To fly a drone legally and safely in Zagreb, you need to distinguish three related but separate steps: registering the UAS operator, meeting the requirements for the remote pilot and checking the airspace conditions for the exact location. A common mistake is to assume that registration automatically opens up the whole city or that a single certificate counts as permission for every flight. In reality, each operation is planned according to the drone, the type of flight, the people in the surroundings and the current geographical zone.
Note: this guide explains the procedure at a general level. Before flying, open the current official sources; registration procedures and the conditions of individual zones can change.
As a rule, it is the operator who registers with HACZ
In the European regulatory framework it is important to distinguish between the operator and the remote pilot. The operator is the person or organisation that manages the operation and is responsible for planning it. The remote pilot is the natural person who handles the drone’s controls. In a small private project this is often the same person, while in a company one registered operator can organise the work of several pilots.
EASA explains that, except for certified aircraft, it is generally not each drone that is registered as a separate aircraft, but the UAS operator. The registration number the operator receives is applied to the drones it operates in accordance with the rules. Exemptions from the registration obligation are linked to the aircraft’s characteristics: mass, a camera or other sensor that can record personal data and toy status can change the answer. That is why the popular rule “under 250 grams you don’t need anything” is not precise enough.
How to check whether you need to register
Start with your drone’s technical data. Check the maximum take-off mass, the class marking, the built-in camera or other sensor and the manufacturer’s documentation. Then compare the data with the current guidance from HACZ and EASA. EASA states that an operator in the open category registers, among other things, for a drone of a certain mass or for a drone with a sensor that can capture personal data, except for prescribed exemptions such as certain toys.
The official Croatian starting points are the HACZ guidance on flying drones and the page “I want to fly a drone – what do I need to do?”, which leads to registration and other procedures. Enter accurate and up-to-date details. After registering, check how the registration number is displayed on the aircraft and, if the drone supports remote identification, how the number is entered into the system. Do not rely on a photo of someone else’s marking or on the previous owner’s details.
Operator registration does not replace pilot competence
Even when the operator is properly registered, the remote pilot must have competences that match the planned operation. In the open category, requirements differ by subcategory A1, A2 or A3 and by the drone’s class and characteristics. Some very light drones have less stringent requirements, while others require online training, an exam or an additional certificate. An operation that cannot stay in the open category is assessed under the rules of the specific category.
Practical skill is also not the same as a formal certificate. A pilot needs to know how to assess wind, battery condition, satellite signal, obstacles, the behaviour of people nearby and a safe return point. If you are new to planning operations, A1/A3 and A2 pilot training can connect regulatory concepts with preparing a real flight.
The AMC Portal has a different role from HACZ registration
HACZ operator registration and using the AMC Portal are not the same procedure. Croatia Control (HKZP) states that the AMC Portal, together with its mobile app, is the system for airspace management and for carrying out UAS activities according to the appropriate procedure. Access requires a separate user registration; the official information describes confirming an email address and submitting the required data or documents.
The practical sequence is: first clarify the status of the operator and pilot, then set up the necessary access to the AMC Portal, and before every flight check the location and current conditions. An account on the portal is no substitute for a good risk assessment on the ground, just as HACZ registration is not automatic approval for any point on the map.
Where can you fly a drone in Zagreb?
There is no reliable permanent list of “permitted Zagreb neighbourhoods”. The city contains different types of space and activity, and conditions can depend on the exact coordinates, altitude, time and temporary restrictions. Proximity to an airport, heliport or other aviation infrastructure is only part of the picture. The decision is also affected by the applicable geographical zone, the planned operation category and the ability to keep a safe distance from people not involved in the flight.
For every location, open the current view on the AMC Portal. Enter the actual point, not just the name of the city, and check what applies for the planned altitude and time. If the system shows a special condition or requires a particular procedure, complete it before the flight. Do not assume that a previously approved flight at the same location automatically applies to a new date.
A practical process for checking a location
- Mark the extent. Prepare precise coordinates or a polygon, the planned altitude, time and duration of the operation.
- Determine the category. Check the drone, class marking, subcategory and planned distance from people and obstacles.
- Check the documents. Confirm the operator’s registration details, the pilot’s required competence and the marking on the drone.
- Review the AMC view. Read all the conditions related to the exact location, not just the colour or name of the zone.
- Assess the terrain. Check the take-off point, permission to access, traffic, people, buildings and the ability to stop the operation.
- Make the decision immediately before the flight. Check the map, weather, equipment and any changes at the location again.
For a professional project, this process is linked to the survey goal. A route for a promotional video is not the same as a flight grid for an orthophoto or a detailed roof inspection. If the result matters to a designer or maintenance team, agree on the format, level of detail and the possibility of repeating the survey in advance. An overview of our drone services shows how the goal determines the sensor and mission plan.
The most common mistakes to avoid
The first is using an outdated map or screenshot. The second is confusing operator registration with permission for a location. The third is focusing only on airspace, without assessing people and obstacles on the ground. The fourth is assuming that a small drone or a short flight automatically removes all obligations. The fifth is choosing equipment before the result and a feasible flight path have been defined.
Another mistake is mixing up flight safety with the right to use the footage. Even when the aviation operation is permitted, filming people, private spaces or publishing material may be subject to other rules. A professional project therefore has a clear task, approved access to the location and an agreed purpose for the data.
Registration is the start of an orderly process, not its end
The correct sequence is easy to remember: register the operator when required, ensure the pilot has the appropriate competence, determine the operation category, check the current geographical zone and assess the actual conditions on the ground. If any part is unclear, postpone take-off until you have reliable information from an official source.
For a broader overview of categories and the meaning of different “permits”, read our guide Drone flight permits in Croatia. If you already have a business task and an exact location, send us a project enquiry; we can propose a suitable platform from our fleet and an operationally feasible plan.