Drone flying in Austria in 2026: rules you need to know

Whether you want to take photos in the mountains or fly a drone as a hobby in Austria, buying the aircraft is only the first step. The rules are based on EU drone regulations, and what you need depends mainly on the drone’s weight. Here is what you need to know in 2026.

Key points

• From 250 grams, a drone licence (Drohnenführerschein) is mandatory. It consists of free online training and a 40-question test.
• Operator registration with Austro Control costs 46,80 euros and is valid for 3 years.
• The maximum permitted flight altitude in the open category is 120 metres, with continuous visual contact.
• Special aviation liability insurance is required; standard household insurance is not enough.
• You may fly over airports and restricted airspace only with prior permission.

What are the operating categories?

EU regulations recognise three operating categories:

• Open: this is the category for private drone flying and covers most recreational pilots.
• Specific: permission is required if any condition of the open category is not met. Examples include beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, camera flights over urban areas with a drone weighing more than 4 kg, or the use of drones weighing more than 25 kg.
• Certified: this applies to operations with risks similar to those of piloted aviation, such as transporting people or dangerous goods. Permission is required.

Which class does your drone belong to?

The drone’s CE marking, from C0 to C4, determines where and how you may fly, particularly how close you may operate to people. The heavier the aircraft, the greater the required distance and the more comprehensive the examination.

• C0: take-off mass under 250 g; A1 subcategory; may fly over people.
• C1: 250 g and under 900 g; A1 subcategory; may not fly over people.
• C2: 900 g and under 4 kg; A2 or A3 subcategory; at least 30 m from people, or 5 m in slow mode at a maximum of 3 m/s.
• C3 and C4: 4 kg and under 25 kg; A3 subcategory; at least 150 m from residential, industrial, commercial and recreational areas.

In the A1 subcategory, C0 and C1 drones may operate in Follow-me mode within 50 metres. In A3, no uninvolved people may be present in the flight area.

What are the general flight rules?

In the open category, the following rules always apply:

1. Do not fly higher than 120 metres.
2. Maintain continuous, direct visual contact with the drone without technical assistance.
3. Keep the safety distance from people that applies to the drone’s weight and class.
4. Remote identification (Remote ID) has been mandatory since January 1. It transmits, among other things, the altitude, position and operator identification number. The related Geo-Awareness function warns about breaches of airspace rules. This is mandatory for C1, C2 and C3 drones; C0, C4 and privately built aircraft up to 25 kg are exceptions.

You can check where flying is prohibited or requires permission on the map.dronespace.at map.

Who must register, and how much does it cost?

Registration applies to the operator (Betreiber), not to each individual drone. It is mandatory when:

• the drone weighs at least 250 g;
• even if it weighs under 250 g, it can transfer more than 80 joules of kinetic energy in a collision;
• even if it weighs under 250 g, it has a sensor capable of recording personal data, such as a camera. The exception is toy drones intended for children under 14.

• Minimum operator age: 18 years
• Residence: main residence in Austria
• Minimum insurance cover: 750 000 SDR (special drawing rights)
• Fee: 46,80 euros
• Validity: 3 years

Registration is completed online at dronespace.at using ID Austria, EU Login or an uploaded copy of an identity document. The operator number you receive must be displayed clearly on every drone you use; a waterproof marker is sufficient. If your details change, for example because you move, you must notify Austro Control by email.

How do you obtain the drone licence?

The licence is mandatory from 250 grams in every subcategory of the open category. The online training and the test consisting of 40 multiple-choice questions are free. Topics include flight safety, operating procedures, insurance and data protection.

• Minimum age as a pilot: 16 years, with some exceptions such as toy drones.
• Validity: 5 years.
• A2 subcategory: this also requires flight practice and a theoretical examination taken with Austro Control. You can apply by email at least ten working days before the requested date.

You must carry your licence and insurance policy during every flight, either printed or on your phone. The examination can be taken in any European country and is valid in every member state.

Frequently asked questions

Does a drone weighing less than 250 grams have to be registered?

Yes, if it has a camera or can transfer more than 80 joules of energy in a collision. Toy drones intended for children under 14 are exempt.

Is standard household insurance enough?

No. Standard private liability insurance or household insurance is not sufficient for drones. Special aviation liability insurance is required.

Can my 16-year-old child fly a drone?

As a pilot, they can obtain the licence at 16. However, operator registration is possible only from the age of 18.

What about permits issued before 2020?

Operating permits issued before December 31, 2020 remain valid, but online registration is still mandatory.

Practical steps before flying

1. Check the drone’s weight, CE class and operating category.
2. Arrange special aviation liability insurance with minimum cover of 750 000 SDR.
3. Register as an operator with Austro Control through dronespace.at if registration is required.
4. Display your operator number clearly on every drone you use.
5. Complete the free online training and 40-question test if you are flying a drone from 250 grams.
6. For A2 operations, complete the required flight practice and arrange the theoretical examination with Austro Control.
7. Check map.dronespace.at before every flight for restricted airspace and permission requirements.
8. Carry your drone licence and insurance policy, printed or on your phone, during the flight.

This article is based on information from online sources and does not constitute advice. Use it at your own responsibility. For specialist advice, contact a lawyer, legal professional or another relevant specialist. Source: oesterreich.gv.at