Drone Regulations 2025

When you start drone flying in it's important to know what rules apply. You also want to know what certificates you need to fly safely and legally in 2025. This blog helps new drone pilots take their first steps and provides an overview of the most important drone rules.

Beginning drone flying - Steps

Have you bought your first drone and want to take a drone flight? These are key points of interest for your (first) drone flight.

1. General drone rules
2. In which subcategory am I allowed to fly?
3. Which EU Drone Licence do I need?
4. Does my drone need to broadcast Remote ID?
5. Do I need to register myself as an operator?
6. Help, my drone does not have a Cx label!

General drone rules

When flying in the open category for drones in the EU, these general rules apply:

• Maximum flying altitude: 120 metres
• Visibility: always in direct view of the pilot (VLOS)
• Areas: only in open/uncontrolled airspace
• People: Flying above groups of people is not allowed
• People: Flight above persons allowed in subcategory A1
• Flights near persons allowed in subcategory A2
• Buildings: Flights above buildings allowed in subcategory A1 and subcategory A2
  
• EU Drone Licence: Mandatory for drones weighing 250 grams or more
• Registration: Mandatory for drones with a camera and without a camera from 250 grams
  
• Remote ID: Mandatory from C1 label
  

In which subcategory should I fly?

The open category has three subcategories: A1, A2 and A3. Which subcategory you are allowed to fly your drone in depends on the Cx-label. The table below shows the subcategory with the requirements for each Cx-label.

Drones under 250 grams are also subject to the general rules. So it is not the case that with a drone under 250 grams, you don't have to follow any rules at all!

Additional drone rules per subcategory

Each subcategory in the open category has specific restrictions:

• Subcategory A1:
  Flying above some uninvolved people is allowed. Over crowds prohibited.
• Subcategory A2:
  Maintain a minimum distance of 30 metres from uninvolved persons or 5 metres in low-speed mode.
• Subcategory A3:
  Stay at least 150 metres away from buildings, industry and recreational areas and minimally 30 metres from uninvolved persons.

Which EU Drone Certificate do I need?

Which EU Drone Certificate you need depends on the Cx label of the drone.

In the open category, there are two certificates:

• Basic Certificate A1/A3
  Mandatory for all drones from 250 grams
  
• Additional certificate A2
  Mandatory for drones with a C2 label

Not quite sure which certificate you need? You can use our selection guide to get quick, tailored advice.

Does my drone need to broadcast Remote ID?

There is a Remote ID requirement for drones with a C1, C2, C3 or C4 label.
Here's what you need to do if your aircraft has such a label.

For drones in the open category with a C1, C2, C3 and C4 label, there is an obligation to broadcast the operator number, using Remote ID. You have to enter the operator number in the software (flight app).

Do I need to register myself as an operator?

Registration with a civil aviation authority as an operator is mandatory when:

• Your drone has a weight from 250 grams
  
• Your drone has a camera on board (regardless of weight)

After registration, you will receive an operator number by e-mail. This operator number must be visibly attached to the outside of the drone.

Help, my drone has no Cx-label!

If your drone weighs less than 250 grams, you are flying your aircraft in subcategory A1. Devices without a Cx-label from 250 grams onwards fly in subcategory A3.