Drone laws in Turkey are strictly regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure safety and security across the country. Whether you plan to use a drone for recreational photography or for commercial projects such as real estate marketing and aerial surveying, there are specific rules you must follow and permits you may need to obtain before flying.
In this guide, you’ll find a simplified explanation of drone laws in Turkey for 2025, including the requirements, when a permit is needed, and the potential penalties for non-compliance.
When Do You Need to Register a Drone or Obtain a Permit in Turkey?
Using drones in Turkey is tied to a set of official procedures designed to ensure airspace safety and the lawful operation of unmanned aircraft. Registering your drone and obtaining the required permits is a core requirement for anyone who wants to fly legally and safely. According to regulations issued by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (SHGM), all drones weighing more than 500 grams must be registered in the official electronic system before they can be used.
This includes submitting the drone’s details along with the owner’s or company’s information and receiving an official registration number that allows the drone to be tracked if necessary. Smaller drones weighing less than 500 grams are exempt from mandatory registration, but they must still be flown only in permitted areas and in compliance with general safety rules.
If the drone is used for commercial purposes—such as real estate photography, marketing, or aerial surveying—you are required to obtain a special flight permit from the Civil Aviation Authority, while strictly following predefined flight routes and all relevant regulations.
In this way, registration and permit procedures are not only about regulating airspace, but also about protecting users and ensuring the safety of people and property while operating drones in Turkey.
When Do You Need to Register a Drone or Obtain a Permit?
- If the drone weighs more than 500 grams → it must be registered on the SHGM drone registration portal.
- If the purpose of use is commercial (such as real estate photography, marketing, or surveying) → you need an official flight permit.
- If you are a hobbyist flying in open areas away from populated zones → registration alone is usually sufficient, without an additional permit.
No-Fly Zones for Drones in Turkey
Under drone laws in Turkey, the authorities enforce strict restrictions on where drones are allowed to fly in order to protect national airspace and ensure public safety. These regulations apply equally to hobbyists and professional operators. Flying a drone in restricted or sensitive areas without proper authorization can lead to serious consequences, including heavy fines, confiscation of the drone, and in some cases criminal penalties.
Restricted Drone Flight Areas in Turkey
Drone flights are prohibited near military zones and airports and within their surrounding airspace. Flights are also restricted over sensitive locations in Istanbul such as the Bosphorus Strait, Hagia Sophia, and Taksim Square. Flying over populated areas or public events without official permission is considered a direct violation of the law.
Penalties for Violations
🛑 Violating these regulations can lead to fines starting from 9,000 Turkish Lira, and in some cases, penalties may escalate to imprisonment and permanent confiscation of the drone.
Steps to Register a Drone in Turkey
Registering a drone in Turkey is mandatory for any unmanned aircraft weighing more than 500 grams. This regulatory process aims to ensure the safe use of national airspace. Registration is completed through the official electronic system provided by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (SHGM), allowing authorities to monitor drone activity and ensure user compliance.
How to Register via the SHGM Portal
The process begins by visiting the SHGM İHA Registration System and creating a personal account. You then enter your personal or company details, followed by the drone’s information such as model, weight, and serial number. A copy of your ID or passport must also be uploaded to verify ownership. Once the application is reviewed, you’ll receive an official registration number that allows you to operate the drone legally.
Why Registration Matters for Users
Drone registration is not merely a bureaucratic requirement under drone laws in Turkey; it offers essential legal protection in case of accidents, incidents, or complaints. Registration also makes it easier to apply for commercial flight permits when needed and ensures that all drone-related activities fully comply with Turkish civil aviation laws. For this reason, completing the registration process before flying is a crucial step for anyone who wants to use drone technology in Turkey safely, legally, and professionally.
Special Requirements for Companies Using Drones in Turkey
For companies and organizations that intend to operate drones for commercial purposes—such as real estate photography, aerial surveys, or marketing services—Turkish regulations impose additional requirements to ensure safety and transparency. The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (SHGM) requires drones to be registered under the company’s name, with the commercial purpose clearly stated during registration.
Requirements for Commercial Drone Use in Turkey
Drone laws in Turkey require companies to obtain a commercial flight permit before conducting any drone-based activity, especially when offering paid services or executing large-scale projects.
In certain cases, the Civil Aviation Authority may require a certified pilot holding a valid drone pilot license (İHA1 or higher) to operate larger or more advanced drones. Companies may also be required to adhere to predefined flight routes based on the geographic area and mission type to ensure compliance with legal and security standards.
Why Compliance Is Important for Companies
Complying with these requirements helps companies avoid violations and fines while assuring clients that services are delivered within a regulated legal framework. Moreover, adherence to the law enhances a company’s reputation and credibility by demonstrating a commitment to aviation safety standards and Turkish regulations. Investing in permits and licenses is therefore not only a legal necessity, but a strategic move to protect business continuity and build client trust.
Capturing Istanbul from Above: The Beauty of Drone Photography
Drone photography in Istanbul delivers a truly exceptional visual perspective, as the city uniquely combines deep history, rich nature, and vibrant modern life. From the air, the Bosphorus appears in its full grandeur, with ferries moving between Europe and Asia and the shoreline framed by world-famous landmarks. Istanbul’s historic districts, mosques,
and palaces reveal impressive symmetry and scale when viewed from above, while the surrounding forests and natural landscapes offer calm, cinematic scenes that beautifully contrast with the dense urban environment. When carried out legally and with the required permits, drone photography in Istanbul enables creators to capture striking, professional footage that truly reflects the city’s unique identity and breathtaking geography.
Conclusion
Using drones in Turkey is entirely possible and relatively straightforward when you comply with the regulations. Proper drone registration and respecting approved flight zones are essential steps to avoid fines and legal complications. Before every flight, it is strongly recommended to review the latest updates from the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority, as drone laws in Turkey are regularly updated to reflect evolving safety and security requirements.
