The drone laws in Poland are a bit strict, but they offer a great deal of freedom in the countryside.
- The drones cannot be flown above the height of 150 meters.
- A visual line of sight must be maintained by the pilot during their flight operation.
- Drones should not weigh more than 25 kilograms.
- Drones must be kept at least at a distance of 5 km from the airports.
- The drones must be kept at least at a distance of 100 meters from crowded areas.
- The drones must be kept at least at a distance of 30 meters from people, vehicles, or animals.
- Drones cannot be flown above people, infrastructures, or populated areas.
- To operate the drones in Warsaw, the operators must obtain a special permit from the Government Protection Bureau (BOR) before their operation.
- The drones cannot be flown at night
- You should have private liability coverage to fly a drone in Poland.
- Verify where you can or cannot fly using the drone map of Poland available on many sites.
How can I register as a drone pilot or operator in Poland?
According to the CAA, you have to register yourself as a drone operator to operate your drone in Poland for commercial purposes. For the registration, you can visit CAA online website, and you can find the operator registration procedure at the CAA Online Drone Registration link
This UAS operator registration number is valid for one year therefore, it must be renewed every year through the same procedure. The operator registration number remains the same this way forever, except that the operator is being deregistered from the registered for any reason.
How can I register my drone in Poland?
According to the CAA, you have to register your drone to operate it in Poland for commercial purposes.
To register your drone you have to apply for a PH (registration mark) online. The process will require specifics on drone ownership. In addition to that, you have to submit detailed documents that include the invoice, serial number, and photos.
The process usually takes 2 weeks to process your submissions. It is advised to keep this timeline in mind while making your plans.
Drone Laws for Recreational drone operations:
According to the CAA, there are no specific rules for recreational drones except for the EU rules and General rules for flying drones in Poland. You just have to abide by them and then you are good to go.
Drone Laws for Recreational drone operations:
To operate your drones in Poland for commercial purposes and activities, you must notify and get registered with the CAAN. In addition to that, your intended operations might require some additional documentation.
If you are flying a drone for non-recreational or business purposes, you must abide by the following rules as a UAV operator:
- You must possess a certificate of qualification as an unmanned aerial vehicle operator (UAVO) to operate drones commercially.
- In case you are under 18 then you must fly under adult supervision.
- You must carry with you a legal guardians’ consent before receiving a certificate of qualification if you are under the age of 18.
- You must obtain adequate third-party liability coverage to operate commercially.
- You must obtain the necessary aero-medical examinations of your aircraft weighing more than 5kg.
- Your drone must be technically well equipped.
- Commercial drone pilots must have a medical certificate and pass both theoretical and practical tests. However, if you are already registered as a commercial pilot in any other EU member state, the permits will be recognized by the CAA.
Am I required to have insurance to fly a drone in Poland?
Yes. It is a necessary requirement from CAA for you to get yourself and your drone liability coverage to operate them in Poland. Breaking rules or in case of an accident, you might be fined to have it all covered it is advisable to have yourself covered by third-party insurance.