30-Second Summary
What you'll learn from this article
- All drones over 500g require SHGM registration in Turkey.
- Commercial drone filming needs additional permits and insurance.
- No-fly zones: Airports, military areas, crowded events, privacy-sensitive locations.
- Maximum altitude: 120m for recreational, higher with special permits.
- GDPR/KVKK compliance required when capturing identifiable individuals.
Drone technology has revolutionized video production, real estate marketing, event filming, and many other fields. However, drone use in Turkey is subject to serious legal regulations. Unauthorized flight, unregistered drones, or restricted zone violations can result in heavy fines, equipment confiscation, and even imprisonment. In this guide, we explain in detail the drone regulations in Turkey as of 2025, registration processes, and safe flight rules.
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.
As of 2025, drone regulations in Turkey have been tightened. Restricted zone violations, unauthorized commercial filming, and privacy violations can result in heavy fines and even imprisonment. This guide explains everything you need to know for legal drone filming.
Drone Registration Requirement: Who and How?
In Turkey, all drones 500 grams and above must be registered with SHGM. Registration is done through e-Government. Flying an unregistered drone can result in 5,000-50,000 TL fine and equipment confiscation.
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: Apply for 'IHA Registration' through e-Government portal. Required documents: ID photocopy, drone invoice/warranty document, drone serial number. Registration fee is approximately 500-1000 TL as of 2024. Approval time is 1-2 weeks.
After registration, the SHGM-issued registration number (like a license plate) must be physically attached to the drone. This number must be visible during flight. If unregistered flight is detected, penalties will be applied.
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: Flying an unregistered drone: 5,000-50,000 TL fine + equipment confiscation. Penalties multiply for repeat violations and criminal proceedings may be initiated. Not worth avoiding registration costs.
UAV Pilot License and Flight Permit
Commercial drone filming in Turkey requires a UAV Pilot License (from SHGM-approved training institutions) and a separate Flight Permit for each shoot. License is not mandatory for hobby flights but registration and zone rules apply.
UAV Pilot License categories: IHA0 (500g-4kg), IHA1 (4kg-25kg), IHA2 (25kg-150kg), IHA3 (150kg+). Most commercial drones like DJI Mavic/Phantom fall into IHA0 or IHA1 category. Separate license required for each category.
How to get a license: Theoretical + practical training at SHGM-approved UAV training centers. Duration: 3-5 day intensive program. Cost: 3,000-8,000 TL (varies by category). After passing the exam, SHGM issues the license.
Commercial flight permit: A separate 'Flight Permit' must be obtained from SHGM for each commercial filming project. Application: Submit online specifying flight date, time, coordinates, purpose. Approval time: 3-7 business days. Urgent projects make the process difficult — advance planning is essential.
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
In Turkey, airport surroundings (5-15km), military zones, government buildings, crowded areas, and night flights are prohibited or require special permission. Restricted zone violations can result in imprisonment. Check NOTAM and airspace maps.
Absolutely restricted zones: Airports and surroundings (5-15km radius), military facilities and training areas, prisons, nuclear facilities, Presidential and Parliament buildings. Flying drones in these zones can lead to 'espionage' charges.
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 also important for professional drone operators. Third-party liability insurance provides protection in case of accidents or damage. Some commercial permits require insurance documentation.
Pre-flight checklist: 1) Is drone registration current? 2) Is pilot license valid? (commercial) 3) Flight permit obtained? (commercial) 4) Is the zone not restricted? 5) Are weather conditions suitable? 6) Are privacy/consent issues resolved? Review this list before every shoot.