Drone rules in the Netherlands
| Drones allowed? | Yes — under EU rules |
| License needed | EU Drone License (from 250 g) |
| Registration | Required — via RDW |
| Insurance | Advised (mandatory for professional use / 20 kg+) |
| Night flying | Not allowed in the open category |
| Max altitude | 120 m |
| Authority | ILT · RDW |
What you need to fly in the Netherlands
Three things make your flight legal. Two are formalities — the license is the one that takes a few hours, and you can get it entirely online.
1. EU Drone License (A1-A3)
Required for every drone from 250 g. Online course + official exam, average ~4 hours. Valid in the Netherlands and all 30 European countries for 5 years.
2. Operator registration (RDW)
Usually the trickiest step for travelling pilots. Register once as an operator in your EASA country of residence and put the number on your drone — that registration is valid in the Netherlands too. Local pilots register via RDW.
3. Liability insurance
Insurance is mandatory for professional operators and for any drone from 20 kg. For recreational pilots below 20 kg it is not legally required in the Netherlands, but strongly advised — check whether your liability insurance (AVP) covers drone damage.
The rules while flying
These EU-wide basics apply in the Netherlands — plus the local details on the right.
Specific to the Netherlands
- Night flying is prohibited in the open category — fly only during the uniform daylight period (15 min before sunrise to 15 min after sunset)
- Check the official GoDrone map for no-fly zones — the Schiphol area and other airport CTRs cover large parts of the country
- Remote ID is required unless your drone is class C0 or C4
- No registration is needed for drones under 250 g without a camera, or camera drones marked as toys
- Minimum pilot age is 16 — younger pilots fly under supervision of a licensed adult
You can still get licensed before your trip.
The average pilot finishes the course and exam in ~4 hours, fully online. Pass today and your official EU certificate lands in your inbox — valid in the Netherlands and 29 other countries for 5 years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license for a DJI Mini (under 250 g) in the Netherlands?
No license is needed under 250 g, but RDW operator registration is required if the drone has a camera (unless it is marked as a toy). All geo-zone and daylight rules still apply.
Can I fly at night in the Netherlands?
No. Unlike most EU countries, the Netherlands does not allow night flying in the open category — you may only fly during the uniform daylight period. Night operations require a specific-category authorisation.
Is my EU Drone License from another country valid in the Netherlands?
Yes. The EU Drone License is valid in all EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland — one license covers all 30 countries.
Where can I check no-fly zones in the Netherlands?
Use the official GoDrone map. Airport control zones — especially around Schiphol — cover large parts of the country, so always check before you fly.
How fast can I get the EU Drone License?
The course and exam are fully online and take about 4 hours on average. Pass today and your certificate arrives in your inbox the same day.
One license. 30 countries.
Your EU Drone License is valid in every country below — check the local rules before you pack:
