Preparation
UAS registration and flight categories in Lithuania
Key facts
Mandatory
> 250 g or camera
Hobby
Open A3
Commercial
Specific
Marking
Operator ID
Who must register?
Must register
- UAS over 250 g
- Any UAS with a camera (non-toy)
You receive
- Operator ID number
- Mark ID on aircraft or case
Before first flight
- Pick Open / Specific category
- Check geo-zones & insurance
In Lithuania, as across the EU, UAS operator registration is mandatory if:
- The UAS weighs more than 250 g (even without a camera), or
- The UAS has a camera (any weight, except toy UAS per requirements).
Registration provides an operator number that must be marked on the aircraft or its case. Minors may register with parental/guardian consent.
Open category subcategories
Open category comparison
| Subcategory | Typical UAS | Distance | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | < 250 g | Over people with limits | 120 m |
| A2 | Training required | Closer to urban areas | 120 m |
| A3 | Up to 25 kg | ≥ 150 m from urban areas | 120 m AGL |
Most hobby pilots fly under the Open category:
- A1 — very light UAS (<250 g), limited flight over people.
- A3 — UAS up to 25 kg: no closer than 150 m from urban areas, up to 120 m altitude, VLOS.
- A2 — requires additional training and exam; allows closer flight to urban areas.
Before flying, determine your UAS subcategory based on weight and purpose.
When is Specific category required?
Geo-zone colour guide
Prohibited
No UAS flight without special authorisation
Restricted
Permission or NOTAM check required
Sensitive
Nature reserves, borders, infrastructure
Open (check rules)
Open category A3 if distance & altitude rules met
Specific category applies when a flight exceeds Open category limits, e.g.:
- Flying closer than 150 m to urban areas (without A2 qualification).
- Flying above 120 m altitude.
- BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight).
- Commercial projects with higher risk.
In such cases an operational declaration or authorisation from the competent authority is required.