Technical Support and FAQ

Última atualização: 06/02/2026 11:31
Official System: This information is provided by the National Civil Aviation Authority.

Technical Support - ANAC Registry

We are here to help with any questions related to the ANAC Registry system.

Before starting, you should consult the manual/tutorial on the ANAC page related to UAS (https://www.anac.pt). Questions already covered in the tutorial or FAQs will not be answered.

1. Support Contacts

General Support

Email: drones@anac.pt
Phone: +351 21 358 7000
Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday, except holidays)

Specialized Technical Support

Email: drones@anac.pt
Phone: +351 21 358 7100

2. Frequently Asked Questions

In which situations do I need to register as an operator (mandatory registration conditions)?

Whenever a drone has a sensor on board, whether a camera or microphone, a LiDAR, or other sensors (virtually any FPV drone has a sensor), registration is required regardless of the maximum take-off mass. If it does not have a sensor, the operator must register whenever the MTOM is greater than 249 g, or, if the MTOM is below 250 g, when the drone is capable of transferring kinetic energy (KE) greater than 80 J (e.g., a light drone that flies at a very high speed). In that case, use the following formula: KE (J) = 1/2 × m (mass in kg) × V² (maximum speed of the drone in m/s) Example: if a drone has a mass of 0.100 kg and flies at 160 km/h (44.4 m/s), then KE = 0.5 × 0.1 × (44.4 × 44.4) = 98.568 J, which is greater than 80 J; therefore, operator registration is required, even if there is no sensor on board.

Is UAS operator registration (commonly known as “drones”) mandatory in the European Union?

Yes, if the mandatory registration conditions of Article 14 of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 are met.

Does UAS operator registration have any cost?

No. Registration is currently free of charge.

Do I need to register each of my drones individually?

No. The registration is for the UAS operator, not for individual drones. Individual registration is only required for drones certified by EASA. Drones with Class markings (C0 to C6) are not certified and are marketed for low-risk operations, so they do not require individual registration. The same applies to amateur-built UAS for personal use.

Does the platform allow me to add all my non-certified drones individually?

Yes, but only after receiving a valid UAS operator registration number. It is recommended for operators in the specific category (professionals) due to specific authorizations. The management of non-certified UAS is carried out by the registered UAS operator.

Who can register as a UAS operator?

Any person with a Digital Mobile Key who is of legal age and has their main residence in Portugal. In the case of a third country outside the European Union, they must also meet the conditions, including providing an address in Portugal and stating their nationality.

What is the registration process?

The person creates an account and, upon accessing it, submits one (1) registration request with accurate data in the registration module (inaccurate or missing data will result in non-approval and no issuance of the digital UAS operator registration number). Once submitted, the status will be pending. When ANAC approves the request, the status will change to valid in the user account, and an active UAS operator registration number (REPIF/TRACE will be immediately available. The applicant should monitor the account and wait for the status change. If not approved, check for an email from ANAC.

I obtained my UAS operator registration number (REPIF/TRACE). What should I do?

You must print or write the number provided in the Dashboard (user account) on the frame or structure of all your drones in the format PRT0123456789abc (16 alphanumeric digits). Do not include the three secret final digits "-xyz". The full string is only added to the direct remote identification device (RemoteID) on the drone or attached to it. If you have 10 drones, the same number is applied to all of them.

What happens if I do not register as a UAS operator?

Operating without registration results in an administrative offense under Decree-Law No. 87/2021.

In which EU country should I register as a UAS operator?

You must register in the country where you have your primary residence (individual) or where your company is commercially registered (legal entity). A national or foreign citizen residing and working in Portugal (with a tax number, residence card, etc.) must register in Portugal.

I am a foreigner from an EU country and work in Portugal. Where should I be registered?

As mentioned, you must register in the country where you have your primary residence. Additionally, you can only be registered in one EU country. If you are not registered elsewhere, register in Portugal. If you are registered in another country and move to Portugal, you must first cancel your registration in the original country and then register in Portugal. If there is suspicion of dual registration, ANAC reserves the right to revoke the registration.

I am a foreigner from an EU country and on vacation in Portugal. Where should I be registered?

As mentioned, you must register in the EU country where you have your primary residence. ANAC cannot issue registration to someone already registered or residing and working in another EU country.

Can I be registered twice as a UAS operator?

No, you can only be registered once. ANAC cannot issue two registrations for the same person or issue registration to someone already registered and residing and working in another EU country. If there is suspicion of dual registration, ANAC reserves the right to revoke the registration to ensure compliance with EU regulations.

I am a tourist from a third country (outside the EU), such as Brazil, the United States, Canada, Cape Verde, among others, and I want to operate my drone in an EU country. Where should I register?

You should register only in the first EU country where you will operate the drone. If you enter Portugal but plan to operate first in Spain, you must register with the Spanish Civil Aviation Authority. If Portugal is your first country of operation, you must register before starting the operation and comply with European operating rules (Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and national geographic zones). To register as a UAS operator in Portugal, you must obtain a digital mobile key with your passport, phone number, and email in person at a Consulate or, if not possible, at a Citizen's Shop. The same rules apply as for a Portuguese citizen. ANAC does not activate the Digital Mobile Key (CMD). See CBO authorization.

How can I recover my password if I am a legal entity?

Use the "Recover Password" feature on the login page.

I’ve started the revalidation process and ensured that all personal data is up to date and accurate. In my account, the process is pending (under ANAC’s assessment). Can I still operate and use my registration number while the revalidation is pending?

Yes. If this is a revalidation (i.e., you are already a registered UAS operator in Portugal), you may continue to operate using your existing registration number while the revalidation request is pending, unless ANAC rejects, revokes, or suspends the request due to inaccurate or missing information. To avoid rejection or revocation, make sure all information is updated and that all required digital declarations/checkboxes are selected. If the request is rejected or revoked, you may submit a new application for a UAS operator registration number through the web application. As noted, ensure that all fields are properly completed and all required declarations are selected.

Who can request specific authorizations?

Only professional UAS operators operating in the specific category. If you are an open-category UAS operator, you have access to the authorization module but should not submit requests unless you have the technical knowledge and are indeed a specific-category operator familiar with the rules and the SORA risk assessment methodology.

How do I upload documents for authorization requests?

Documents must be uploaded through the system or submitted via email with the entry code if uploading is not possible.

What is the approval time for operator registration?

Requests are processed within 10 business days. You should only call or email for follow-up after 10 business days to avoid overloading the services.

What is the decision time for an STS declaration for a registered UAS operator?

Requests are processed in less than 60 days. You should only call or email for follow-up after 30 business days to avoid overloading the services.

What is the decision time for an operational authorization for a registered UAS operator?

Requests are processed in less than 60 days but may be extended by another 30 days (total of 90). You should only call or email for follow-up after 30 business days to avoid overloading the services. Considering the complexity of specific authorizations, it is unlikely to be completed within 10 business days, so it is suggested to submit the request 2 months in advance.

What is the decision time for a LUC for a registered UAS operator?

The LUC requires a Safety Management System (SMS), so the certification process is lengthy, depending on document audits, on-site inspections, and equipment checks before the decision. If the procedure does not stall for more than 6 months, the process continues until the certification basis is completed (with deviations corrected).

3. Documentation

4. Report Problems

To report technical problems, include:

  • Detailed description of the problem
  • Steps to reproduce
  • Screenshots (if applicable)
  • Browser information

Last update: 12/30/2025

New user?

Register to start using the system

Register
Already have an account?

Login to access the system

Login