DRONE SERVICE IN ITALY
Since 2014
Looking to get stunning aerial images captured by drone in Italy?
If you’re searching for the best way to use drones across Italy, you’re in the right place!
Founded in 2014, Overfly.me is one of Italy’s leading experts in aerial drone operations.
With deep industry know-how, we’re here to show you what’s possible — whether you’re planning a solo project or looking for a trusted partner to make it happen.
Let Josh walk you through everything you need to know about drone aerial operations in Italy.
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Let’s start with the basics.
First things first: in Italy — and across the rest of Europe — a new set of drone regulations has been in place since January 2021.
The goal? To create a unified set of rules for both consumer and professional drones flying throughout European skies.
These regulations, introduced by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), are enforced by each country’s aviation authority.
In Italy, the job falls to ENAC (the National Civil Aviation Authority) and ENAV (the National Air Traffic Assistance Agency), who together oversee both manned and unmanned air traffic.
The Basic Rules for Flying a Drone in Italy (and Across Europe)
The regulations set by EASA (the European Union Aviation Safety Agency) form the essential framework for anyone operating a drone — and they’re mandatory.
Here are four key points you need to know:
Your drone must display a plate on its frame, typically a QR code issued by the Italian aviation authority or the authority of your home country.
The pilot must be licensed for both the specific type of drone and the intended flying operation.
Drones must never fly over crowds and must maintain a safe distance from people, buildings, and other structures.
Flights must comply with the limits and restrictions published by ENAC through official maps.
Above all, safety comes first: it’s the golden rule before every takeoff.
Strictly following these guidelines not only keeps people and property safe but also protects pilots from serious administrative and legal consequences — which are taken very seriously in Italy when it comes to airspace security.
Italy’s aviation authorities are renowned worldwide for their excellence and high standards.
“I’d love to fly over Venice — and maybe even in front of the Colosseum in Rome.
What’s the best way to make it happen?”
Now we get to the heart of the matter — especially point No. 4 from the list above.
This is where things get tricky for drone enthusiasts, TV crews, and filmmakers dreaming of capturing Italy’s beauty from above.
Think about flying over the Colosseum, the Arena di Verona, or the historic center of Florence.
For those without advanced drone skills, a deep understanding of Italy’s authorization processes, or a strong command of the Italian language, flying legally over these iconic locations is almost impossible.
Sure, EASA regulations require pilots to register their drones, attach proper identification, and have a basic knowledge of the rules to operate legally.
But they don’t explain how to actually work with each country’s aviation authorities — or how to handle the complex airspace restrictions and regulations for UAVs.
Each European country has its own rules — and it’s up to the drone pilot to find out and respect the local restrictions set by national authorities.
EASA regulations require pilots to register their drones, attach proper identification, and have at least a basic understanding of the rules to fly legally.
However, the regulations don’t explain — nor are they meant to — how to deal with individual countries’ aviation authorities or how to navigate specific airspace restrictions and UAV operational limits (SAPRs).
Since every European country is different, it’s the pilot’s responsibility to research and comply with the local rules in place.
Take Italy, for example: the country is dotted with small airports, heliports, and airfields, which often make large areas of airspace off-limits to drones.
On top of that, there are strict no-fly zones over cities of art, archaeological sites, natural parks, and basically anywhere that contributes to Italy’s reputation as the most beautiful country in the world.
In short: flying over any area of national interest is strictly prohibited.
What does this imply?
It signifies that, in approximately 8 out of 10 cases, a foreign citizen aspiring to use a drone in an Italian city of art or a national park will likely face challenges. Realistically, they may not secure the necessary flight authorizations within a reasonable timeframe, as these are typically accessible only to specialized companies.
Is it overly challenging for a foreign citizen to obtain flight authorizations from the Italian aviation authorities?
The procedures for requesting flight authorizations are demanding for Italian companies specializing in drone usage. For non-specialists, predominantly foreigners, the process becomes even more intricate.
The issuance of authorizations for drone flights in Italy lacks a streamlined computerized procedure. It entails dealing with multiple offices and officials, who frequently request specific documents and statements.
Furthermore, Italian law enforcement agencies and aviation authorities mandate the use of certified e-mails, a standard less prevalent outside Italy. Requests for drone flight authorizations are divided between regional and central offices, with some handled in Rome. Ultimately, the granted flight authorizations from ENAC and ENAV must be forwarded to the Prefectures in the area of the flight, involving additional officials and offices.
What does this mean in practice?
It means that in about 8 out of 10 cases, a foreign citizen hoping to fly a drone over an Italian city of art or a national park will face serious hurdles.
Realistically, they’re unlikely to secure the necessary authorizations within a reasonable timeframe — these permits are usually reserved for specialized companies.
Is it too complicated for a foreign citizen to get flight authorizations from Italian authorities?
Even for Italian companies that specialize in drone operations, the authorization process is complex.
For non-specialists — especially foreigners — it becomes even more challenging.
There’s no streamlined, digital system for requesting drone flight authorizations in Italy. Instead, it often requires dealing with multiple offices and officials, each requesting specific documents and declarations.
On top of that, Italian aviation authorities and law enforcement require the use of certified emails (PEC), a system that’s far less common outside of Italy.
Authorization requests are split between regional and central offices — with some handled directly in Rome — and once approvals from ENAC and ENAV are obtained, they must be forwarded to the local Prefectures, adding even more layers of bureaucracy.
What Can Overfly.me Do for You? Drone Aerial Imaging in Italy Made Simple.
Since 2014, Overfly.me has been providing professional aerial drone services to clients from all over the world.
Major networks like CBS, Warner Bros, BBC, RTL, NHK, TV Tokyo — along with dozens of production companies and international filmmakers — trust us for our experience, reliability, and strong presence in the Italian market.
Need aerial footage in Italy?
If you’re coming from abroad, working with Overfly.me is your smartest move. Here’s why:
Transport and Logistics
Our professional teams are based across Italy — so even if you need top-tier drones like the DJI Inspire 2 (or higher), you won’t have to cover travel costs for our crew or equipment (except for activities on the islands — TBC).
Plus, transporting drone batteries (LiPo) by air is highly restricted — and shipping them safely can be costly. Working with us, you won’t have to worry about any of that.
Authorizations
We handle the complex process of securing flight authorizations every day.
Since 2014, we’ve been in constant contact with aviation authorities and public institutions. It’s as much our business as flying itself.
Where flying isn’t possible — or feasible within tight deadlines — we’ll find the best alternatives, always working to meet your goals.
We are your trusted partner in Italy. Pro Pilots and Camera Operators since 2014
Aerial imaging is what we do, day in and day out.
We provide highly specialized pilots, expert camera operators, and top-tier drones — offering you professional results under the best market conditions.
Pay After Delivery
For 90% of our services, no advance payment is required (except for authorization fees).
You only pay once you receive the final masters.
Air Drone Operations. Our Passion. Our Expertise. Since 2014.
Call us now!
+39 379 250 1000
Overfly.me offers professional aerial filming services across Italy, operated by seasoned PROs with years of experience behind the camera.
All our pilots are certified to the highest standards under current EASA and ENAC regulations.
Overfly.me can secure flight authorizations even in airspace that is off-limits to most pilots.
For non-cinematic projects, we deploy DJI drones — ensuring production standards and flight dynamics that international producers and filmmakers know and trust when working in Italy.
Every Overfly.me team comes fully equipped with backup drones, plenty of batteries, and everything needed for a seamless, high-quality filming experience — anywhere in Italy.
Please note: We do not offer “drone-only” rentals.
HOW WE WORK
YOUR PROJECT
First, we need to learn all about your project.
Whether it’s a corporate video or a TV production, the more we understand your needs, the better we can tailor the right service for you.
We’ll schedule your filming dates — and up to 7 days before the shoot, you’re free to cancel with no restrictions or penalties.
YOUR SHOOTING
During filming, we become an aerial tool in the hands of the director or the crew working from a pre-planned shot list.
We love being an active part of the creative process, bringing our expertise to the table while fully respecting the roles on set.
Our work is our passion — and it shows in every frame.
YOUR IMAGES
Once filming wraps, you can either download the footage on-site or grab it later from the cloud.
Unless we arrange differently, the full-resolution files will be made available after the balance is settled.
Mavic Mini 4 Pro or similar
Weighing in at 250 grams, it can also fly over people without them knowing. It is the ideal drone if you cannot perimeter – and therefore restrict access to – the areas you intend to fly over, i.e. in the classic Italian urban scenario
DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine or similar
Exceptional video quality in a drone weighing only 899 grams, that can shoot in Pro Res. Drones of this size must maintain a distance of 50 meters from people not involved in filming.
DJI Inspire 3
For high-end requirements, this professional equipment needs no introduction. Overfly.me is authorized by ENAC to use this drone in urban settings, such as a production set, for example.
EASA “Specific Operations” authorized
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