Drone Regulations in Hungary

Do you want to fly your drone in Hungary? Then it’s a good idea to check the local rules first. Within the European Union, the drone laws are largely the same, but each country implements them slightly differently. In Hungary , for example, there are specific rules regarding altitude, registration, and no-fly zones that you really need to know before you take off.

The rules are divided into the main categories OPEN, SPECIFIC, and CERTIFIED. This guide focuses on the OPEN category (the most common category for individuals and professionals).

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • whether you have a ticket or registration ,
  • where you can and cannot fly,
  • and what fines apply if you ignore the rules.

This way, you’ll know exactly how to fly your drone safely and legally in Hungary, without running into any surprises.

 

The Most Important Drone Rules in Hungary: an overview

The drone is flying over the coast in accordance with Hungary's drone regulations, at 120 m AGL, as https://www.kozlekedesihatosag.kormany.hu/hu/dokumentum/202887,Hungarian's Civil Aviation Authority.

Fly a Drone in Hungary is allowed, but there are clear rules you must follow. Most of these rules stem from European Legislation (EASA), but Hungary also has a number of specific national regulations.

Below is a summary of the basic rules that apply to almost every pilot and to most drones.

1. Height and Distance

  • You may fly up to 120 m AGL fly.
  • The drone must always remain within your line of sight at all times.
  • Keep a safe distance from people, animals, buildings, and vehicles.

2. Times and Visibility

  • In principle, it is possible to fly only during the day, unless national legislation provides otherwise. Night flights are, for example, permitted in some countries (such as Belgium) provided the general rules are followed, while in other countries (such as the Netherlands) additional training or specific authorization is required.
  • Your drone must be be clearly visible during flight (no fog, rain, or darkness).

3. Privacy and Security

  • You may not exceed a gathering of people fly.
  • Always respect privacy of others: do not film or photograph people without their permission.
  • Give give way to other air traffic, such as helicopters or airplanes.
  • Keep your distance from emergency services and no-fly zones (such as airports or military areas). View the no-fly zones in Hungary here: https://www.kozlekedesihatosag.kormany.hu/hu/dokumentum/202887.

4. Registration and Insurance

  • Drones weighing more than 250 grams or equipped with a Camera must be registered with the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Check whether your insurance covers damage caused by drone use—in some cases, separate drone insurance is required.

 

Do you need a drone license in Hungary?

Whether you need a drone license in Hungary on the weight of your drone and the risk zone in which you fly. Within the European Union, a distinction is made between three categories: OPEN, SPECIFIC and CERTIFIED. Within the OPEN Within this category, a further distinction is made between the following subcategories: A1, A2, and A3. These rules also apply in Hungary.

An Explanation of the Three European Categories

  • A1 – Light Drones (up to 250 g):
    • With a drone weighing less than 250 grams (such as the DJI Mini series), you are generally allowed to usually fly without a drone license. However, you must comply with privacy regulations and are not allowed to fly over crowds. Registration as a drone operator is still required if the drone is equipped with a Camera. This is the case with the DJI Mini series.
  • A2 – medium-weight drones (250 g to 4 kg):
    • For drones weighing between 250 grams and 4 kilograms, you do needan EU drone license . In Hungary, this usually means obtaining the Basic Certificate (A1/A3) and the Supplementary Certificate (A2). You may fly these drones closer to people, but you must always maintain a distance of at least 30 meters from bystanders.
  • A3 – Heavier drones (up to 25 kg)
    • Do you use a drone that weighs more than 2 kilograms? If so, you fall into the A3 category. In that case, you’ll definitely need a pilot’s license (A1/A3 Certificate) and must maintain a distance of at least 150 meters from people, buildings, and industrial areas. This category is intended for flights with heavier drones in more remote locations.

How to Get Your Drone License in Hungary

The drone pilot operates the drone in accordance with Hungary's current drone regulations: 120 m AGL, as specified by thehttps://www.kozlekedesihatosag.kormany.hu/hu/dokumentum/202887,Hungariann Civil Aviation Authority.

Getting a drone license is fairly easy to arrange. In Hungary, , this is done through the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority, where you complete a short drone training course and take a written exam. Once you pass, you’ll receive the official EU drone license, which is valid in all member states.

 

Do you need to register your drone in Hungary?

a, in most cases, the pilot (or operator) register in Hungary. European regulations require this registration for anyone who flies a drone equipped with a Camera or weighing more than 250 grams. This rule applies even if you’re flying for recreational purposes.

So it’s the pilot who registers as a drone operator to receive an operator number; the drone itself no longer needs to be registered.

How does registration work in Hungary?

Registration is handled by the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority, the official aviation authority in Hungary. As a drone pilot or operator, you must apply there for an operator number: a unique code that you are required to affix to your drone (using a sticker or engraved plate).

Your operator number must be clearly visible on the drone itself, so that during an inspection it is immediately clear who the pilot is.

Here’s how it works, step by step:

  1. Register online via the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority’s website.
  2. Receive your operator number by email.
  3. Place the number in a visible spot on your drone.
  4. Check to see if you need to renew your registration annually.

Your operator number is personal, but may be used for all drones that you operate.

When is registration not required?

Only if your drone weighs less than 250 grams and doesn’t have a Camera , you usually don’t need to register it. Still, it’s recommended that you do so: this makes it easier to identify you in the event of loss or an incident.

Tip: Take a photo of your registration certificate right away and save it digitally. That way, you can always show it during an inspection.

How much does registration cost in Hungary?

In the EU, you pay an average of €0 to about €30–50 for your operator number.

 

Where are you allowed to fly your drone in Hungary?

Drone flying at a safe altitude in accordance with Hungary’s drone regulations: 120 m AGL, as specified by thehttps://www.kozlekedesihatosag.kormany.hu/hu/dokumentum/202887,Hungariann Civil Aviation Authority.

Not every place in Hungary is suitable for flying your drone. There are zones where it is allowed, and areas where drone flights are restricted or prohibited . The airspace over Hungary is divided into various geozones, which determine where you are allowed to take off.

No-fly zones: where you are not allowed to fly

Some areas are completely off-limits for drones, even if you have the proper permits.

This is often the case for:

  • Airports and Airfields
  • Military bases
  • Nuclear power plants and industrial areas
  • Government buildings or prisons
  • Nature reserves or protected parks

In these zones in Hungary, you risk a fine or even the confiscation of your drone.

Restricted Zones: Areas Where You Can Only Fly With Permission

In certain areas, you may only fly with a special permit from the competent aviation authority, the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority.

This applies, for example, to:

  • Flights over densely populated areas
  • Professional or commercial recordings

For some flights, you need prior authorization from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (Belgium) or a comparable aviation authority in Hungary.

Open zones: where you’re allowed to fly freely

Fortunately, there are also plenty of areas where you can fly freely—as long as you follow the general rules. These are usually open fields, beaches, or rural areas, located a certain distance away from buildings or crowds.

Tip: Always choose a quiet area with few obstacles. This makes it safer for you and for others.

Useful tools for checking your flight zone

Always use an official drone map or app before you take off. That way, you can see at a glance whether it’s safe to take off. You can view Hungary’s official drone map here: {link}.

 

Insurance, Privacy, and Security

Flying a drone should not only be fun, but also safe and responsible. That is why Hungary has clear rules regarding insurance, privacy, and safety. These rules ensure that you can fly without worry and that others remain protected.

Is drone insurance required in Hungary?

In Hungary it is usually mandatory to have liability insurance if you fly a drone that weighs more than 20 kg (although regulations may be stricter at the national level), or if it is used for professional purposes.

Since you are always asked for an insurance or policy number when applying for your operator number (required for drones equipped with a Camera or weighing more than 250 g), it is highly recommended to have liability insurance, even for lighter, recreational flights.

Insurance can be useful in the following situations:

  • Damage to third parties, such as to vehicles or buildings
  • Physical injuries to people on the ground
  • Possibly also loss or damage to your drone

Always check whether your family insurance (civil liability) covers drone use. If not, make sure your drone is covered by a separate insurance policy. It takes very little effort but saves a lot of hassle.

Privacy Rules for Filming with Your Drone

A drone with a Camera offers endless possibilities, but also comes with privacy responsibilities . In Hungary, , the same basic rules apply as in the rest of the EU:

  • Do not film or take photos Do not film or photograph.
  • Avoid flying over gardens, homes, or private property.
  • Do not share images in which people are recognizable without their consent.
  • Comply with the GDPR legislation when filming for commercial purposes.

Tip: Use neutral images or film only landscapes to avoid discussions about privacy.

Fly Safely: Keep It Fun and Legal

Safety starts with preparation. The following applies to every flight in Hungary , the following applies:

  • Always check your location before every drone flightso that you don’t accidentally end up in a no-fly zone.
  • Check the weather conditions (wind, rain, sun).
  • Make sure your drone is fully charged.
  • Always maintain visual contact with your drone.
  • Do not let the drone fly outside your line of sight (VLOS) fly.
  • Always observe the maximum altitude: you must not fly higher than 120 m AGL.

Bonus tip: Start by practicing in open areas with few obstacles. This will help you get to know your drone better and fly with more confidence.

 

Fines and Penalties for Violations

Drone regulations in Hungary is in place to keep the airspace safe. Anyone who fails to comply risks a fine, and in some cases, even the confiscation of the drone.

Still, there’s no need to worry: if you follow the basic rules, you can enjoy every flight without any problems or stress.

Possible Violations and Corresponding Penalties

The most common offenses in Hungary are:

  • Fly without a registration number or operator number
  • No valid EU drone license (A1/A3 or A2)
  • Flying in a no-fly zone or without permission
  • Exceeding the maximum altitude of 120 m AGL
  • Fly over people or crowded areas
  • Violation of privacy laws (images taken without consent)

Depending on the severity of the violation, in Hungary you can expect:

  • Fines, depending on the violation
  • Temporary seizure of your drone
  • In exceptional cases: legal proceedings in dangerous situations or in cases of repeat offenses

How can you avoid a fine?

Most fines result from ignorance, not from intentional wrongdoing. By adopting a few simple habits, you can always stay on the right side of the law:

  • Register your drone properly with the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority
  • Get the right EU drone license for your category
  • Before each flight, check the flight zones in an app
  • Keep your distance from people, buildings, and traffic
  • Be alert at events or airports

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Regulations in Hungary

1. Where are you allowed to fly a drone in Hungary?

You may fly your drone in Hungary’s open zones — these are areas where no restrictions apply according to the official drone map or app. You may fly up to a maximum of 120 meters AGL, as long as you keep the drone within your line of sight and maintain a safe distance from people and buildings. Always use an app to check whether your location is safe for takeoff.

2. Is it permitted to fly drones in Hungary?

Yes, that is allowed, but only if you comply with European and national regulations.

That means:

  • A registered drone operator (weighing 250 grams or more, or equipped with a Camera)
  • A valid EU drone license for drones weighing more than 250 grams
  • Compliance with the maximum altitude of 120 m AGL
  • No flights over crowds or in no-fly zones

Not sure? Check an app or the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest rules.

3. What Can You Film with a Drone in Hungary?

You may film or take photos in public places as long as you respect the privacy of others. In Hungary, , the GDPR legislation applies, which means you may not film people in a way that makes them recognizable without their consent.

You are generally allowed to film landscapes, buildings, or events, as long as you stay within the designated flight zones.

 

Conclusion: Fly Your Drone in Hungary

Fly a Drone in Hungary is perfectly possible as long as you know and follow the rules. Register as a drone operator with {registratieinstantie}, obtain the appropriate EU drone license and stay below the maximum altitude of 120 m AGL. Always use an app to check whether it’s safe to take off, and avoid no-fly zones.

This way, you can fly worry-free, get the most out of your drone, and stay completely within the law.

Over de auteur

Yordi Verbeeren

Categories

Cta Bg

Stay up to date with updates & promotions

Sign up for exclusive offers and updates. We will send 1 email every 2-3 months.

0
    0
    Your shopping cart
    Your shopping cart is emptyBack to the store