical training: complete the required practical flight hours (sworn declaration)
3. AESA exam: in-person or remote exam with 30 more technical questions (advanced meteorology, UAS performance, risk mitigation)
4. Fee: the A2 exam carries an administrative fee (check the AESA website for the current price)

Validity: 5 years.

Fundamental Flight Rules

Regardless of which subcategory you operate in, the following rules are mandatory across all of Spain:

Maximum Altitude

• 120 metres above ground level (AGL) maximum in the open category
• Exception: if you fly near an obstacle taller than 105 m, you may ascend up to 15 m above that obstacle with the owner's permission

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

• You must maintain direct visual contact with the drone at all times (Visual Line of Sight)
• FPV (First Person View) flight is not permitted as the sole means of observation, unless a visual observer maintains direct contact with the drone

Night Flying

• Night flying is permitted in the open category provided the drone has visible position lights and all other rules for the relevant subcategory are met

Proximity to Airports and Aerodromes

• It is prohibited to fly in air traffic control zones (CTR) without express authorisation
• Always check the ENAIRE Drones map before every flight

Other Prohibitions

• Do not fly over military installations, nuclear power plants, prisons, or sensitive government buildings
• Do not fly over national parks, biosphere reserves, and protected natural areas without authorisation
• Do not transport dangerous goods or drop objects from the drone in the open category
• Always respect the right to privacy and data protection (GDPR Regulation and LOPDGDD)

Flight Zones: ENAIRE Drones

Before every flight, you are required to check the UAS geographical zones published by ENAIRE, Spain's air navigation service provider. Real Decreto 517/2024 designates ENAIRE as the sole official source of information on UAS geographical zones.

How to Use ENAIRE Drones

1. Go to drones.enaire.es (web) or download the ENAIRE Drones app (available on Google Play and App Store)
2. Locate your flight zone on the map
3. Check the restrictions: red zones (prohibited), yellow zones (specific restrictions), green zones (flight permitted)
4. If you need to fly in a restricted zone associated with AENA infrastructure, submit your request through PLANEA or ENAIRE Drones at least 20 calendar days in advance

Third-Party Liability Insurance

Third-party liability insurance (seguro de responsabilidad civil) is mandatory for most drone operations in Spain:

Drone-specific insurance can be taken out with insurers such as MAPFRE, Allianz, Helvetia, or through brokers specialising in aviation. Prices for recreational use range from 30 EUR to 100 EUR per year depending on the drone's weight and coverage levels.

The legal basis for the insurance obligation is found in articles 126 and 127 of the Ley 48/1960, de 21 de julio, sobre Navegación Aérea, applicable to unmanned aircraft.

Standard Scenarios: STS-01 and STS-02

For operations in the specific category (medium risk), European regulations define standard scenarios that simplify the authorisation process:

Transition from STS-ES to STS-EU

A critical change that took effect on 1 January 2026: the Spanish national standard scenarios (STS-ES 01 and STS-ES 02) are no longer valid. From that date, only the European standard scenarios (STS-01 and STS-02) are accepted.

• STS-01: VLOS flight over a controlled ground area in a populated environment, with class C5 drones (maximum 25 kg), at a maximum altitude of 120 m
• STS-02: BVLOS flight (beyond visual line of sight) with airspace observers, using class C6 drones, at a maximum distance of 2 km from the pilot

Requirements for STS-01 and STS-02

• Drone with C5 or C6 class marking depending on the scenario
• Pass the level 3 theoretical exam at AESA
• Practical training at an AESA-accredited entity
• Operational declaration submitted to AESA before commencing operations

Penalties and Infringements

The Ley 48/1960 sobre Navegación Aérea and the Ley 21/2003, de 7 de julio, de Seguridad Aérea establish the penalty regime applicable to drones:

In addition to financial penalties, serious and very serious infringements can result in a ban on operating drones and the revocation of certificates for periods of up to 5 years.

Quick Guide: 5 Steps to Fly Legally

If you have just arrived in Spain with your drone, follow these steps in order:

1. Obtain your NIE — required to register with AESA as a foreign national (through the e4F system)
2. Pass the A1/A3 exam — free course and exam on the AESA website
3. Register as an operator with AESA — free of charge, you will receive your ESPxxxxxxxxxx number
4. Take out third-party liability insurance — mandatory for drones weighing 250 g or more (or class C1+)
5. Check ENAIRE Drones before every flight — verify the permitted zones

If you are a professional pilot or need to fly in urban environments with drones over 900 g, you should also consider the A2 certificate. If you carry out aerial work as a self-employed professional, you will need to register with RETA and comply with the corresponding tax obligations. Holders of a digital nomad visa can also operate drones professionally in Spain as long as they comply with the regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly my drone on the beach in Spain?

It depends on the exact location. Many beaches fall within restricted zones due to proximity to airports or heliports. In addition, during peak season beaches are usually crowded, which prevents flying in subcategories A1 and A2. Always check ENAIRE Drones and comply with local municipal regulations. Some coastal towns expressly prohibit drone flights on their beaches through local bylaws (ordenanza municipal).

Do I need to register if my drone weighs less than 250 grams?

If your drone has a camera or any sensor capable of capturing personal data, then yes, you must register as an operator with AESA even if it weighs under 250 g. This includes virtually all consumer drones such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Only toy drones without a camera and weighing under 250 g are exempt from registration.

Is my drone pilot certificate from another EU country valid in Spain?

Yes. A1/A3 and A2 certificates issued by the aviation authority of any EU/EEA Member State are fully valid in Spain and in any other EU country. You do not need to revalidate them. Likewise, certificates obtained from AESA are valid throughout Europe.

Can I fly a drone in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia?

Flying in urban areas is highly restricted. In subcategory A1, you can only fly over people with class C0 drones (< 250 g), and you cannot fly over assemblies of people. In subcategory A2, you can approach within 30 metres of people with C2 drones. In practice, Spain's major cities have extensive CTR zones and additional restrictions. Check ENAIRE Drones for the exact zone where you plan to fly.

What happens if the police stop me flying without registration or a certificate?

The Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad del Estado (State Security Forces — National Police, Guardia Civil, regional police forces) have the authority to inspect drone operations. They will ask for your pilot certificate, operator registration number, and insurance policy. If you cannot produce them, a violation report will be filed and AESA may impose a penalty ranging from 60 EUR (minor infringement) up to 225,000 EUR in the most serious cases. In February 2026, the National Police issued 82 proposed sanctions for irregular drone use in a single operation.

Can I record video with my drone and post it on social media?

Yes, but you must comply with data protection regulations. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Ley Orgánica 3/2018 (LOPDGDD) apply to images captured by drones. If you record identifiable individuals without their consent, you may face sanctions from the AEPD (Spanish Data Protection Agency). For personal recreational use and social media posting, avoid filming close-ups of people without permission and do not capture images of private properties in an invasive manner.