Drone Laws in Serbia

Verfasst von Francis Markert | Last update on 28.07.2025 | 4 Kommentare

This article explains the drone laws that have been in effect in Serbia since 2020.

Currently, drones may only be imported and used in Serbia with prior approval from the relevant Serbian authorities.

In September 2023, the Civil Aviation Directorate of the Republic of Serbia discussed the adoption of the current EU drone regulation into Serbian national law. While the rules are largely based on European regulations, there are important local specifics you need to know!

Overview: Drone rules in Serbia

General Drone Regulations in Serbia

Serbia classifies drones by weight. Drones under 250 grams and with a maximum speed under 19 m/s are exempt from the rules. Otherwise, there are four categories:

1. Less than 900 grams, max altitude 100 meters
2. 900 grams to less than 4 kilograms, max altitude 100 meters
3. 4 kilograms to less than 25 kilograms, max altitude 500 meters
4. 25 kilograms to 150 kilograms (no further altitude restrictions)

Drones in Category 1 may also be operated by minors under 15 years of age under adult supervision. A knowledge test is not required for this category.

The following general safety rules apply to all categories:

• Keep a 5-kilometer distance from airports
• Fly only during daylight
• Keep your drone within visual line of sight
• Fly at a maximum altitude of 100 meters (vertical distance)
• Do not fly the drone more than 500 meters away from you (horizontal distance)
• Do not operate multiple drones at once
• Do not control the drone from a moving object
• Maintain at least 500 meters distance from critical infrastructure (power plants, high-voltage facilities, government buildings, military sites, water treatment facilities, highways, prisons, etc.), unless you have the owner’s permission
• Keep a 30-meter distance from uninvolved persons
• Do not operate the drone under the influence of intoxicants

Violations of the rules can result in hefty fines in Serbia.

Regulations for Foreign Drone Pilots in Serbia

Currently, regardless of weight, you must obtain approval from the Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) to import your foreign drone. If you plan to take aerial photos or videos, an additional permit from the Ministry of Defense is required.

Approval from the CAD

For CAD approval of drones weighing more than 249 grams, you will need the following documents:

• Drone flight approval form (List your drone as Category 1 if its take-off weight does not exceed 900 grams, and provide exact data: coordinates, time and date of the flights, altitude)
• Proof of liability insurance that covers third-party damage in Serbia
• Copy of your ID card or passport

You can email the documents to [email protected].

Permit for Aerial Photography

To take aerial images, contact the Ministry of Defense at [email protected] (Phone: +381 11 2063-897, Fax: +381 11 3005-160). The application must be submitted through a legal (business) entity registered in the Republic of Serbia.

The approval process can take more than 20 days. It is therefore recommended to submit all required documents at least 25 days in advance.

UK and EU certificates of competency for UAS operations in categories A1, A3, and A2 are not recognized in Serbia. Depending on your UAS category, you must take an exam on general UAS regulations with the CAA (an English version of the exam is available). All information and forms for the exams can be found here. Exams are scheduled for the last week of each month.

If you’ve gone through the procedure in Serbia yourself, feel free to share your experiences with us.

Drone Registration for Serbian Citizens

If you are a Serbian citizen, you must register drones in Categories 3 and 4. Drones in Categories 1 and 2 (weighing less than 4 kilograms) must only be registered for:

1. Flights above 100 meters
2. Flights near airports
3. Flights beyond 500 meters horizontal distance
4. Flights over or near people
5. Flights in restricted zones
6. Night flights

In addition to the application form, you must submit the following documents:

1. Proof of paid customs duties if the drone was manufactured abroad, or a notarized written declaration by the owner if it was manufactured in Serbia (if no customs proof is available, provide a document proving ownership)
2. User manual from the manufacturer in Serbian or English
3. Liability insurance for third-party damages

The CAD will then issue you a certificate confirming your drone’s registration.

You also need a flight permit from the relevant authority. Submit this form at least 15 days before your intended flight. A copy of your valid third-party liability insurance policy must be included with your application.

An online platform for drone registration is expected to be launched soon.

As a drone operator with a Category 2, 3, or 4 drone, you must be at least 18 years old and pass a required competency test.

Drones in Category 1 may also be flown by minors under 15 years of age under adult supervision. A knowledge test is not required.

The following documents must be carried with you during drone flights:

1. A certificate of passing the knowledge test, if you are required to take one
2. Your flight permit
3. The drone’s user manual (in printed or digital form)
4. A document proving your medical fitness

As you can see: Meeting the legal requirements for drone flying in Serbia is not exactly straightforward. Please share your experiences with us in the comments!

The Serbian drone rules listed here have been researched to the best of our knowledge. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information. To be completely sure, please contact the national aviation authority. Alternatively, you can request further information from the national embassy in your country. Please leave a comment if you hear of any updates or have your own experience flying a drone in Serbia!