Drone rules in Switzerland
| Drones allowed? | Yes — under EU rules |
| License needed | EU Drone License (from 250 g) |
| Registration | Required — via dLIS (FOCA) |
| Insurance | Mandatory from 250 g (CHF 1M) |
| Night flying | Allowed — green flashing light required |
| Max altitude | 120 m |
| Authority | FOCA (BAZL) |
What you need to fly in Switzerland
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 Switzerland and all 30 European countries for 5 years.
2. Operator registration (dLIS (FOCA))
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 Switzerland too. Local pilots register via dLIS (FOCA).
3. Liability insurance
Switzerland requires personal liability insurance with at least CHF 1 million cover for any drone over 250 g — and FOCA recommends cover for lighter drones too.
The rules while flying
These EU-wide basics apply in Switzerland — plus the local details on the right.
Specific to Switzerland
- Your EU certificates and operator registration are valid — EU, Norwegian and Icelandic operators must not register again in Switzerland
- Authorisation is required within 5 km of aerodromes for drones over 250 g — some aerodromes charge a processing fee
- FPV flying with goggles is only allowed with an airspace observer next to you keeping direct sight
- Remote ID must be switched on in flight (C0, legacy and privately built drones exempt)
- Check the official FOCA drone map and the daily airspace bulletin (DABS) before every flight
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 Switzerland and 29 other countries for 5 years.
Frequently asked questions
Is my EU Drone License valid in Switzerland?
Yes — Switzerland applies the EU drone regulation since 2023. A1/A3 and A2 certificates issued in an EU member state, Norway or Iceland are valid in Switzerland without conversion.
Do I need a license for a DJI Mini (under 250 g) in Switzerland?
No license is needed under 250 g, but operator registration (in your home EASA state) is required if the drone has a camera — and FOCA recommends liability insurance even for light drones.
Do I need insurance to fly a drone in Switzerland?
Yes — from 250 g you must carry personal liability insurance with at least CHF 1 million in cover.
Can I fly in the Swiss Alps?
Often yes, but check the FOCA drone map first: nature reserves, aerodromes (5 km authorisation zone) and military areas carry restrictions — and mountain airfields count too.
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 — valid in Switzerland too.
One license. 30 countries.
Your EU Drone License is valid in every country below — check the local rules before you pack:
