1. eREGISTRATION TUTORIAL (VISITORS) Login
• If you are a European citizen, you must register in your country of address. ANAC cannot issue registration numbers.
• Suppose you are an individual UAS operator from a country that does not belong to the European Union, for example, a tourist visiting the country only for a few weeks. In that case, the same registration process applies to a Portuguese citizen. You must register as a natural person and follow the following tutorial tutorial .
• If you are a legal person registered in a commercial capacity in a country of the European Union, you must register in your country of legal establishment. Registration applications for legal persons (companies) are only possible for entities registered commercially in Portugal.
• UAS operators from third countries and legal persons (companies) wishing to operate in Portugal must establish if in Portugal and have an address to receive a legal entity number (NIF) and be able to obtain a digital mobile key. If you are in this situation and want to register as UAS operator to operate in the open and specific category, follow the steps explained in the following tutorial.
• The operator register shall be kept up to date. The revalidation of the registration must be carried out every five years, and it should also be ensured that the profile information is always up-to-date and accurate. To perform this revalidation or data update, use this tutorial .
• If you want to add a non-certified UAS, you can do so by using this tutorial .
• In the case of certified UAS (by EASA), before making the electronic registration must register in the RAN. Contact the Legal Direction and the Airworthiness Department. Only after being registered in the RAN and issued the registration certificate can access and register your certified UAS electronically. Follow 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”.