Drone rules in Germany
| Drones allowed? | Yes — under EU rules |
| License needed | EU Drone License (from 250 g) |
| Registo | Required — via the LBA portal |
| Insurance | Mandatory (liability) |
| Night flying | Allowed — green flashing light required |
| Max altitude | 120 m |
| Authority | LBA · dipul.de |
What you need to fly in Germany
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 Germany and all 30 European countries for 5 years.
2. Operator registration (the LBA portal)
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 Germany too. Local pilots register via the LBA portal.
3. Liability insurance
Germany requires third-party liability insurance for every drone operator before the first flight — your policy number is captured during LBA registration.
The rules while flying
These EU-wide basics apply in Germany — plus the local details on the right.
Specific to Germany
- Registration runs via the LBA portal and costs about €20 for private operators
- Your operator eID must be affixed to every drone you fly
- Check the official dipul map (Digital Platform for Unmanned Aviation) for geo-zones before every flight
- Liability insurance is mandatory — the policy number is required when registering
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 Germany and 29 other countries for 5 years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a license for a DJI Mini (under 250 g) in Germany?
No license is needed under 250 g, but operator registration is required if the drone has a camera — and Germany requires liability insurance for every drone. Geo-zone rules apply to all drones.
Is my EU Drone License from another country valid in Germany?
Yes. The EU Drone License is valid in all EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland — one license covers all 30 countries.
Where do I check no-fly zones in Germany?
Use the official dipul map (Digitale Plattform Unbemannte Luftfahrt). It shows all geo-zones — airports, cities, industrial sites and nature reserves.
Do I need insurance to fly a drone in Germany?
Yes — liability insurance is mandatory for all drone operators in Germany, including hobby pilots with light camera drones. Your policy number is requested at registration.
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:
