Drone laws Hungary [March 2023] [Rules and Registering]

Drone laws are becoming increasingly important with the introduction of commercial drones entering the marketplace. With commercial drones comes a whole new set of challenges and best practices that need to be thought through before purchase.

The rules and regulations in Hungary for the use of drones are similar to the ones in other Europeans countries. There are some general restrictions, but if you know them, and follow them, you can enjoy flying your drone without any problem.

Drone Laws Hungary

Before flying a drone in Hungary, you need to register your drone and obtain a permit. You do not have to pass any exams or tests to get this permit.

Your drone must be marked with your registration number.

Your drone must not weigh more than 20 kilograms.

You may fly up to 120 meters above ground level if your aircraft has a mass of less than 25 kilograms, but you cannot fly over crowds or gatherings of people (including parades and sporting events).

If you are flying over populated areas, you may only fly over 50 meters (160 feet) above the ground and at least 50 meters (160 feet) away from people, objects and vehicles.

Registering Your Drone In Hungary

If you’re Hungarian or a resident of the EU, and your drone weighs more than 800 grams, you’ll need to register it with the National Security Authority.

Registration is free and lasts for the lifetime of your drone. The registration process must be completed at least 48 hours before your first flight in Hungary. You can register online or by mail.

For more information on how to register your drone, see this page (Hungarian language) on the National Security Authority website.

Registration Fee Is Approximately $15

• You need to pay a registration fee.
• This is about 15 US dollars. (The price is not fixed, and may be slightly more or less than this, but we’re estimating that it’s about this amount.)
• You’ll pay in Hungarian forint, the local currency.
• The exact cost isn’t what’s important here.(Rather, the main point of this section is to let you know that you have to pay a registration fee—and that it isn’t an exorbitant amount of money.)

No Exam Required To Register

• Online registration – To register a drone in Hungary, it is required that you have the certificate of registration. This certificate can be obtained online.
• No exam required – If you’re registering a drone in Hungary, you do not need to take an exam to do so.
• No age restriction – There is no specified minimum age to register a drone in Hungary.
• No requirement to be Hungarian citizen – There isn’t a requirement that says you must be a Hungarian citizen to register your drone with Hungarian authorities.

Fly Below 120 Meters

• You can fly higher than 120 meters if you have permission from the aviation authority.
• The 120 meter limit is a maximum, not a target height to try and reach. Fly at the lowest altitude possible while still maintaining your mission objectives and safety of flight.
• For drones with an autopilot, the limit is 150 meters; however, it is generally recommended that you keep your drone below 120 meters as most weather information will be reported in this range.
• Flying above 120 meters requires a license issued by the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Don’t Fly Over Crowds Or Near Airports

• Don’t fly near crowds. According to UAV Coach, drone operators are not allowed to fly their drones over groups of people.
• It’s also illegal to fly your drone within an extended distance of airports or airfields, so it’s best if you check what the areas in close proximity are like before taking off.
• You should also be careful not to fly over industrial sites and military bases (or prisons—there have been cases of drone trafficking in recent years).

Don’t Fly Within 50 Meters Of People Or Buildings

You can’t fly your drone within 30 meters of people if it weighs less than 250 grams, or within 50 meters of people if it’s between 250 grams and 2 kilograms. If your drone weighs more than 2 kilograms, you must stay 150 meters away from people. Flying within 150 meters of hospitals is also prohibited.

You must also avoid flying closer than 50 meters to buildings and structures, which includes power lines and antennas.

How High A Drone Can Go

• You must register your drone in Hungary. It costs HUF 50,000 (about 177 USD) and is valid for one year. You must be at least 18 years old to do this, but you don’t need any kind of certification or even an exam in order to fly a drone in Hungary.
• You can’t fly above 120 meters (393 feet) within three kilometers (1.8 miles) of an airport or aerodrome, or above 20 meters (65 feet) within 50 meters (164 feet) of a person outside of the property where you plan on flying the drone.
• If you’re traveling with your own drone, check out our article about How to Travel with Drones for some travel tips and tricks for bringing along your UAV on vacation!

How To Register Drone In Hungary

Requirements

Hungary has a few requirements for those wanting to fly drones, and it’s important that you meet them all before applying.

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be a Hungarian citizen or have a permanent residence permit in Hungary.
• You must have a valid identity document (such as your passport or identity card).
• You must complete the model aircraft registration form, which can be found on the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority website. There is no fee to fill out this form (although there is an application fee below), so it shouldn’t stop you from continuing with your registration process.
• If you have any problems filling out the form, there are some answers to frequently asked questions available on the same site.
• You will also need to pay an application fee of HUF 1,000 ($5 USD) per drone when completing your registration application online (more information on this coming soon).

Procedure

The procedure to register a drone in Hungary involves the following steps:

• Send your application. You need to complete an online or downloadable form and submit it together with any required documents. The Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will review your application and respond within 30 days of submission.
• Receive approval. Once you have received approval from the CAA, you must print out the approval certificate and carry it with you at all times when flying your drone.

To Register A Drone In Hungary, You Must

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Hungarian citizen or a foreigner residing in Hungary
• Have a valid identity card or passport
• Have a valid air traffic control license, if applicable

If you pass the test, you will receive an official approval certificate within 30 days after the exam date and the drone will be registered within 15 days following your successful submission of the registration form.

The Following Forms Must Be Submitted To The Supervisory Authority

• The registration form must be typed in Hungarian. You can find it online on the website of the supervisory authority. This form must be printed on both sides, and signed by you as the applicant.
• Proof must be provided that your drone is covered by a manufacturer-provided warranty or insurance, or that you have purchased a warranty or insurance policy specifically for your drone

Drones And Model Aircraft Registration Form (in Hungarian)

The Hungarian drone registration requirements are fairly straightforward. You’ll need to fill out a “Drones and Model Aircraft Registration Form” in Hungarian and submit it to the supervisory authority.

• Sign up for a free account on the website of the supervisory authority. Once you’ve signed up, log in and navigate to their page containing forms for registering drones and model aircrafts, where you’ll find the aforementioned registration form, which you’re required to fill out.
• Print and sign this form before submitting it at one of their regional offices in person. They require that you bring along certain documents with your registration form, such as a copy of your passport or driver’s license, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.

Pay The Application Fee Of Huf 3250 By Bank Transfer Or Postal Order

Great job! Now that you’ve filled out the form, all that’s left to do is pay the application fee. The fee for registering your drone is HUF 3250, which must be paid by bank transfer or postal order. You can find payment details on the form itself, and please note that this fee is non-refundable.

For more information about registering your drone in Hungary, visit the website of the National Transport Authority (Nemzeti Közlekedési Hatóság).

Submit Documents

Registering your model aircraft with the Hungarian authorities is an easy process, and you’ll be grateful to have taken the time to do it when you’re out flying your drone. You will need to submit at least two color passport-type photographs and a copy of your identity document (identity card or passport).

These documents are required for registration in Hungary, and must be shown along with the registration certificate every time you fly within and outside the country.

Are Drones Allowed In Hungary

Yes, Drones Are Allowed In Hungary

While there are some regulations and rules, this does not mean that Hungary has banned people from flying drones in their country. The Hungarian government is very open to drone use and encourages people to fly them.

The only restrictions are that the drone cannot be flown within 5 km of an airport or airfield, it must remain within 500 meters of the pilot’s line of sight, and it cannot be flown over groups of people. These restrictions are fairly standard across countries all over the world. As long as you follow these basic rules and guidelines, you will be able to fly your drone in Hungary without any problems or issues.

What Can I Do With My Drone In Hungary?

The Hungarian government has a very liberal approach to what you can do with your drone. You are allowed to take photos or film for personal use, business or commercial purposes, or recreational use.

You can even fly your device at night and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), as long as you have obtained the necessary permissions from law enforcement authorities.

In addition to the general rules above, there are restrictions against flying in certain areas:

• within 5 km of any airport
• above military zones
• over public roads

Where Can I Fly My Drone In Hungary?

You can operate a drone in any public place, and you are allowed to fly over private land so long as you do not cross the borders of the property. You are also free to take aerial photos of private property as long as you do not enter it (including by flying above it), and there is some distance between your drone and the property itself.

Just like in any other country, there are places where you cannot fly drones: national parks, airports, restricted areas that have been closed off by authorities, or in ways that may cause danger to other people.

Do I Need A License To Fly My Drone In Hungary?

You do not need a license to fly your drone, but you do need registration. You can apply for an operator registration number, which will be valid in the entire European Union. Drones up to 20 kg can get a registration number this way.

If you’re flying a heavier drone, you’ll need approval from the Hungarian Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA). To register at the border, bring along your drone’s certificate of airworthiness or certificate of release to service if applicable.

You are responsible for registering your drone before flying it in Hungary!

Are There Any Rules For Flying Drones In Hungary?

• You should not fly over people or animals. If you’re flying your drone in a populated area, you need to make sure that it’s at least 30m (98ft) away from any people.
• Don’t fly over roads or railways, and if you use your drone for commercial purposes, don’t fly within 150m (492ft) of them either. It’s also prohibited to take off near or land on a road, railway track or pedestrian path.
• Never fly near an airport! There is a 5km (3 mile) no-fly zone around each of the country’s airports so make sure always stay clear unless you want to risk having your drone shot down by the air force! Additionally, make sure there are no unwanted guests on your drone before you take off from anywhere nearby one of these airports: Budapest Ferihegy Airport; Debrecen International Airport; Győr-Pér International Airport; Hévíz–Balaton Airport; Pécs-Pogány Airport and Sármellék International Airport.
• If you’re going to be flying on private property then it’s important to get permission from the landowner beforehand. You can only fly within 50 meters of another person with their consent. Also don’t forget that if they ask you to leave the property then it is mandatory that you do so immediately!
• You must keep your drone in sight at all times while flying and never let it go above 120m (400 ft).

Drones Are Allowed In Hungary, As Long As You Follow Some Simple Rules

You can fly a drone in Hungary as long as you follow some common-sense rules designed to keep you and others safe. First, keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times. Never fly over people or moving vehicles, and never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Remember that children can be curious about unmanned aircraft so don’t let them operate your drone if they are under 13 years old. Be aware of airspace requirements and restrictions for flying drones around airports and airfields.

Drones are allowed in national parks in Hungary, with permission from the park. They may also be flown at special events, however it is best to check with local authorities before doing so.

Conclusion

Drone laws Hungary can be very strict if you start operating without proper permits and regulations. Learn what the legal drone area is here in Hungary. There are special regulations for flying drones for professional, educational or recreational purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (drone Laws Hungary)

Can I Fly My Drone In Hungary?

Flying a drone in Hungary is allowed if you are doing so for recreational purposes. If you plan to fly a drone commercially, then you need permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

It is also possible that local laws may prohibit or restrict the use of drones for certain activities, such as in parks or areas where animals can be found.

Is A Permit Required To Fly In Hungary?

Yes. A permit is required to fly a drone in Hungary. This can be obtained by filling out an online application, or by visiting the airport or police station in person with your passport and proof of address (such as a utility bill).

If you’re flying within city limits, there are no restrictions on where you can fly your drone—but if your flight plan takes it beyond city limits, make sure that you check with air traffic control first.

Are There Any Laws Against Flying Drones In Hungary?

You are allowed to fly drones in Hungary. However, there are a few restrictions that you should be aware of:

• Do not fly a drone over public gatherings or sporting events, such as motor races.
• Do not fly your drone over protected areas such as nature reserves or national parks.

How High Can I Fly My Drone In Hungary?

You are allowed to fly your drone or multicopter in Hungary up to 150 metres above the ground. You have to keep in mind that your drone must stay at least 50 metres away from any person or property in order for it to be considered safe.

If you want to go higher than 150 metres, you need special authorization from the authorities.

Do I Need Liability Insurance To Fly A Drone In Hungary (unmanned Aircraft System – Uas) ?

No. It is not a legal requirement to have liability insurance when flying a drone and you will not be stopped or fined by the authorities for not having it. If you do want to fly, we would still recommend buying insurance as it will cover any legal fees that you incur if your drone causes damage to people or property. You can buy this from drone retailers or online.

Are There Any Local Clubs, Organizations Or Communities For Drone Enthusiasts In Hungary?

There are a number of local clubs and organizations for drone enthusiasts in Hungary. The first place to look is on the national drone association website.

The Hungarian language forum on drones is another good place to find out what’s going on in Hungary.