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Drone Laws in Croatia

Summary of Drone Laws in Croatia

Hobbyist Drone Laws For Residents of Croatia

Drone Operations in Croatia are currently regulated.


  • Hobbyist drone flights are allowed in Croatia
  • Hobbyist Croatia drone pilot license is required
  • Hobbyist Drone registration is required in Croatia for hobbyists flying over 250g, or drone with a camera
  • Drone Remote ID is generally required in Croatia (except in some classes C0, C4 with no RID)
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists’ drone operations in Croatia

Read below for more details on Hobbyist Drone Laws in Croatia and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Commercial Drone Laws For Residents of Croatia

Drone Operations in Croatia are currently regulated.


  • Commercial drone flights are allowed in Croatia
  • Commercial Croatia drone pilot license is required
  • Commercial Drone registration is required in Croatia for commercial drone operators
  • Drone Remote ID is generally required in Croatia (except in some classes C0, C4 with no RID)
  • Drone Insurance is required for commercial drone operations in Croatia

Read below for more details on Commercial Drone Laws in Croatia and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Laws For Visitors To Croatia

Drone Operations in Croatia are currently regulated.


  • Foreign visitor drone flights are allowed in Croatia (however permission which is required for recreational imagery and video does not seem possible – read below)
  • Foreign visitor drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration is required in Croatia for visitors/tourists (unless previously registered in EASA)
  • Drone Remote ID is generally required in Croatia (except in some classes C0, C4 with no RID)
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for tourist drone operations in Croatia

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Croatia for Visitors (Tourists) and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Laws For Government Drone Operators in Croatia

Drone Operations in Croatia are currently regulated.


  • Government drone flights are allowed in Croatia
  • Government drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration is required in Croatia for Government operations
  • Drone Remote ID is generally required in Croatia (except in some classes C0, C4 with no RID)
  • Drone Insurance is not required for Government drone operations in Croatia

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Croatia for Government Drone Operations and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Croatia

Drone Regulator in Croatia: Croatian Civil Aviation Agency (CCAA)

EU Nations Drone Regulator and Regulations: European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

For a full explanation of EASA regulations simplified, please read our explainer: The rules for drone flyers in the European Union (Europe Drone Laws Simplified)


UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Croatia

The Croatian agency responsible for drone safety, CCAA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights of Croatia Drone Rules are outlined below. For more details, go to the link above.

Flying and operating drones in Croatia are subject to European Union Regulation 2019/947. The Croatian Civil Aviation Agency (CCAA) supervises and implements Drone Rules Croatia.

According to the level of risk involved, this new legal framework will introduce three categories of drone operations: Open, Specific, and Certified.

Are drones allowed in Croatia?

According to CCAA, drone use is allowed in Croatia, subject to CCAA and EASA regulations. Read on for more details.

Categories of Allowed Drone Flights in Croatia:

Drone flights in Croatia are allowed in three categories defined by the level of risk associated with drone flights or operations. Whether you are a resident of Croatia or a visitor, you must operate within the limitations and follow the rules and procedures of the category in which your drone operation qualifies:

Open Category

Given the low level of risk, neither prior authorization by the competent authority nor a declaration by the drone operator is required. The drone’s total takeoff mass must be less than 25kg and be operated within a visual line of sight at a maximum altitude of 120m.

Specific Category

Considering the moderate level of risk involved, flights in this category require authorization before the operation. The permission is given considering the mitigation measures identified in an operational risk assessment, except in specific standard scenarios where an operator declaration is sufficient.

Certified Category

Given the inherent dangers, certification of the drone and a licensed remote pilot are required. If your drone can carry people, you fall under the Certified category!

The most common rules to know for flying a drone in Croatia:

The ‘open’ category is the main reference for most leisure drone and low-risk commercial activities in European countries.

Subcategories of Open Category Drones

The ‘open’ category is, in turn, subdivided into three sub-categories – A1, A2, A3 — which may be summarised as follows:

  • A1: fly over people but not over assemblies of people
  • A2: fly close to people
  • A3: fly far from people

Each subcategory comes with its own set of requirements. Therefore, in the ‘open’ category, it is important to identify the subcategory of operation your activities will fall under to determine which rules apply to you and the training the remote pilot needs to undertake.

If you comply with the relevant requirements of the subcategories (A1, A2, and A3), no operational authorization is required before starting a flight.

Conditions required to avoid authorization

The following conditions must be met:

  • The drone operator has to be registered.

EU residents: Please register in the EU member state of your main residence (or principal place of business), and contact the Aviation Authority in your member state for further details.

Non-EU residents: Please register in the EU member state where you intend to operate your drone first. If the first drone operation will take place in Croatia, please register as an operator here.

  • All operated drones need sufficient insurance coverage.

Each country might have a different limit. For example, in Croatia, you must ensure the coverage is at least 750,000 SDR and your insurance is valid in Croatia.

  • The drone pilot needs proof of competency.

Depending on the subcategory of your drone operation (see table below), you need a certificate for A1/A3 and additionally A2.

  • The drone must always be in a visual line of sight (VLOS).
  • The drone is flown at no more than 120 meters above ground level.
  • The drone must not carry any dangerous goods or drop any material.

Open Category Since January 1, 2024

Starting from January 1, 2024, operations in the open category must be conducted either with a drone bearing a C0, C1, C2, C3, or C4 class identification label or privately built or even without a class identification label, but only if placed on the market before December 31, 2023.

The markings look like this:

C0 Drone Class LabelC1 Drone Class LabelC2 Drone Class LabelC3 Drone Class LabelC4 Drone Class Label
easa drone c0 marking easa drone c1 marking easa drone c2 marking easa drone c3 marking easa drone c4 marking

If you are in the market, buy a drone with your desired marking. Choose one with the markings for the operations you will conduct.

For your benefit, here is a list of the currently available drones with class identification labels:

ClassCompanyTypeModel NameModel Numbers

easa drone c0 marking
DJIMulti-rotorDJI Mini 2 SE
DJI Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo
MT2SD, MT2SDCE, MT3PDCE, MT3PD,
MT3M3VDB, MT4MFVD

easa drone c1 marking
DJIMulti-rotorAIR 3, DJI MAVIC 3 V2.0, Cine V2.0, ClassicEB3WBC , L2AA, L2PA, L2C
easa drone c2 marking AgEagleFixed-wingSENSEFLY eBeeSENSEFLY EBEE X, GEO,
AG, TAC PUBLIC SAFETY
easa drone c2 marking
DJIMulti-rotorM30 EU, M3OT EU, DJI MAVIC 3E EU, 3T EU, ЗМ EUM30 RTK EU, M30T RTK EU, M3E-EU, M3T-EU, M3M-EU
easa drone c3 marking Quantum-SystemsFixed-wingTrinity F90+R10
easa drone c3 marking DJI Multi-rotor Matrice 350 RTKM350 RTK

Open Category From January 1, 2024

You will be able to operate them as described in the table below.

Be aware that ‘privately built’ means that you built the drone for your own personal use, so it was not purchased; it does not refer to UASs assembled from sets of parts placed on the market as a single, ready-to-assemble kit.

After 1 January 2024, if you have purchased a drone before that date without a class identification label, you will still be able to fly it in subcategory A1 if it weighs up to 250g or in subcategory A3 if it weighs up to 25kg.

Drone CategoryOperation SubcategoryOperational RestrictionsDrone Operator RegistrationRemote Pilot CompetenceRemote Pilot Minimum Age
Privately Built and Drones bought before 1/1/24 (under 250 g)A1 (fly over people, but not assemblies) – can also fly in Subcategory A3May fly over uninvolved people (should be avoided when possible)

No flight over assemblies of people
Not required unless a camera or sensor is on board and the drone is not a toyNo Training requiredNo minimum age
C0 (under 250 gram)A1 (fly over people, but not assemblies) – can also fly in Subcategory A3No flight expected over uninvolved people (if it happens, overflight should be minimized)

No flight over assemblies of people

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level
Not required unless a camera or sensor is on board and the drone is not a toyNo flight expected over uninvolved people (if it happens, overflight should be minimized)

No flight over assemblies of people

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state). No minimum age if the drone is a toy
C1 (under 900 gram)A1 (fly over people, but not assemblies) – can also fly in Subcategory A3No flight expected over uninvolved people (if it happens, overflight should be minimised)

No flight over assemblies of people

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level
Yes. Drone Registration is requiredRead the user manual carefully

Obtain a ‘Proof of completion for online training’ for A1/A3 ‘open’ subcategory by:

Completing the online training 

Passing the online theoretical exam
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state
C2 (under 4 kg)A2 (fly close to people) – can also fly in Subcategory A3Must not overfly uninvolved people

Maintain a horizontal distance of 30 m from uninvolved people (can be reduced to 5 m if the low-speed function is activated)

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level
Yes. Drone Registration is requiredRead the user manual carefully

Obtain a ’Remote pilot certificate of competency’ for A2 ‘open’ subcategory by:

Having a ‘Proof of completion for online training’ for A1/A3 ‘open’ subcategory 

Conducting and declare a practical self-training

Passing an additional theoretical exam at the NAA or proctored online
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state)
C3 (under 25 kg)A3 (fly far from people)Must not overfly uninvolved people

Maintain a horizontal distance of 150 m from uninvolved people and urban areas

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level.
Yes. Drone Registration is requiredRead the user manual carefully

Obtain a ‘Proof of completion for online training’ for the A1/A3 ‘open’ subcategory by:

Completing the online training 

Passing the online theoretical exam
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state)
C4 (under 25 kg)A3 (fly far from people)Must not overfly uninvolved people

Maintain a horizontal distance of 150 m from uninvolved people and urban areas.

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level.
Yes. Drone Registration is requiredRead the user manual carefully

Obtain a ‘Proof of completion for online training’ for the A1/A3 ‘open’ subcategory by:

Completing the online training 

Passing the online theoretical exam
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state)
Privately Built and Drones bought before 1/1/24 (under 25 kg)A3 (fly far from people)Must not overfly uninvolved people

Maintain a horizontal distance of 150 m from uninvolved people and urban areas.

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level.
Yes. Drone Registration is requiredRead the user manual carefully

Obtain a ‘Proof of completion for online training’ for the A1/A3 ‘open’ subcategory by:

Completing the online training 

Passing the online theoretical exam
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state)
Table of EASA Open Category Classification and Operational Requirements in place from January 1, 2024

From 1 January 2024, all drones operating in the specific category and all drones with class marks operating in the open category will be required to operate with an active and up-to-date remote identification system.

Drones with class identification label C1, C2, C3, C5 and C6 are already equipped with a remote identification system.

For details on the EASA Category as of January 2024, please see the Open Category Explainer.

Registration

According to European Regulation (EU) 2019/947, registration is mandatory for UAS operators (not for UAS themselves).

The UAS Pilot, also known as the Remote Pilot (RP), is the person physically behind the UAS flight controls. They are fully responsible for the safety of the flight throughout operations.

The UAS Operator is the person or company who oversees operations and gives flight instructions. This person or legal entity bears all responsibility for the operations of the drone (s) on their behalf. Very often, in the OPEN category and as individuals, the Pilot and the Operator are the same person.

How to register as a drone pilot or operator in Croatia?

The operator registration procedure begins at the CCAA website drone registration page.

This UAS operator registration number is valid for one year and must be renewed periodically following the same procedure. The operator always uses the same number unless the latter is permanently deregistered from the register.

Who should register?

As part of the OPEN category, registration is compulsory for operators:

  • UAS that has a mass of 250 g or more; 
  • UAS that has a mass of less than 250 g but:
    • can operate at speeds greater than 90km / h 
    • are equipped with a camera or a microphone, if these UAS are NOT toys * 

* A UAS is a toy when a manufacturer intends it for children under 14 and meets the minimum safety criteria required to be so named. Compliance with these standards naturally limits the capabilities of the UAS (size, weight, non-dangerous spare parts, no powerful motor, etc.): see Directive 2009/48 / EC of 18 June 2009 on the safety of toys

Under the SPECIFIC category, registration is compulsory for all operators.

Natural persons can only register in the country where they reside.

Legal persons must register in the country where their principal place of business is located.

Registration can only be done in one Member State at a time.

Drone Insurance Croatia – Compulsory for commercial

Attention: For the operation of a drone in Croatia, insurance is recommended for hobbyists but required for commercial drone operations. Your insurance coverage must be at least 750,000 special drawing rights (SDRs).

Note for foreign drone operators visiting Croatia

Whether you are a resident of Croatia or a visitor, you must operate within the limitations and follow the rules and procedures of the category in which your drone operation qualifies above.

The CCAA has provided a page in English titled I wish to fly a drone in Croatia, and I am not a Croatian citizen. I am here temporarily – what do I need to do?

You will find that if you are collecting aerial imagery and videos that you will be required to get additional permissions. One of those is from the DGU. You will find in our comment section one of our users indicates their experience with this process:

“In accordance with current legislation performing of aerial photography of public areas on Croatian territory is not allowed without permission, performing of aerial photography for private purposes of public areas on Croatian territory is not allowed, you can not get permission as private person for performing of aerial photography.”

Thus effectively for now, until we hear from someone who has been able to do this effectively as a hobbyist, we are indicating that this is not an option. Please note this may be allowed under commercial and research activities, and this limitation appears to be specifically on recreational flyers.

EU Resident Visitors (Countries following EASA regulations)

  • If you are previously registered or have a remote pilot certificate in your home country or another EASA member state, then your registration and RPC are valid in Croatia. Follow the operational rules for your category of drone flight.
  • If you have not been registered or have a remote pilot certificate previously, you will need to do so in your home country or Croatia before conducting flights (depending on the category of drone flight you wish to undertake).

Operator Registration (Non-EU Residents)

  • If you are coming from a non-EU country and this is the first time you will fly your drone in an EU country, you MUST register as an Operator.
  • Upon registration, you will receive a unique Operator Registration number, which you MUST attach to your drone. If you have several drones, the same number must be attached to them.
  • You are not allowed to fly in NO FLY ZONES, and you must keep a minimum of 8km distance from airports/heliports.
  • You must not register again if you have already conducted operations in another EU country before going to Croatia. You always register to the first non-EU country you have conducted flights.

Remote Pilot Certificate (Non-EU Residents)

  • If you want to fly your drone in Croatia and live in a non-EU country, you must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate from an EU country.
  • You can get the A1/A3 Certificate by registering with the online Remote Pilot School.
  • The online training and exam are required for those who want to fly a drone in the ‘Open’ category in subcategories A1/A3.
  • The pass mark is 75%, and you have three attempts to pass.
  • Once you pass your exam, you will receive your remote pilot certificate. Its validity will be five years.
  • You must have your Remote Pilot Certificate when you plan drone operations in Croatia and present it when the authorities ask.

Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Croatia

The most common drone flights you will undertake will most likely be covered by the Open Category described above.

For more details on the Open Category, please see our Open Category Explainer.

If your flights cannot be operated within the limitations of the Open Category, you may need to follow the Specific Category or Certified Category Rules.

For more details on the Specific Category, please see our Specific Category Explainer.

The Certified Category is complicated and aimed at the most sophisticated drone operators. We recommend you start at this EASA page.


Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Croatia

The most common drone flights you will undertake will most likely be covered by the Open Category described above.

For more details on the Open Category, please see our Open Category Explainer.

If your flights cannot be operated within the limitations of the Open Category, you may need to follow the Specific Category or Certified Category Rules.

For more details on the Specific Category, please see our Specific Category Explainer.

The Certified Category is complicated and aimed at the most sophisticated drone operators. We recommend you start at this EASA page.


What you must know about Croatia No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

You need to know if you can operate your drone. Under what limitations? Will you need flight authorizations? And, if so, how do you get those authorizations?

We encourage you to read our explainer. It provides more details here: Explainer – What You Must Know About No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

Useful published information on flying drones in Croatia

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Croatia…


Authoritative Sources of Information on Croatia Drone Laws

We will attempt to keep an updated list of online authoritative links to regulators and other official websites here:



NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.


Find out why

We think you must use a Drone Preflight Checklist

And a Drone Post-flight checklist

Free Drone Flight Checklist PDF

This Drone Flight Checklist is better than others.

It’s free!

It includes both the preflight checklist and post-flight checklist

It’s an easy-to-use printable PDF that covers all your bases.


Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.



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17 responses to “Drone Laws in Croatia”

  1. Gert Ungerer

    Hi
    Having read all of the above and the web site still confusing, Want to fly a DJI Mini for beauty shots to post on my website. Class O
    1. Do i need to do the training
    2. Do i need to register the Drone Pilot
    3. The two permits? 2 additional permits by the “DGU” web site not available in English
    Understand insurance compulsory

    1. Editorial Team

      Gert, it appears that the DGU has not been giving permission for recreational flights collecting imagery and video (see comments below from other users and not we have added above. We will update when we hear of someone being able to successfully get permission.

      1. Karen Reacher

        Hi,
        Following various link to the DGU website page on the “Issuance of Aerial Imaging and Clearances for the Use of Aerial Imagery”

        I saw this following text at the bottom :

        NOTE: Targeted aerial imaging of isolated locations and buildings for the needs of their owners/users may be carried out by unmanned aerial vehicle systems without an aerial imaging clearance. Aerial imagery taken in this way may be used without restrictions.

        I have no idea where you would stand taking drone footage of an “isolated location” as a “user” but it seems a plausible exemption for a hobbyist?

        1. Editorial Team

          You would have to qualify as an owner/user.

  2. Ramin

    Hi, really great article, thanks for preparing it. I have dji mini 3 pro and I reside in Poland. I have already registered it in PL, as I know there is no need to register it within EU again. However, in Poland before we fly, we need to check in on DroneRadar app. Is there something similar in Croatia ? Moreover, thanks to this app I can see in which areas I am allowed to fly, do you also have something similar?

    thanks in advance 🙂

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Ramin, in the EU residents section above, you will find a link to the portal, which provides you with that information.

  3. Laszlo

    Followed the instructions on this website (http://www.ccaa.hr/en/i-wish-to-fly-drone-in-croatia-i-am-not-croatian-citizen-i-am-here-temporarily–what-do-i-need-to-do-67803) and contacted DGU providing the forms they requested (in Englis and Croatian)

    I got the following reply from DGU:
    “In accordance with current legislation performing of aerial photography of public areas on Croatian territory is not allowed without permission, performing of aerial photography for private purposes of public areas on Croatian territory is not allowed, you can not get permission as private person for performing of aerial photography.”

    I guess it is a checkmate. 🙁

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Laszlo, thank you for your update. You can fly your drone; however, Croatia has limited drone use by foreigners for aerial photography and videography. Getting the approval has been very difficult for hobbyists.

  4. S Zhang

    I live in London and have British Operator ID and Flyer ID for flying a 500 g drone. Do I need to register for EU pilot and operator IDs to fly a drone in Croatia?

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Yes, the UK is no longer in the EU

  5. Charles Markman

    I am planning a trip to Croatia next month. Read all the regs and was still not clear. Below is a list of questions addressed to the CCAA and their responses below each question received 9Aug2022.

    Dear CCAA –

    Thank you for directing me to information about regulations for flying a UAS in Croatia.

    However, I still am a little confused about the requirements I must meet to fly my sub 250g DJI Mini 3 Pro and take vacation photographs on a planned trip to Slovenia and Croatia in October. I am coming as a tourist from the United States with a US passport.

    Could you answer a few questions?

    1. I obtained an EASA UAS Operator Registration for Slovenia, the first EU country where I plan to fly (see attachment). Do I also have to obtain a registration for Croatia?

    No

    2. I understand I will need to take a training course and pass the pilot exams with a score over 75 because I will be taking photos and videos, even though my drone is under 250g. Is that correct?

    Not in Croatia.

    3. The English language site your web site sent me to indicates “Training in the European format is generally recommended, but training in the national format acquired abroad can also be used to demonstrate equivalence.” I have had training in the United States and have passed the test to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration as a UAS pilot (see attachment.) Will the CCAA accept this as equivalent or should I take the EASA training and test?

    No training is required in Croatia for remote pilots flying drones with mass under 250 g.

    4. The English language site your website sent me to offers training and examination based in Luxembourg. Will the testing results be acceptable to the CCAA?

    Yes.

    5. With my under 250g drone do I need to carry an insurance policy with a minimal liability coverage of 750.000,00 SDR?

    Yes.

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Charles, thanks for sharing.

  6. Grumpy Droneguy

    This article is incomplete. While it’s technically possible to fly a drone without a camera, if you have a camera you need 2 additional permits by the “DGU” aka “Drzavna Geodetska Uprava” aka the State Geodetic Authority (dgu.gov.hr). If you record or not DOES NOT MATTER.

    You need 1 permit to record, and another to publish your footage (whether it be photos or videos). You must request this permit at least 7 days in advance, and once you finish your flight you must send your footage to the DGU (within 8 days of recording) before you can get approval to publish your footage.

    This is required for every single flight. Every!

    The penalty for not following this is a €650-€3300 fine (per incident). Police have the authority to confiscate your drone. Police will not fine you directly, they will take your information and pass it to the CCAA and DGU and they will do the fines.

    It is of course utter madness and I guess most people ignore the law, but if you get unlucky and a police patrol happens to walk by while you’re flying then it’s entirely possible for things to go sour real quick.

    And if you live in Croatia and have a Instagram/YouTube/TikTok account where you publish drone footage keep in mind if someone wants to they can send your info to the authorities and they can retroactively fine you for your past flights (multiply the above fine by X amounts of time you flew without authorization and/or you took footage without the DGU’s permission).

    1. Joe wilks

      Hi thanks for the info , so what if for example someone had managed to get successful flights and footage without being stopped and have already left Croatia ? Would they receive fines even if they lived outside the country ?

  7. Erik

    I’m flying to Croatia from the States this Friday. I was planning on bringing 2 drones. One is approx 750g (All Up Weight) with Lipo and Gopro. The other is approx 400g (AUW) with Lipo and Gopro. Both of which can exceed speeds of 19m/s.

    I’m a little confused as to what (specifically) I’ll need to have before entering the country. As I am not an EU resident, and entering the country for the first time. Will I need the Operator Registration and the Remote Pilot Certificate?

    Is the exam (not sure which one I need to take) something that needs to be scheduled an taken in person like the US part 107? Or can I take it online, and print the certificate to take with me.

    Wondering if anyone from the States has recently gone through this process and can advise me on the best next steps?

    Thanks

    Erik

  8. Ian

    I first read this article but was then told it was wrong as any drone operator (I a min the UK and not even commercial but only a tourist) have to do a pass a test in an EU country (they recommended Eire or Luxembourg) before flying in Croatia. I am flying a DJI Spark so a relatively small drone

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Thanks Ian, we have updated the regulations to reflect the EASA adoption.

Leave a Comment

17 thoughts on “Drone Laws in Croatia”

  1. Hi
    Having read all of the above and the web site still confusing, Want to fly a DJI Mini for beauty shots to post on my website. Class O
    1. Do i need to do the training
    2. Do i need to register the Drone Pilot
    3. The two permits? 2 additional permits by the “DGU” web site not available in English
    Understand insurance compulsory

    Reply
    • Gert, it appears that the DGU has not been giving permission for recreational flights collecting imagery and video (see comments below from other users and not we have added above. We will update when we hear of someone being able to successfully get permission.

      Reply
      • Hi,
        Following various link to the DGU website page on the “Issuance of Aerial Imaging and Clearances for the Use of Aerial Imagery”

        I saw this following text at the bottom :

        NOTE: Targeted aerial imaging of isolated locations and buildings for the needs of their owners/users may be carried out by unmanned aerial vehicle systems without an aerial imaging clearance. Aerial imagery taken in this way may be used without restrictions.

        I have no idea where you would stand taking drone footage of an “isolated location” as a “user” but it seems a plausible exemption for a hobbyist?

        Reply
  2. Hi, really great article, thanks for preparing it. I have dji mini 3 pro and I reside in Poland. I have already registered it in PL, as I know there is no need to register it within EU again. However, in Poland before we fly, we need to check in on DroneRadar app. Is there something similar in Croatia ? Moreover, thanks to this app I can see in which areas I am allowed to fly, do you also have something similar?

    thanks in advance 🙂

    Reply
    • Ramin, in the EU residents section above, you will find a link to the portal, which provides you with that information.

      Reply
  3. Followed the instructions on this website (http://www.ccaa.hr/en/i-wish-to-fly-drone-in-croatia-i-am-not-croatian-citizen-i-am-here-temporarily–what-do-i-need-to-do-67803) and contacted DGU providing the forms they requested (in Englis and Croatian)

    I got the following reply from DGU:
    “In accordance with current legislation performing of aerial photography of public areas on Croatian territory is not allowed without permission, performing of aerial photography for private purposes of public areas on Croatian territory is not allowed, you can not get permission as private person for performing of aerial photography.”

    I guess it is a checkmate. 🙁

    Reply
    • Laszlo, thank you for your update. You can fly your drone; however, Croatia has limited drone use by foreigners for aerial photography and videography. Getting the approval has been very difficult for hobbyists.

      Reply
  4. I live in London and have British Operator ID and Flyer ID for flying a 500 g drone. Do I need to register for EU pilot and operator IDs to fly a drone in Croatia?

    Reply
  5. I am planning a trip to Croatia next month. Read all the regs and was still not clear. Below is a list of questions addressed to the CCAA and their responses below each question received 9Aug2022.

    Dear CCAA –

    Thank you for directing me to information about regulations for flying a UAS in Croatia.

    However, I still am a little confused about the requirements I must meet to fly my sub 250g DJI Mini 3 Pro and take vacation photographs on a planned trip to Slovenia and Croatia in October. I am coming as a tourist from the United States with a US passport.

    Could you answer a few questions?

    1. I obtained an EASA UAS Operator Registration for Slovenia, the first EU country where I plan to fly (see attachment). Do I also have to obtain a registration for Croatia?

    No

    2. I understand I will need to take a training course and pass the pilot exams with a score over 75 because I will be taking photos and videos, even though my drone is under 250g. Is that correct?

    Not in Croatia.

    3. The English language site your web site sent me to indicates “Training in the European format is generally recommended, but training in the national format acquired abroad can also be used to demonstrate equivalence.” I have had training in the United States and have passed the test to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration as a UAS pilot (see attachment.) Will the CCAA accept this as equivalent or should I take the EASA training and test?

    No training is required in Croatia for remote pilots flying drones with mass under 250 g.

    4. The English language site your website sent me to offers training and examination based in Luxembourg. Will the testing results be acceptable to the CCAA?

    Yes.

    5. With my under 250g drone do I need to carry an insurance policy with a minimal liability coverage of 750.000,00 SDR?

    Yes.

    Reply
  6. This article is incomplete. While it’s technically possible to fly a drone without a camera, if you have a camera you need 2 additional permits by the “DGU” aka “Drzavna Geodetska Uprava” aka the State Geodetic Authority (dgu.gov.hr). If you record or not DOES NOT MATTER.

    You need 1 permit to record, and another to publish your footage (whether it be photos or videos). You must request this permit at least 7 days in advance, and once you finish your flight you must send your footage to the DGU (within 8 days of recording) before you can get approval to publish your footage.

    This is required for every single flight. Every!

    The penalty for not following this is a €650-€3300 fine (per incident). Police have the authority to confiscate your drone. Police will not fine you directly, they will take your information and pass it to the CCAA and DGU and they will do the fines.

    It is of course utter madness and I guess most people ignore the law, but if you get unlucky and a police patrol happens to walk by while you’re flying then it’s entirely possible for things to go sour real quick.

    And if you live in Croatia and have a Instagram/YouTube/TikTok account where you publish drone footage keep in mind if someone wants to they can send your info to the authorities and they can retroactively fine you for your past flights (multiply the above fine by X amounts of time you flew without authorization and/or you took footage without the DGU’s permission).

    Reply
    • Hi thanks for the info , so what if for example someone had managed to get successful flights and footage without being stopped and have already left Croatia ? Would they receive fines even if they lived outside the country ?

      Reply
  7. I’m flying to Croatia from the States this Friday. I was planning on bringing 2 drones. One is approx 750g (All Up Weight) with Lipo and Gopro. The other is approx 400g (AUW) with Lipo and Gopro. Both of which can exceed speeds of 19m/s.

    I’m a little confused as to what (specifically) I’ll need to have before entering the country. As I am not an EU resident, and entering the country for the first time. Will I need the Operator Registration and the Remote Pilot Certificate?

    Is the exam (not sure which one I need to take) something that needs to be scheduled an taken in person like the US part 107? Or can I take it online, and print the certificate to take with me.

    Wondering if anyone from the States has recently gone through this process and can advise me on the best next steps?

    Thanks

    Erik

    Reply
  8. I first read this article but was then told it was wrong as any drone operator (I a min the UK and not even commercial but only a tourist) have to do a pass a test in an EU country (they recommended Eire or Luxembourg) before flying in Croatia. I am flying a DJI Spark so a relatively small drone

    Reply

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