Competent authority
The Autoridade Nacional da Aviação Civil (ANAC) is the authority for uncrewed aircraft.
Registration
Registration covers the operator and all their aircraft. Three cases make it mandatory:
- a take-off mass of at least 250 g;
- an energy transferable on impact above 80 joules;
- a camera, microphone or any sensor able to record personal data.
The operator number, called the e-ID, must be displayed visibly and legibly on the aircraft. ⚠️ Since 2026 it must also be entered into the drone's remote identification system. Putting it on the shell is no longer enough.
Remote pilot certification
Subcategories A1, A2 and A3 of the Open category apply, with European training and exams. A certificate obtained in another member state is recognised.
Operating categories
Open, Specific and Certified, under Regulation (EU) 2019/947. Three cross-cutting rules: a ceiling of 120 m above ground, permanent visual line of sight, and no flying over gatherings of people.
Airspace and official resources
ANAC publishes the Voa na Boa app, to be checked before every flight. The main restrictions cover a 5 km radius around airports, military bases, regulated maritime zones, temporary exclusion areas, and natural parks, where flying requires ICNF approval.
National specifics
⚠️ Third-party liability insurance is mandatory from 900 g. That threshold is specific to the country: the European regulation only imposes it from 20 kg, by reference to the air carrier insurance regulation. A common consumer aircraft weighs more than 900 g and therefore falls under an obligation its owner did not expect.
Natural parks are a frequent and poorly known case. Portugal has many, they cover a large share of the landscapes people come to film, and ICNF approval is not obtained at the foot of the cliff.