🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known rules about recreational & commercial drone laws in Norway (Oslo). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in the Drones in Norway Group. 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 Norway
Norway differentiates commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. Both uses are subject to restrictions & a code of conduct. Additionally, depending on your drone's weight & where you want to fly your drone, different rules may apply.
✅ In Norway, drone regulation falls under the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway (CAA), & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: postmottak@caa.no
Phone: (+47) 75 585 000
Mail: PO Box 243, N-8001 BODØ, NORWAY
Can I bring my drone to Norway?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Norway or at Oslo Airport as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
⚠️ Note that Russians are not allowed to bring a drone in Norway due to the recent tensions between the two countries.
🚨 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 Norway?
✅ Norway built a sweet map for drone flight zones within the country. Mainly designed to protect urban areas where you will need an authorisation to fly. When clicking on the map link, simply select the filter/layer "Forbudsområder for RPAS, droner og modellfly" to find the zones prohibited.
🚨 We're aware you're not allowed to fly in Central Oslo. If yo wish to do such, you will need to seek permission via this online form 👌
🦅 Norway is very respectful of mother Nature and they will remind you such. You might need a special authorisation for National Parks & Nature Reserves, best to always check 🌲
Recreational Drone use in Norway
✅ Good things first, you will not need a license or permit to fly your drone in Norway as long as you fly your drone within the permitted zones.
Within these, you will need to follow a few rules:
fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 120 m above the ground.
fly at least 5 km away from airports. You must also give priority to all other categories of aircraft & if you see one during your flight, land immediately your drone.
your drone wights less than 25kgs.
fly your drone always in sight (if your drone weights less than 250g, you can fly beyond sight but at a maximum altitude of 50 m).
do not carry or drop anything from your drone while in flight.
drone is marked with the operator's registration number.
it is advised to subscribe to an insurance covering all risks.
fly 150 m away from buildings, traffic, events, people & respect individuals' privacy.
fly away from big events and military areas
do not fly near a natural disaster or somewhere emergencies will need to intervene.
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Commercial Drone use in Norway
✅ Almost all the same rules to fly as for recreational purpose apply, in all cases you must:
fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 120 m above the ground.
fly at least 5 km away from airports. You must also give priority to all other categories of aircraft & if you see one during your flight, land immediately your drone.
fly your drone always in sight (if your drone weights less than 250 g, you can fly beyond sight but at a maximum altitude of 50 m).
fly away from big events and military areas
do not fly near a natural disaster or somewhere emergencies will need to intervene.
✅ In Norway, drones for commercial use are divided in 3 categories based on their weight:
below 2.5 kg & not faster than 110 km/h = RO1 category
between 2.5 & 25 kg = RO2 category
above 25 kg = RO3 category
For commercial flight drones weighting less than 2.5 kg (RO1)
you will need to complete this form (that you agree to the conditions)
you will need to inform the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority prior & after each drone flight to ensure the safety for all.
your drone will need a security system that automatically lands it when loss of control or antenna reception. Or you can also have a second pilot that can take over in case.
For commercial flight drones weighting between above 2.5 kg (RO2 & RO3)
you will need a license
you can fly above 120 m, beyond sight & at night *Note, to fly above 120 m , you will need to inform local authorities at least 12 h ahead 🕔
your drone have to feature lights; & more precisely, white low-intensity lights which flash 20 times per min 🚨 "Yes, yes.. it's true.."
How to obtain my drone permit in Norway?
✅ Applying for your drone license for RO2 & RO3 categories can be done in 3 steps:
have a full description of your drone & mission's details - here's an example.
You must have an approval from the N-CAA by using this form
If all good, you will be registered shortly after & can start to fly.
💲 Norway will charge you an application & a yearly fee for your license
RO2 = 650€ (application fee) + 430€ (annual fee)
RO3 = 1200€ (annual fee) + application fee is case per case.
For any special permits (restricted zones for example) = 250€ per enquiry.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Norway?
🚨 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. However, the Norwegian Authorities specify that prosecutions will be judge under the Aviation Act § 14-29 and could results in:
a fine
&/or up to 3 months prison
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Norway's awesome landscapes and create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment or tell Drones in Norway Group when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Norway! 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 regulations.
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