Last reviewed: May 2026 · Sources: EASA Part-UAS, EU 2019/945, EU 2019/947
EU Drone Regulations - EASA Open and Specific Category Guide (2026)
Rules, licence requirements, C-class drones and official sources for all 31 EASA member states.
The Three EASA Operating Categories
All drone operations in EASA member states fall into one of three categories defined by operational risk. The framework is set in EU Regulation 2019/947.
| Category | Risk level | Who it's for | Licence required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Low | Recreational and simple commercial | A1/A3 or A2 |
| Specific | Medium | Complex commercial operations | STS or authorisation |
| Certified | High | Large drones, dangerous cargo, people transport | Full aviation certification |
A2STS scope: we cover Open category (A2) and Specific category (STS). The Certified category is outside our preparation focus.
Open Category - A1, A2 and A3 Subcategories
The open category covers most recreational and light commercial drone operations. Subcategories depend on drone class, weight, and proximity to uninvolved persons.
| Subcategory | Drone class | Max weight | Key restriction | Licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | C0, C1 | Under 900g | Near (not over assembled) people | A1/A3 online exam |
| A2 | C2 | Under 4kg | 30m from people (5m low-speed) | A2 in-person exam |
| A3 | C2, C3, C4 | Under 25kg | 150m from residential areas | A1/A3 online exam |
A1 subcategory
C0 class (under 250g) can fly close to people; private builds may be exempt from operator registration. C1 class (250g-900g) may fly near but not intentionally over people. Requires the free A1/A3 certificate (online exam).
A2 subcategory
C2 class drones (900g-4kg): standard minimum distance 30m from uninvolved persons, reducible to 5m with low-speed mode (≤3 m/s). Requires A1/A3 first, then a separate in-person A2 exam at your NAA. Valid 5 years. A2 exam details →
A3 subcategory
Heavier drones (C3, C4) in unpopulated areas - stay 150m from residential, commercial and industrial zones. Covered by A1/A3; no separate exam beyond A1/A3.
C-Class Drone Certification Explained
EASA introduced class identification (C0-C6) for drones placed on the market after July 2022. Class determines subcategory and required technical capabilities under EU 2019/945.
| Class | Weight range | Key requirements | Subcategory |
|---|---|---|---|
| C0 | Under 250g | No remote ID for some private builds | A1 |
| C1 | 250g - 900g | Remote ID broadcast | A1 |
| C2 | 900g - 4kg | Remote ID + low-speed mode + geofencing | A2 |
| C3 | 4kg - 25kg | Remote ID + geofencing | A3 |
| C4 | 4kg - 25kg | Remote ID, no autonomous modes | A3 |
| C5 | - | Advanced Remote ID, follow-me allowed | Specific |
| C6 | - | Highest class, BVLOS capable | Specific |
Legacy drones: aircraft without a C-class label may operate under transitional rules - verify current EASA cut-off dates. Private build: homemade UAS follow separate limits, typically A1 (under 250g) or A3 operations.
Specific Category - Standard Scenarios (STS)
The specific category covers operations beyond open-category limits. Pilots use pre-defined Standard Scenarios (STS) instead of full operational authorisations where possible.
| Scenario | Description | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|
| STS-01 | VLOS over controlled ground area | C5-class drone, STS theory + practical certificate |
| STS-02 | BVLOS over sparsely populated area | C6-class drone, STS theory + practical certificate |
STS exam: 60 questions, 60 minutes, ≥45 correct (75%), in-person at NAA centre. Prerequisite: valid A1/A3. STS exam details →
Operations outside published STS require a specific operational authorisation (SORA) from your NAA - outside A2STS scope.
EASA Certification Paths - Step by Step
Path 1: A1/A3 (recreational / sub-250g)
- Register in the NAA e-services portal (TKA)
- Complete the online training course
- Pass the online theoretical exam (40 questions, 40 min, ≥75%)
- Receive the proof of completion for online training (valid 5 years)
Path 2: A2
- Valid proof of completion for online training (A1/A3)
- Declared practical self-training under the A3 programme
- Theoretical exam at the NAA classroom (30 questions, ≥75%)
- Remote pilot certificate of competency (open subcategory A2)
Path 3: STS
- Valid proof of completion for online training (A1/A3)
- Theoretical exam at the NAA classroom (60 or 65 questions with A2, ≥75%)
- Remote pilot theoretical knowledge certificate (Standard Scenarios)
- STS practical skills training completion certificate (from 1 Jan 2024, STS-01/STS-02)
A2 Exam - 8 Syllabus Topic Areas
The A2 theoretical exam draws from these eight EASA-defined areas. All questions are multiple-choice (30 questions, 30 min, ≥23 to pass).
| # | Topic area | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air space, air traffic and airspace restrictions | CTRs, ATZs, no-fly zones, NOTAM, U-space |
| 2 | UAS regulations | EASA framework, categories, operator registration |
| 3 | Human performance limitations | Fatigue, stress, situational awareness |
| 4 | Meteorology | Wind, visibility, cloud, turbulence |
| 5 | UAS flight performance | Battery, payload, altitude, emergencies |
| 6 | Technical and operational mitigations for ground risk | Distances, low-speed mode, ground planning |
| 7 | Technical and operational mitigations for air risk | Collision avoidance, air risk, SORA concepts |
| 8 | Insurance requirements | Third-party liability by weight class |
Certificate Renewal
Open category certificates are valid for 5 years. Initiate renewal before expiry - most NAAs recommend 2-3 months ahead.
| Certificate | Questions | Time | Pass mark | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1/A3 renewal | 20 | 20 min | ≥15/20 | Online |
| A2 renewal | 35 | 35 min | ≥27/35 | In-person (A1/A3 + A2 mix) |
| STS renewal | 50 | 50 min | ≥38/50 | In-person (A1/A3 + STS mix) |
Official EASA and EU Regulatory Sources
Core EU regulations
- EU Regulation 2019/947 - UAS operationsMain operational rulebook (Open, Specific, Certified categories).
- EU Regulation 2019/945 - UAS product requirementsTechnical and design standards including C-class marking.
- EASA Easy Access Rules for UAS (2024 revision)Both regulations combined in one readable document.
EASA guidance
- EASA Open Category overviewOfficial summary of A1, A2 and A3 subcategories.
- EASA Drone FAQCommon operational questions answered by EASA.
- EASA NAA contact list by countryNational authorities and registration portals.
- EASA C-class information noticesTechnical requirements per C0-C6 class.
Practical tools
How Rules Differ by Country
EASA sets the harmonised framework - the same subcategories, C-class system, and 75% pass threshold apply in all 31 member states. NAAs implement locally: exam fees, booking, centres, national zones, and insurance minimums vary.
Same everywhere
- Subcategories A1, A2, A3
- C-class rules
- Pass thresholds
- Certificate mutual recognition
Varies by country
- Exam fee (€0-€100+)
- Registration process
- National no-fly zones
- Insurance minimums
Check your NAA
- Exam centre locations
- Exam language
- A1/A3 online vs in-person
Drone flying rules by country
Jump to national guides for zone maps, registration, insurance and local restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do EASA drone rules apply across all EU countries?
- Yes - EU Regulations 2019/945 and 2019/947 apply directly in all EU member states. EASA member states (including non-EU Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) also apply these rules. NAAs implement locally but cannot override the core framework.
- Do I need to register my drone in every country I fly in?
- No. Operator registration in your home country is generally recognised across EASA states. You do not need to re-register when flying temporarily in another member state, but you must follow local geographical zones and restrictions.
- Is my A2 certificate valid across all EASA countries?
- Yes. A2 certificates of competency issued by any EASA NAA are mutually recognised across all 31 EASA member states.
- What is the difference between Open and Specific category?
- Open category covers low-risk operations within defined weight and distance limits - no individual operational authorisation needed. Specific category covers higher-risk operations; pilots use Standard Scenarios (STS) or apply for individual operational authorisations.
- Do EASA drone rules apply in the UK?
- No. The UK left EASA after Brexit and follows UK CAA rules (Flyer ID / Operator ID). Structure is similar but separate - an EASA certificate is not automatically valid in the UK.
- What is the maximum altitude for drone flights in EASA?
- The standard maximum is 120m above ground level (AGL) for Open category operations. Some NAAs permit lower caps in geographical zones - always check the national UAS zone map before flying.
- Is drone insurance mandatory in the EU?
- For drones above 20kg, third-party liability insurance is mandatory under EU rules. Many EASA states also require insurance for lighter drones - check your NAA. A2STS country pages list insurance requirements per state.
- What happens to drones bought before the C-class system?
- Drones manufactured before July 2022 without a C-class label can operate under transitional arrangements. Cut-off dates have been updated several times - verify current EASA guidance before relying on legacy rules.
Ready to Prepare?
Understanding regulations is one thing - passing the exam requires structured practice with exam-format questions.
A2 preparation
30 questions, 8 syllabus topics, full timed simulation.
Related pages
A2STS is not affiliated with EASA or any National Aviation Authority. Regulatory information is based on publicly available EASA sources and is provided for exam preparation context only. Always verify current rules with your NAA before conducting drone operations. Last reviewed: May 2026.