Drone Laws in Serbia

Summary of Drone Laws in Serbia

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Serbia

Drone Regulator in Serbia: Serbia’s Civilian Aviation Directorate (CAD)

Link to Serbia Drone Laws: Serbia Drone Regulations

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Serbia

The Serbian agency responsible for drone safety, CAD, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the link above.

Are drones allowed in Serbia?

According to the CAD, flying drones is legal in Serbia, but certain regulations must be strictly followed. Read more for more details.

Serbia Drone Categories

Serbia distinguishes drones by their intended use and weight. 

There are four categories:

1. Category 1 – includes unmanned aircraft with a maximum take-off mass of less than 0.9 kg.
2. Category 2 – Includes unmanned aircraft with the maximum take-off mass from 0.9 kg to 4 kg (excluding 4 kg).
3. Category 3 -includes unmanned aircraft with a maximum take-off mass of 4 kg to 25 kg (excluding 25 kg).
4. Category 4 – includes unmanned aircraft with a maximum take-off mass of 25 kg to 150 kg. 

Drone Registration Requirements in Serbia?

The following aircraft must be registered by the Civil Aviation Directorate of the Republic of Serbia (Directorate):

• Unmanned aircraft belonging to categories 3 and 4
• Unmanned aircraft belonging to category 1 or 2 used for:
  • flying at altitudes above 100 m. 
  • flying near aerodromes. 
  • flying at a horizontal distance greater than 500 m from an unmanned aircraft operator.
  • flying over persons. 
  • flying in the vicinity of persons. 
  • flying within the restricted area. 
  • night flying. 
  • releasing fluid or objects or carrying external cargo that is not an element of the structure of an unmanned aircraft.
    

The registration shall be made at the request of the owner of the unmanned aircraft or the unmanned aircraft user subject to authorization by the owner. 

The following documentation shall accompany the application for registration onto the unmanned aircraft register: 

1. Proof of customs duties paid if the aircraft was manufactured in a foreign state or a certified written statement of the owner if the aircraft was manufactured in the Republic of Serbia.
2. Manufacturer’s instruction manual for the use of the unmanned aircraft in Serbian or English language. 
3. Liability insurance contract for damage to third parties ensuing from the operation of the unmanned aircraft, per the law governing compulsory insurance in transportation. 

Notwithstanding paragraph 1, item 1) of this Article:

1. If proof of the customs duties paid is unavailable, the applicant may submit a document proving the right of ownership.
2. In the event of an amateur-built unmanned aircraft, an endorsed written statement of the person who built such aircraft shall be submitted, as well as a document proving ownership if the person who built such aircraft is not the owner of that aircraft. 

In the event of unmanned aircraft of category 4, the applicant shall be required to submit to the Directorate the relevant technical documentation as a basis to determine the aircraft’s ability to fly safely, and the applicant shall ensure demonstration flight to be conducted in the presence of an authorized officer of the Directorate. 

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Serbia:

• The CAD requires that all drones be registered. 
• Each flight of a drone is subject to approval by the CAD. Flight requests may take up to five business days to process. 
• Citizens of the Republic of Serbia may apply for aerial filming permits over the Republic of Serbia’s territory only through legally registered entities in the Republic of Serbia. 
• Non-Serbian citizens may apply for an aerial survey of the Republic of Serbia’s territory only through legal entities registered in the Republic of Serbia. 
• Keep a minimum of 5 kilometers away from airports. 
• Fly only during the daylight hours 
• Maintain a visual line of sight for the drone. 
• Aim for a maximum altitude of 100 meters above the ground. 
• Maintain 500 meters between the drone and the pilot. 
• Avoid operating multiple drones concurrently. 
• Control the drone in no way from a moving object. 
• Unless you have permission from the owner or occupant, stay at least 500 meters away from major infrastructure (power plants, high-voltage facilities, government buildings, military facilities, water treatment plants, highways, and correctional institutions, for example). 
• Maintain a 30-meter buffer zone around bystanders. 
• Do not operate the drone while intoxicated or under the influence of psychoactive substances.

Notes for Foreign Operators

If you’re traveling to Serbia and intend to bring your drone, the CAD lists the following special considerations for foreigners flying drones: 

• Before bringing a drone into Serbia as a foreigner, you must obtain permission from the Serbian Ministry of Defense. 
• Serbian law requires that all drones be registered with the government. 
• Each flight of a drone is subject to approval by the CAD. Flight requests may take up to five business days to process.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Serbia

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Serbia

The minimum age requirement for commercial flights is 18 years. 

To capture footage from the air, you must be registered as a commercial operator. Additionally, you will need liability insurance – at the very least for the duration of your stay. Finally, you must obtain approval from your country’s Ministry of Defense. 

However, if you are already registered as a commercial operator in another country, obtaining the necessary approvals should be relatively straightforward. 

A statement of qualification and a knowledge test in aviation law is also required for commercial purposes.

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Serbia

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

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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.

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Traveling with a Drone?

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

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