EASA drone certifications
Everything you need to get certified — A1/A3, A2 or STS. Fly legally across all EU member states.
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Free · mandatory first step
You just got a drone and want to fly legally across Europe.
The entry-level certificate required across the EU — and the mandatory first step before any other certification.
Optional next step
You want to fly close to people with a heavier C2 drone up to 4 kg.
Unlock flights in urban environments. Ideal for photography, events or basic mapping.
Complex missions
Your drone exceeds 4 kg or your mission requires flying beyond line of sight.
Designed for high-risk operations — spraying, mapping, precision agriculture and large-scale missions.
Yes. Any drone over 250g requires a minimum A1/A3 certificate to fly legally across the EU. Lighter drones under 250g may also require registration depending on their features and your country.
Always start with A1/A3 — it is free, 100% online, and mandatory before any other certification. Most pilots can complete it in a few days of study.
A1/A3 is the entry-level certificate for standard hobby and recreational flying. A2 allows you to fly a heavier drone (up to 4 kg) at a reduced safety distance from uninvolved people. It requires a paid theory exam plus self-declared practical training.
A2 covers drones up to 4 kg flown at reduced distance from people, within the open category. STS covers complex operations — drones over 4 kg, flights over controlled ground areas, or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) — and requires both a theory exam and practical training with an approved centre.
Yes. The official exam is taken directly on your national aviation authority's platform and is free of charge. Our platform helps you prepare and pass on your first attempt.
A1/A3 can be completed in a few days of study. A2 typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, including self-training. STS requires several weeks for theory plus a practical training session with an approved centre.
Yes. All EASA certifications — A1/A3, A2, and STS — are valid across all 31 EASA member states. You do not need to retake the exam when flying in another EU country.
Yes, in most cases. Any drone over 250g must be registered with your national aviation authority before flying. Some drones under 250g with cameras also require registration. Registration is separate from the pilot certificate.
Registration and exams are two separate steps. You must register as a drone operator with the NAA of the country where you reside — you cannot choose a different country for registration. However, you can sit your theory exam through the NAA of any EASA member state of your choice. Once registered, your number is valid across all 31 EASA member states. Registration has an expiry date set by your NAA — you will need to renew it there when it expires.
Yes — EASA rules apply to everyone flying in Europe, regardless of nationality. As a non-EU resident, you must register with the NAA of the first EU country where you intend to fly. That registration is then valid across all EASA member states. Any drone licence obtained outside the EU is not recognised — you will need to obtain an EASA certificate from scratch.
Yes, with restrictions. Drones without a CE class label C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 or C6 — including models bought outside the EU — are called legacy drones. Since January 2024, they can only fly in subcategory A1 (under 250g) or A3 (under 25kg, away from people). A2 operations are not permitted regardless of the drone's weight or capabilities. If you need to fly near people, you will need a drone with a valid EU class identification label.