Drone laws in Montenegro

Last update on 16.02.2024 | 20 Kommentare

In this article, you will find the laws for the use of drones in Montenegro.

Basically, it is quite complicated to get a drone into the air in Montenegro. However, there is a simple way to avoid all the hassle. But let’s start from the beginning.

Two things are essential for a drone flight in Montenegro:

1. An import permit from the Ministry of Economy
2. Registration of the drone with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

You should definitely apply for both permits. Because if you cannot produce the necessary documents, your drone will most likely be confiscated upon entry.

Both procedures are time-consuming and almost impossible to implement from abroad. We therefore strongly recommend that you delegate this process to a local expert. We recommend working with Michael, who will take care of the application and payment of the official fees in the local currency for you.

And it’s as simple as that:

1. Fill out the form below.
2. Transfer the amount of 135 euros (instead of 150 euros) to the specified account. The amount includes all official fees to be paid to the authorities.
3. Michael will take care of your application directly.
4. You will receive all the necessary documents from Michael within 30 days.

If you want to fly your drone legally in Montenegro, there is hardly any way around Michael. You can read below why this is the case.

Importing drones

If you bring a drone into the country, even if it is only for a few days, you must apply for a permit from the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Otherwise, the drone could be confiscated upon entry. The processing time for the application is up to 30 days. For the application, you have to fill out a lengthy form in the local language. However, this form is not enough, as it is not possible to send the application by email. Instead, you must submit it in duplicate in person or via an authorized representative. The import fee must also be paid on site. The other documents required in addition to the form (including proof of payment, the technical data of the drone, a declaration of knowledge of the applicable laws as well as the duration of stay and drone use) must be written in Montenegrin and notarized. You should therefore be familiar with the language and the bureaucratic intricacies of the country in order to successfully apply for the import permit. Michael can take care of all this for you (see above).

Registration of drones

Drones equipped with a camera must be registered in Montenegro. Registration is carried out at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) using the application form Declaration in accordance with Ordinance for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This should be sent to the CAA by post or email. If you contact Michael, he will take care of this step for you.

Overview: Drone rules in Montenegro

Classification of drones

There are three weight classes in Montenegro:

• Class 5: Ascent weight under 5 kilograms
• Class 10: 5 kilograms to 10 kilograms
• Class 20: over 10 kilograms up to 20 kilograms

In addition, potential flying areas in Montenegro are divided into four classes:

• Class I: undeveloped area without constructed building facilities and without persons, except for pilots and personnel required for flying;
• Class II: developed uninhabited area with commercial facilities or structures not intended for permanent human habitation, where there are no people, except for pilots and personnel required for flying.
• Class III: inhabited area with buildings or facilities intended primarily for residence, work or recreation (residential buildings, schools, offices, sports fields, parks, etc.);
• Class IV: urban zones (city centers, housing estates, etc.).

As a private pilot, you may only fly a drone in classes I and II.

The above-mentioned flight areas and weight classes result in four categories for which different requirements apply.

To fly in Category A, you must complete a statement and send it to the Aviation Authority. For Category B flights, you will also need an Operations Manual for your maneuvers. Copter flights in Category D may only be made with the approval of the CAA.

Further regulations for drone pilots in Montenegro

Drones may not fly higher than 150 meters above ground in Montenegro.

Drones may only be operated in Montenegro during the day and within direct line of sight and up to a maximum distance of 500 meters. FPV flights are permitted for model aircraft if an observer monitors the drone with the naked eye.

You must also insure your drone in Montenegro. You must always carry proof of insurance with you.

You must check the functionality of the drone before the flight and ensure that the flight is carried out in such a way that there is no danger. You must not endanger the health or property of any person or disturb public order or peace. Before the flight, you must obtain all necessary information, such as checking the meteorological conditions.

Safety distances and flight bans

A sufficient distance must be kept from airports in Montenegro. Your drone must keep a distance of 150 meters from crowds of people and 30 meters from uninvolved persons, buildings, vehicles and animals.

Drone flights at night are not permitted in Montenegro.

Special rules for drone pilots in Montenegro

Drones must be provided with a license plate with which strangers can identify the owner.

Regulations for commercial pilots

Commercial pilots must register their aircraft with the aviation authority. In addition, a flight log must be kept in which the following information is documented for each flight

• Date
• Time of take-off and landing as well as the total duration of the flight
• Full name of the pilot
• Flight location with classification
• Take-off weight of the drone
• Classification of the flight location
• Comments on special incidents

The documentation must be kept for at least two years.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Montenegro 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 country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Montenegro!