Drone regulations in Azerbaijan

Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 07.08.2026 | 11 Kommentare

The rules for drone pilots in Azerbaijan are extensive. We explain which ones apply.

In Azerbaijan, unmanned flight systems are expected to meet the same safety standards as manned aircraft.

As a matter of principle, importing and operating drones without prior approval from the Azerbaijani civil aviation authority (CAA) is prohibited. That means: if you enter the country without this approval, customs can seize your drone. According to our information, this also applies to passing through in transit. We do not yet have official confirmation of this point.

Overview: Drone rules in Azerbaijan

Registering drones in Azerbaijan

Since January 2026, applications for a special permit to operate civil drones and for their state registration can be submitted online through the MyGov portal. According to the official announcement, the special permit is the first stage and comes before the registration.

To be granted the special permit, you have to provide the technical data of your drone. A remote identification system (Remote ID) and a geofencing function are mandatory.

Once you have received the special permit, you have 10 working days to apply for the state registration. All of this has to happen before you bring the drone into Azerbaijan. The registration certificate is then valid for 5 years.

Further regulations for drone pilots in Azerbaijan

In principle, drones should always be within sight of the pilot during the flight, but the maximum permitted distance is 500 meters. Flights outside these limits are possible. For such maneuvers, however, your drone needs a detect and avoid system that allows collisions in the air to be avoided. Classic FPV equipment is not recognised as such.

Azerbaijan currently distinguishes three groups of drones, classified as follows:

• Small Unmanned Aircraft up to 20 kilograms
• Light UAS with more than 20 kilograms and less than 150 kilograms
• UAS with more than 150 kilograms take-off mass

Private drones only need insurance from a take-off weight of 20 kilograms. The obligation to take out aviation liability insurance applies to all commercial users, though.

Commercial pilots need an operating permission in every weight class. You also have to prove your qualifications as a pilot. There are currently no special licences, so a breakdown of your experience should be sufficient.

In general, drones must not come closer than 150 meters to cities and settlements. A distance of 50 meters has to be kept from people, vehicles and other structures that are not involved in the flight. During take-off and landing, this distance may be reduced to 30 meters. Drone flights over military facilities and photographing those facilities are prohibited.

Have you been to Azerbaijan with your drone and can share your experience? Leave us a comment below this post.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Azerbaijan to the best of our knowledge. We cannot guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your home country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Azerbaijan!