Drone Filming in Turkey: Registration, Licence and Flight Rules (2026)

Drone technology has transformed video production, real estate marketing and event filming. However, drone use in Turkey is subject to strict regulation. Unauthorised flights, unregistered aircraft or restricted-zone violations can lead to administrative fines, equipment confiscation and criminal proceedings. This guide explains Turkey's drone rules, the registration process and safe-flight requirements based on information published by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM) itself.

Drone (UAV - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) use in Turkey is regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM). Drones over 500 grams are subject to mandatory registration. Commercial filming requires a pilot license and flight permit.

Drone use in Turkey is governed by the SHT-IHA Directive issued by SHGM. Restricted-zone violations, unauthorised commercial filming and privacy breaches carry serious consequences. This guide explains what you need to know for legal drone filming.

Drone Registration Requirement: Who and How?

In Turkey, every drone with a maximum take-off weight of 500 grams or more must be registered with SHGM. Registration is completed through the IHA Registration System at iha.shgm.gov.tr. In SHGM's own words: anyone who sells, buys, manufactures, imports or flies a UAV of 500 grams or above must register in this system.

According to SHGM Directive SHT-IHA, all drones weighing 500 grams or more (IHA0, IHA1 category) are subject to registration. DJI Mini series (249g) falls below this threshold so doesn't require registration — but restricted zone rules still apply.

How to register: the process has two stages, each requiring SHGM approval. Stage one is the operator (UAV pilot) registration — national ID number, address, phone and e-mail are entered and a photograph is uploaded. In stage two the approved pilot enters the details of the aircraft held in their name, and SHGM issues a registration number upon approval. You do not need to upload a criminal-record archive certificate; SHGM checks it directly. SHGM does not publish a fixed registration fee, so confirm the current position in the system when you apply.

The registration number issued by SHGM must be physically written or affixed to the drone and remain visible. One detail that matters for commercial operators: SHGM does not accept corporate or company registrations. Because the directive places responsibility on the person operating the aircraft, whoever flies the drone within a company must register in their own name. One person may register multiple aircraft.

The process is more complex for foreign drone owners — temporary registration in Turkey or processing through a local company may be required. For tourists, sub-500g drones (DJI Mini) are the safest option.

Penalty warning: where an operation requires SHGM permission and is flown without it, or where the operator goes beyond the airspace defined by the permission granted, the penalty provisions in Part 5 of Turkish Civil Aviation Law No. 2920 apply to the individuals and businesses involved. Administrative fines are revalued annually, so confirm current amounts with SHGM.

UAV Pilot License and Flight Permit

Training requirements depend on weight and purpose: training is mandatory for UAVs above 25 kg and for all commercial UAV operators. There is no training requirement for hobby use below 25 kg. Registration and restricted-zone rules, however, apply to everyone without exception.

UAV classification is based on maximum take-off weight: IHA0 (500 g to 4 kg), IHA1 (4 kg to 25 kg), IHA2 (25 kg to 150 kg), IHA3 (150 kg and above). Commercial models such as the DJI Mavic and Phantom usually fall into IHA0 or IHA1. UAVs below 500 g fall outside the scope of the directive.

Where to train: at training organisations authorised by SHGM. SHGM's published list of IHA0-IHA1 authorised bodies includes Hacettepe Technology R&D Centre, University of Turkish Aeronautical Association, Ondokuz Mayis University UZAYTEM, Cappadocia Vocational College, Aerotech and Altoy Defence Industry. Course fees vary by institution; SHGM does not publish a fixed tariff, so obtain current pricing directly from the provider.

Commercial filming permission: for advertising, wedding, news and film shoots, permission must be obtained from SHGM depending on the filming location and the density of people present. Flight permit applications use the form published by the Air Navigation Department (HSD): the form is completed, the required documents attached, and the package submitted to the Directorate General under a cover letter. The process is not instant, so plan your shooting schedule accordingly.

Hobby vs Commercial distinction: Social media sharing, personal archive = hobby. Filming for money, advertising, real estate promotion = commercial. If commercial filming is done without license, both pilot and client are legally liable.

Restricted Zones and Flight Rules

Restricted zones are defined in Article 18 of the SHT-IHA Directive. No UAV of any class may be flown in these zones without a risk assessment and SHGM permission. Airport surroundings, military facilities, prisons and government buildings fall within this scope. Check NOTAMs and the SHGM portal before every flight for current radii and any closed airspace.

Absolutely restricted zones: airport surroundings, military facilities and training areas, prisons, nuclear facilities, and the areas around the Presidential and Parliament buildings. These are defined in Article 18 of the SHT-IHA Directive and no UAV of any class may be flown there without a risk assessment and SHGM permission. The radius is not a fixed figure — check NOTAMs and the SHGM portal before every flight.

Conditionally restricted zones: City centers and crowded areas (special permit required), national parks and protected areas (ministry permit), private property (owner permission + privacy rules). Flying without permit in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara is practically impossible.

Altitude and visibility rules: Maximum 120 meters (AGL - Above Ground Level). Night flights prohibited (except with special permit). Drone must always be in line of sight (VLOS - Visual Line of Sight). FPV goggles require a second observer.

Privacy and KVKK: Filming people without consent violates KVKK (Personal Data Protection Law). Unauthorized filming of private property (homes, gardens) is prohibited. If detected, both fines and civil lawsuits can be filed. Get filming consent documents for commercial shoots.

Useful Resources: You can access registration, permit applications, and restricted zone maps on the SHGM IHA Portal (iha.shgm.gov.tr). AirMap and DJI Fly apps are also useful for pre-flight zone checks.

Conclusion: Checklist for Legal Drone Filming

For legal drone filming in Turkey: Register (500g+), get license (commercial), apply for flight permit, check restricted zones, follow privacy rules. Penalties are heavy — compliance is both a legal and professional necessity.

Drone filming in Turkey is subject to a serious legal framework. Even hobby users must comply with registration and zone rules. Commercial filming requires license and permit for each project. Violations can result in heavy fines, equipment loss, and imprisonment.

Insurance is a legal requirement for commercial work, not a recommendation. In SHGM's own words: third-party liability insurance must be taken out for UAVs above 25 kg and, regardless of weight, for any UAV used in commercial activity — and no flight may be conducted without it. In other words, if you are paid for a shoot, insurance is mandatory even with a 249-gram drone.

Pre-flight checklist: 1) Is the drone registration current? 2) For commercial work, is the training/authorisation certificate in place? 3) Is third-party liability insurance in force? (mandatory for commercial flights) 4) Has the flight permit been obtained? 5) Is the zone unrestricted and have NOTAMs been checked? 6) Are weather conditions suitable? 7) Have privacy and filming-consent issues been resolved?