Europe
Montenegro
CAA Montenegro — Regulation on UAS, EU alignment from July 2024
Montenegro adopted the EU 2019/947 package from July 2024, with free registration and an online theory exam via the official portal dron.caa.me.
Mandatory for drones ≥250 g (the exact threshold varies slightly between sources consulted), free, via the dron.caa.me portal after a free online theory exam.
Minimum age 16, including for foreign/EU citizens; anyone with an already-valid EU certification does not need to register again but must be able to provide proof of it, plus insurance valid in Montenegro.
Mandatory third-party liability insurance under Montenegro's Compulsory Traffic Insurance Law.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Controlled airspace around Tivat and Podgorica airports requires ATC authorization; flying over gatherings is forbidden. Penalties range from €500 to €2,000.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
Maximum altitude not specified on the official page consulted in this research.
Verify officially before flying
Source: CAA Montenegro — Agencija za civilno vazduhoplovstvo (Civil Aviation Agency)
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Montenegro, the official reference remains CAA Montenegro — Agencija za civilno vazduhoplovstvo (Civil Aviation Agency), also via dron.caa.me Portal. Mandatory for drones ≥250 g (the exact threshold varies slightly between sources consulted), free, via the dron.caa.me portal after a free online theory exam.
How this usually works
In most systems, the pilot license (or "certificate") is a theory exam, often entirely online and free, covering the basics: airspace, safety distances, privacy. It's nothing like a driving license, but it's still a legal requirement. Most systems have more than one level: an entry-level exam for flights further from people and built-up areas, and a more thorough one if you want to fly closer. The certificate is usually valid for a few years before it needs renewing. The exam and certificate are handled by CAA Montenegro — Agencija za civilno vazduhoplovstvo (Civil Aviation Agency), also via dron.caa.me Portal. Minimum age 16, including for foreign/EU citizens; anyone with an already-valid EU certification does not need to register again but must be able to provide proof of it, plus insurance valid in Montenegro.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.