Finland, with its endless forests, thousands of lakes, and vast landscapes, is a dream destination for drone pilots. To ensure your flights remain legal and safe, you must follow the EU Drone Regulation (EASA) as well as some national specifics for Finland. Since December 31, 2020, largely uniform European rules apply regarding maximum flight altitude, registration, identification, and flight restrictions.

Maximum Altitude & Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

Maximum Altitude:
120 meters in uncontrolled airspace (Open category).

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS):
The drone must always be flown within the pilot’s direct line of sight.

Distance to Airports:

• Within 5 km of an airport, approval from air traffic control is required.

• In controlled zones, outside the 5 km radius, a height limit of 50 m often applies.

Registration & Identification

Registration Requirements:
All drone operators must be registered, except:

• Drones under 250 g without sensors capable of collecting personal data (e.g., camera, microphone)

• Toy drones according to the EU Toy Directive

Registration in any EU country is valid and recognized in Finland.

Identification (e-ID):

• Every drone must be visibly marked with its registration number (e-ID).

• If available, the e-ID must also be stored in the drone’s remote identification system.

Drone License (EU Competency Certificate)

• Depending on the category (A1, A2, A3) and operation, online training and exams are required.

• The EU drone license is fully recognized in Finland.

• Minimum age for remote pilots: 16 years.

• There is no distinction between private and commercial pilots; the category determines requirements.

Insurance

• Not mandatory, but strongly recommended for drones under 20 kg.

• For professional operations in specific categories, insurance may be required.

No-Fly Zones & Restrictions

Airports & Controlled Zones:
Strict altitude limits and approvals apply.

Privacy:
Respect the privacy of others at all times.

Prohibited Areas:
Several maps of permanently or temporarily restricted areas are available and should be checked before every flight.

National Parks & Nature Reserves:
Additional restrictions may apply. Always check for local rules or permits before flying.

Military Zones & Aerial Filming:
Flying over military areas and aerial photography often require a separate permit, regardless of drone weight or altitude.

Permit is required for:

• Permanently restricted airspace (e.g., EFR 11, 35, 37, 43, 45, 54, 100)

• Garrisons, fortifications, military harbors, and military airfields

• Finnish Defense Forces’ equipment and storage

• Signal stations, antenna sites, and defense facilities

• Military exercises of the Defense or Border Guard

No permit needed if:

• Footage is used strictly for private purposes

• No sensitive military objects are captured

• The area is clearly limited (e.g., forest, park, industrial area)

• The area is smaller than 500 km²

Permit Application:

• Email: permit.defcom@mil.fi

• Required: Maps and coordinates (e.g., ESRI, SHP, KMZ)

• Processing time: approx. 14 days

• Fee: approx. €86

Weight Restrictions

• Drones up to 20 kg are allowed in the open category (depending on subcategory).

Helpful Links & Contacts

• EU Drone Regulation (EASA)

• Finnish Civil Aviation Authority Information Portal

• Maps of no-fly zones

• Finnish Defence Command: permit.defcom@mil.fi