Drone regulations in Singapore
Last update on 05.08.2024 | 7 Kommentare
In this post you will find the current laws for the use of drones in Singapore.
Since January 2020, all drones over 250 grams must be registered in Singapore. If you are caught flying an unregistered drone, you could face severe penalties.
Recreational pilots whose drone weighs between 1.5 and 7 kilograms are required to have “basic training” or a UA pilot’s license. If you are unsure whether you need to register your drone or require additional documents, you can visit this link and use the questions at the bottom of the page to classify yourself in the correct category.
Registration in two steps
Only people aged 16 and over can register drones. Registration consists of two steps: First you have to order a registration label and attach it visibly on the outside of a non-removable part of the drone (not on the battery, propellers). After that, you can register online.
There are some peculiarities for foreign drone pilots. You can theoretically order the label online, but it can not yet be sent to foreign addresses. If you do not have an address in Singapore, you can alternatively purchase the label locally at a selected SingPost branch. You can find a list of the branches here. You should take the completed application form (docx file), your passport and a copy of the passport with you.
The cost is $15 per label. Anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore may only order one label or will have to submit an application for more.
As a tourist, you have to create a UAPass Account in the online portal to register, as you probably do not have a SingPass or a CorpPass. It can take three to five working days for this account to be activated. It is therefore advisable to open the account before you travel to Singapore.
Overview: Drone rules in Singapore
Drone labels can be ordered here
Additional rules for drone pilots in Singapore
In Singapore, drones may only be operated within line of sight.
You are also prohibited from flying within 5 kilometers of an airport. There are other restricted zones that you can see on the OneMap app.
In general, you should not fly over bystanders, crowds, public events, or near troads or emergency response operations.
We also recommend that you only fly with a valid liability insurance in Singapore.
Rules for commercial pilots
Commercial pilots must obtain an Operator Permit and activity permits (valid for the planned maneuvers) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). The activity permits are divided into two classes:
- Class 1: Use of a drone for commercial purposes, for private purposes if drone weighs more than 25 kg, for teaching purposes from 7 kg.
- Class 2: Use of a drone for private or educational purposes (less than 7 kilograms) above the height limit or near airports or other prohibited areas.
Commercial pilots must therefore apply for an activity permit class 1.
You will need to budget at least 650 SGD for the operator permit and the permits. The operator permit is valid for up to one year. Registration can be done online here. Allow about two weeks processing time.
We have researched the listed drone regulations for Singapore to the best of our knowledge. We can not guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, please 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 copter in Singapore!
Drone rules in Singapore (where I live and fly) have more to them than the CAAS regulations. The National Parks do not permit flying over the 100’s of areas they administer which range from larger areas to bicycle paths. The reservoirs are considered national security assets and they ask us not to photograph them and publish on websites.
Greetings. I am not a drone owner but hope to be one soon. I plan to practice daily (I live in Cairns Qld Aust) and get some degree of control before I go to Singapore for 2 weeks. I was hoping to fly the drone over the Marina Bay and bideo a 360 sequence of the City and surrounds. After reading through your info I think it is not possible. Would it be possible to seek permission from the Singapore Authorities? On an aside I see that you changed over from a DJI 2 to a Yuneec drone. Not having any experience on this subject, could you please advise me on a good drone with potential for improvement in video photography (home movies only)? I sincerely hope that I am not a pest with all these questions. By the way, I am 75 years of age but still keen to learn.
Hi Peter,
It is still possible to use a drone in Singapore. We used a lot of drones in the past. I believe the DJI Spark is an excellent choice for you.
Hi Bryan,
That is true: National Parks are always an issue! Happy flying.
I am planning to buy Phantom 3 drone and want to use in Singapore below 200meters. Does it require any license or just use? Please explain.
Hi Chandra. In Singapore you can fly no higher than 60 meters and you don’t need any license but I suggest to download the OneMap SG App where you can see where you can or cannot fly in Singapore. National Parks, are NO FLY ZONES, you can not fly over any building that belongs to the state ( Ministries, Schools, Religious Buildings etc.), plus you should check the temporary NO FLY ZONES , for example the area of Marina Bay between the last week of July and the 15 of August is a NO FLY ZONE because the preparation and celebration of National Day, same when there is the F1 GP and many more.
Flying legally a drone in Singapore is very tough but It worth it. Happy Flying
Do I need to register DJI SPARK to fly in Singapore?