Japan Drone License Guide
How to get your JCAB Skill Certification (1st-Class / 2nd-Class) — issued by Japan Civil Aviation Bureau. Cost, exam format, altitude limits, and renewal — all up to date for 2026.
Key data at a glance
| Total cost | ¥150,000 – ¥350,000 (USD $1,000 – $2,400) |
| Renewal cycle | 3 years |
| License classes | 4 categories |
| Maximum altitude | 150 m (492 ft) AGL |
| BVLOS allowed (standard) | Yes (under specific approval) |
| Remote ID required | Yes |
| Minimum age | 16 years |
| Exam format | Theory + practical at a JCAB-registered training organisation. 1st-Class adds Level 4 BVLOS practical with type-certified drone. ~5–14 days. |
JCAB drone classes / categories
Open ops (sub-100 g)
MTOM < 100 gNo registration; respect general airspace rules
2nd-Class Skill Cert.
MTOM 100 g – 25 kgLevels 1–3 (visual, populated areas with permits)
1st-Class Skill Cert.
MTOM 100 g – 25 kgLevel 4 BVLOS over populated areas
Type Certified Drone
MTOM 100 g – 25 kgRequired hardware certification for Level 4 ops
Operational limits
- Mandatory drone registration in DIPS for all drones > 100 g
- Remote ID required since 2022
- Level 1 (line of sight, uninhabited), Level 2 (autonomous, uninhabited), Level 3 (BVLOS, uninhabited), Level 4 (BVLOS, populated)
- Densely Inhabited Districts (DID) require special permission unless Level 4 Skill Cert. + type-certified drone
- No flight near airports, royal palaces, foreign embassies, military
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Japan drone license — frequently asked questions
What is a Level 4 drone operation in Japan?
BVLOS over inhabited (third-party-populated) areas — the most permissive operation, requiring 1st-Class JCAB Skill Certification, drone Type Certification, and operation-specific approval.
Do I need to register every drone in Japan?
Yes — all drones over 100 g must be registered in JCAB DIPS and broadcast Remote ID. This applies to recreational and commercial users.
Are foreign drone licenses recognised in Japan?
No formal reciprocity. Foreign visitors must follow the standard JCAB rules and may need permission per flight if operating in DIDs or above 150 m.
What are DIDs?
Densely Inhabited Districts — defined by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and covering most urban areas. DID flights require either Level 4 capability or per-flight JCAB permission.
How much does JCAB drone training cost?
¥150,000 – ¥350,000 (USD $1,000 – $2,400) depending on whether you take 2nd-Class or 1st-Class certification.
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