Yes, flying drones over private property in Poland is legal under strict conditions. The Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) permits flights over private land if privacy rights and safety regulations are respected, with heightened scrutiny near residential areas.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in Poland
- Privacy Compliance: Drones must not capture images or data of individuals without consent, per the Act on Personal Data Protection (GDPR-aligned). Unauthorized surveillance risks fines up to PLN 100,000 (2024 amendments).
- Altitude & Distance Limits: Maximum 120m AGL; maintain 50m horizontal separation from private property unless explicit permission is granted (ULC Regulation on Unmanned Aircraft Operations).
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: New EU UAS Regulation (2026) mandates remote identification for drones over 250g, requiring real-time tracking to mitigate privacy conflicts.
Operational Restrictions:
- No-Fly Zones: Explicitly prohibited in controlled airspace (e.g., near airports) and over military/police facilities (Polish Law on Aviation Security).
- Daylight Operations: Flights restricted to daylight hours unless equipped with anti-collision lights and approved by ULC.
- Liability Insurance: Mandatory for drones over 250g, covering third-party damages (minimum PLN 1M coverage).
Enforcement: ULC and local police enforce violations, with penalties ranging from warnings to criminal charges for reckless operations. Property owners may seek injunctions under civil law for intrusions.