🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone use in Croatia (Zagreb & Split). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to comment your experience or any updates in The Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Croatia
Croatia does not differentiate much commercial & recreational drone uses. Both are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on the weight of your drone, different rules will apply.
✅ In Croatia, drone regulation falls under Croatian Civil Aviation Agency (CCAA) & they can be contacted anytime via;
Email: cccaa@ccaa.hr
Phone: (+385) 1 2369 300
✅ Croatia exempts the below rules for drones which weight more than 150 kg (falling under manned aircraft rules), drones used indoors or by emergency services.
✅ The country additionally differentiates five drone weight classes:
below 250 g (considered as a toy).
between 250 g & 900 g (B1)
below 5 kg (B2)
between 5 & 25 kg (C1)
between 25 & 150 kg (C2)
Can I bring my drone to Croatia?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Croatia (Zagreb & Split) as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
Where can I fly my drone in Croatia?
✅ Croatia flight map is controlled by AMC Portal showing flight restricted areas for recreational use mainly. The portal references live and planned parachute, drone & airplane activities to help a secure flying experience for all.
Croatia Drone Fly Map
🛬 Controlled airport airspace operates up to 5 km around any airport - see a full list of control towers here.
🚨 Zagreb city centre can be subject to temporary flight restrictions - check here
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Croatia
✅ Good things first, you will not need a license to fly your drone for recreational use in Croatia if your drone weights less than 5 kg as long as you keep your flight in a non restricted area.
✅ To fly a drone in Croatia, you first need to be eligible:
for drones between 250 - 900 g (B1), you need to be at least 14 years old (if not, you need an adult to supervise you).
for drones below 5 kg (B2), you need to be at least 16 years old.
for drones between of 25 kg+ (C1 & C2), you need to be at least 18 years old.
In every category case, you will need:
fly at a maximum of 120 m altitude (50 m within airport controlled zones (3 to 5 km distance) or 50 m above an obstacle) & 500 m away from you.
fly always in sight & if you wish to fly by night your drone will need a lighting system.
you will need to mark your drone with a non inflammable labelling system mentioning your full contact details (drones weighting less than 250 g are exempt).
run a back check of your drone and the flights' surroundings prior any take off.
fly at least 3 km away from airports. You must also give priority to all other categories of aircraft & if you see n aircraft during your flight, land immediately.
fly your drone 30 m (5 m in low speed) away from animals, objects, vehicles, roads, railways, waterways, power lines, people & respect individuals' privacy.
fly your drone 50 m from crowds.
do not transport anything on your drone.
fly away from urban areas (flight for 'fun' are not allowed there).
🚨 If your drone weights more than 900 g, you will need to register your drone online. This means if you have a Mavic Pro, Mavic Air or Spark you will be exempt from registering your drone in Croatia. 🚁 If you are considering getting your first drone or upgrade, feel free to check the Drone Gear content we've put together or click on the model you like below to get its full specs. Any purchase done from one of our affiliate links helps Dronemade stay free and available to all.
🚨 If your drone weights more than 5 kg, you will need a license to fly it in Croatia
✅ During your flight, you must be able to present / carry:
the manual of your aircraft
your permit for flying (if in a restricted airspace)
a copy of your insurance (when applicable)
How to register my drone in Croatia?
✅ This is done in one simple step by completing this online form You may contact the Croatian Airspace Cell (AMC) for more info around your application by:
Phone: (+385) 1 6259 309
E-mail: amc.ldzo@crocontrol.hr
Courrier: CROATIA CONTROL LTD, AMC Croatia, Rudolfa Fizira 2, P.O. Box 103, HR-10410 Velika Gorica, Croatia
How to obtain my drone license for commercial use in Croatia?
First things first, to be eligible you will need to:
have a valid Health Certificate (Class 3 Medical Certificate)
be at least 18 years old
The license has 2 parts:
A theory exam tot est your aeronautical skills (for drones over 5 kg)
A practical exam to apply all about the rules up there (for drones over 25 kg).
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Croatia?
🚨 The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction &/or if you had any commercial purpose during your flight.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Croatia's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Croatia! Have fun and safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
Other resources
UAS Regulatory Change (15/12/2018)
Sources