Is it necessary to register drones in Northern Cyprus

Yes. In Northern Cyprus, drones (UAVs) must be registered with the Civil Aviation Department, after which the drone is assigned a unique number. An exception is usually made for drones weighing up to 249 g. To register, you generally need to send the completed Form-001, a photo of your ID, a photo of the drone showing the model and serial number clearly, and indicate the purpose of use (hobby or commercial) to the Department's email. Operating an unregistered UAV carries a fine equivalent to four times the minimum wage.

• Who needs registration and what are the exceptions
• How to register a drone
• Where and how you cannot fly
• Table: drone weight and requirements
• Frequently asked questions
• If you need legal advice

Who needs registration and what are the exceptions

Registration is required to operate a drone in Northern Cyprus. Drones weighing up to 249 g are generally exempt from mandatory registration.

How to register a drone

Steps to follow

1. Download and complete the drone registration Form-001.
2. Prepare a photo of your ID (passport/ID card).
3. Take a photo of the drone so that the model and serial number are clearly visible.
4. Specify the purpose of use: recreational or commercial.
5. Send the documents package to one of the addresses of the Civil Aviation Department: [email protected] or [email protected].

Where and how you cannot fly

Even with registration, there are restrictions regarding zones and altitude. It is important to assess the takeoff location and flight path in advance.

• Airports: flying drones within a 6 km radius of airports is generally prohibited.
• Military sites: flights near military bases are prohibited.
• Altitude: flights above 120 m usually require additional permission from the Civil Aviation Department.

If a flight is planned near airports or other sensitive areas, it is practical to coordinate it in advance with the Civil Aviation Department rather than relying solely on “general rules.”

Table: drone weight and requirements

Frequently asked questions

Do drones weighing 249 g or less need registration?

Generally no: drones up to 249 g usually do not require mandatory registration. However, zone and altitude restrictions still apply.

Where to send drone registration documents?

The documents package is usually sent via email to the Civil Aviation Department of Northern Cyprus: [email protected] or [email protected].

What is needed for registration?

Typically: completed Form-001, photo of ID, photo of the drone showing model and serial number, and indication of the purpose of use (recreational or commercial).

Where is it forbidden to fly a drone?

Flights are usually prohibited within a 6 km radius of airports and near military bases.

Can you fly above 120 m?

Flights above 120 m usually require additional permission from the Civil Aviation Department.

What is the fine for flying without registration?

Operating an unregistered UAV carries a fine equivalent to four times the minimum wage.

If you need legal advice

If the situation involves liability risks, commercial filming, or disputes, you can consult our legal partner — DeJure — for advice from a lawyer licensed in Northern Cyprus.

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