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Registration of Unmanned Aircraft Operator (UAS - Drones) (Courtesy simplified information in English language)


1. eREGISTRATION TUTORIAL (VISITORS) Login

If you are a European citizen, non-resident in Portugal, you must register in your country of address. ANAC cannot issue registration numbers for residents in the European Union (EU) in countries that are not Portugal.

If you are a natural person, not a legal entity, and a UAS operator that is not a citizen nor a resident in any European Union country (for example a tourist visiting Portugal only for a short period of time) you must register using the same process applicable to national operator. In this case, you must register as a natural person and follow the steps outlined in the tutorial.

If you are a legal entity established in a European Union member state, you must proceed with your registration in the country where your company is legally incorporated. Registration as a legal entity in Portugal is only permitted for companies that are commercially registered in Portugal.

UAS operators from third countries who are legal entities and intend to operate in Portugal must be commercially established within Portugal, have a Portuguese address, a legal "Número de Identificação Fiscal" (NIF) and an active "Chave Móvel Digital" (CMD). If you meet these requirements and wish to register as a UAS operator, you may follow the steps outlined in the tutorial.

The operator registration must be kept up to date. Revalidation must be carried out every five years, and it is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that all profile information remains accurate and current. To meet this requirement, the operator must access the platform and update the necessary data at least once within each five-year period. If no access or update is performed within this timeframe, the registration number will be revoked and cannot be recovered. In such cases, the operator will be required to complete a new registration.

 In the case of certified UAS, Type Certificate (TC) or Restricted Type Certificate (rTC) issued by EASA, you must first register the UAS at the "Registo Aeronáutico Nacional" (RAN). Contact the Legal Direction and the Airworthiness Department from ANAC. Only after being registered in the RAN and issued the registration certificate can access and register your certified UAS electronically (CMD required). Follow the steps outlined in this tutorial.

 


2. HOW TO GET CMD (Chave móvel digital / Digital mobile key)

To get a Digital Mobile Key (Chave Móvel Digital - CMD) in Portugal as a foreigner (third country operator), you need to follow a few steps. This authentication key allows you to access various Portuguese public services online, including ANAC UAS registry system https://uas.anac.pt  (list of entities here: https://www.autenticacao.gov.pt/web/guest/entidades-aderentes )

Any UAS operator with address in Portugal, namely Portuguese citizen or person working and living in Portugal (resident card or NIF holder) are entitle for a CMD and need to obtain one in a Government desk. The same applies for any Third country citizens that wants to register in Portugal, as natural person including any tourist that may need to access to Portuguese public services.

No other different system is available since drone may impose unlawful interference risks and the process of obtain the CMD and the registry in ANAC are segregated and independent in different entities.

ANAC can’t issue an CMD. The TCO is responsible to obtain the CMD in the proper Governmental agencies/desks (e.g. Loja do Cidadão) as happens to any Portuguese Citizen. No different treatment will be provided.

The Governmental agencies or desks (e.g. Loja do cidadão), may decide to not issue the CMD to the TCO entering for Tourism purposes in case of any suspicion or request additional information, namely a NIF number. In case there is the suspicion that the registry is linked to commercial activity (obtain images or videos to sell) a proof of NIF number may be requested. If this is the case the most appropriate process is to establish and register commercial as a legal entity first (and get a NIF number in the Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira «Portuguese tax authority» https://info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/docs/Conteudos_1pagina/Pages/portuguese-tax-system.aspx .

If the TCO is a legal entity (company) it should be commercially registered in Portugal and have a NIF number.

The person (legal or natural) from a third country  that intent to register as UAS operator is responsible to contact previously the relevant state agencies and get  the CMD prior attempting to register as a UAS operator in https://uas.anac.pt .The authentication is used to validate the identity of the user and ensure that law enforcement authority have a way to quickly identify.
No information additional  will be provided regarding this matters by ANAC since this state agencies have proper services and information available online. We strongly suggest to consult the information available only provided by AMA (chave móvel digital),  the Portuguese Government and the Tax authority (check relevant webpages) 

Who Can Get a CMD?

Any resident in Portugal, including foreign citizens, can obtain a CMD if they have:

- A valid Portuguese ID card or
- A residence permit (Título de Residência) issued by SEF/AIMA or
- Exceptionally, If a tourist with a Portuguese address (e.g. Hotel) holding a valid passport and Visa and an active SIM card number

Important note: You should explain that the only objective is get the CMD to be possible to authenticate and access to the UAS registry system public service in ANAC (ANAC is listed here: https://www.autenticacao.gov.pt/web/guest/entidades-aderentes )

How to Get a CMD as a Foreigner

Option 1: In Person (to use also if you are a tourist)

1. Go to a Citizen’s Shop (Loja do Cidadão) or a Citizen Space (Espaço Cidadão).

Note1: Some embassies may also have such service. Due to security aspects, they may refuse and inform to obtain it upon arrival to Portuguese Territory.
Note2: We suggest to contact in advance and book an appointment.

2. Bring:
 

  • Your residence permit (Título de Residência) or passport (if tourist include the Visa or explain the visa exemption of your passport).
  • Your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) – tax number (only if not a tourist or in case is refused and requested. You should explain that is only to access to UAS registry system public service in ANAC)
  • A Portuguese mobile phone number (mandatory to get eSIM, as it is linked to the CMD but they may accept some international mobile phone number depending of the country).

3. Request the activation of the CMD.
4. You'll receive codes via SMS and email to activate it online.

Note3: We suggest to requested guidance on how to activate the issued CMD directly in Loja de Cidadão prior leaving (since is received automatically in your email and SMS) . You need to activate immediately. If not activated the CMD may be suspended after a while and you need to return again to Loja do Cidadão or Espaço Cidadão. If is blocked (to many attempts) we need also

Option 2: Online (if you already have an ID card with a chip)

If you have a Cartão de Cidadão or a Título de Residência with a digital chip and a card reader, you can request CMD online at:
https://www.autenticacao.gov.pt

However, most foreigners without a Portuguese ID card must go in person the first time (Option 1). The same happens when is blocked (e.g. due to several attempts or unusual utilisation)

Where to Go

You can visit:

- Loja do Cidadão (Citizen Shop) – available in most cities. We suggest to use this spaces since they are in the cities of the main airports and are more prepared.

Note4: We suggest to translate to English the following webpage in your browser https://www2.gov.pt/locais-de-atendimento-de-servicos-publicos/tirar-senha-online-para-loja-de-cidadao . You may find information about the locations and counter online ticket (to avoid waiting in the queue).

- Espaço Cidadão – often located in smaller towns or parish councils (Juntas de Freguesia).
- Some IRN offices (Instituto dos Registos e Notariado).

Relevant webpages

Note: Access to the websites in your browser. Since some pages do not have an Portuguese version, click in the right button of your mouse over the webpage and select the option “Translate to English”.