All Drone Laws in Greece in 2023 (Ultimate Guide)

• Permit for flying over 50m distance
• If your flight plan involves the drone exceeding 164 feet (50 meters) from point of origin, you must apply for a special permit for that single flight. The application process can be submitted through this link. On receiving clarification from HCAA, you should share your flight plans with the respective police department.
• No authorization to fly within 50m off the ground
• Commercial pilots need permission for all their operations
• No night flying
• Do not fly at night unless your drone has lighting
• Commercial pilots need insurance
• Recreational Insurance (if drones weigh over 4kg)
• You cannot fly over...people, hospitals, prisons, government facilities, military installations, etc.
• Consult owner before flying over private property

How can I register my drone in Greece?

Recreational drones are exempted from mandatory licensing. Alternatively,  commercial drones require a permit and license provided you maintain your flight path. To qualify as a recreational drone, maintain an open class drone flight and ensure your drone weighs less than 4 Kg.  

Can I fly a drone in Greece without having it registered?

Only if it falls under the criteria of a recreational drone. 

What are the restricted areas for flying drones in Greece?

Remember you can not fly your drone anywhere in the country 30 min after sunset. Other areas where drone flights are restricted are military zones, major events, urban centers, emergency areas, and several others clearly stipulated in the HCAA laws. Maintain a  distance of 8 Km from any aerodrome. 

Areas that are restricted to a flight can be determined in the following application. 

If you intend to fly close to or over archeological sites you must get advance authorization from the Ministry of Culture.

Commercial drone use in Greece

Commercial flight requires the user to be registered as a drone pilot. Any drone intended for commercial purposes has to be registered. 

How to obtain a drone license for commercial use?

To qualify for these services you must:

• Have a valid Class 3 Medical certificate.
• Should be 18 years and above
• Decent knowledge of English and Greek

The license is split into two categories

• The first part is the theory part and the second is more practical. Passing the practical exam requires the drone pilot to achieve 4 successful landings and take-offs. That way you get a firm understanding of all the rules involved. 
• Once everything is set, you can contact weight.public.relations1@minpress.gr to get more insights on professional flight issues. 

Can I be reprimanded for flying a drone illegally?

The fine imposed on the drone owner will vary depending on the severity of their contravention of the rules. In the worst-case scenario, you will be fined 250,000 Euros.

How to register a drone for commercial use

As a foreigner wishing to fly with your drone higher than the required minimum (up to 500 m away) you will not have a Greek Tax Number, so fill in your details on this form.

The form will require you to enter:

• Personal details and qualifications
• Flight information and model of drone
• Once you have it figured out, send an email to d4@hcaa.gr