Drones are becoming increasingly popular. A drone can hardly be missing from your equipment anymore. Whether you want to take vacation photos or professional recordings, everyone who starts flying will have to deal with the European legislation for drones.
In this blog, we explain where you can and cannot fly a drone in Europe, what rules apply to flying drones and whether you need to get certified. In short, all the information you need to fly a drone legally in the EU.
General drone rules in Europe
The same general drone rules apply throughout the EU. The advantage of this is that your drone certificate and operator number are valid throughout the EU.
Keep in mind:
- Maximum flying altitude: 120 meters
- Always keep the drone in direct view (VLOS)
- Fly only in uncontrolled airspace
- Not flying above crowds/groups
- EU Drone License required from 250 grams
- Registration required for drones with camera and drones from 250 grams
- Remote ID required for drones with a C1, C2, C3 or C4 label
Rules depending on your drone
Within the open category are three subcategories:
|
Subcategory |
Rules |
| A1 | C0 / C1 label drones; self-built under 250 grams
|
| A2 | C2 label drones
|
| A3 | C3 /C4 label drones: self-built from 250 grams
|
Please note: additional national rules
Each country may have additional rules. We have looked up the additional regulations of the most visited EU countries:
- Germany: third-party insurance mandatory, flights over buildings only allowed with prior owner's permission
- Austria: third-party insurance obligatory
- Netherlands: only daytime flying permitted, night flights prohibited
- France: Flights over urban area not allowed without permission
- Greece: Submit flight via DAGR portal
- Spain: EU Drone License also required for drones under 250 grams
Not sure which license you need?
Drone maps of European countries
Drone flights are allowed in uncontrolled airspace/open airspace. These are the areas where no other airspace is active. If other airspace is active such as a No-Fly zone or Natura2000 zone then flying a drone is not allowed.
You can find the airspace zones on the drone map. Through this link you can find all European drone maps.
Do I need an EU Drone License in Europe?
Yes, if you are flying a drone weighing 250 grams or more in the EU, Norway, Sweden or Switzerland the EU Drone Proof is required. Which license you need depends on the drone you will be flying. Through this decision aid you can easily calculate which certificate you need.
Do you have an operator number in Europe?
Registration as an operator with is mandatory for drones with a camera and drones weighing 250 grams or more. Your operator number is valid throughout the EU, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.
Your operator number is valid in all these countries. So apply for the number only once and not again in another country.
Bringing a drone on a plane
Most airlines allow you to bring a compact drone on board. Keep the following in mind:
- Always carry batteries in carry-on luggage, not in checked baggage
- Recharge batteries before your flight
- Always carry the drone in carry-on baggage, but on some airlines in checked baggage
- Always check your airline's specific rules before departure
Flying in Europe
Go well prepared with your drone in Europe. By obtaining your EU Drone License, you meet the legal requirements and are up to date with the latest drone regulations. During the training of the EU Drone License you will learn all the drone rules, where you are allowed to fly a drone and what conditions you need to consider.
The EU Drone License training and exam are completely online. You can pass it within a day. It is also often mandatory to obtain your EU drone license before you are allowed to fly a drone.
