Drone Laws and Regulations in the Netherlands
Find out whether you are allowed to fly your drone in the Netherlands and what
rules apply or whether it is prohibited in general. We do not assume any liability.
If you find outdated or wrong information or if you want to submit the drone regulations for countries that are currently not listed, feel free to contact us here.
Is private drone flying allowed in the Netherlands?
Yes, but you need to apply to the rules listed below.
A special permission is not necessary.
RECREATIONAL DRONE PILOTS (HOBBYISTS)
COMMERCIAL DRONE PILOTS (PROFESSIONALS)
Is commercial drone flying allowed in the Netherlands?
Yes, but you need to apply to the rules listed below.
A special permission is required.
Maximum Height
120m / 394ft (only in Airspace "G")
> 120m / 394ft: special permission required
RPAS Operator Certificate: 120m / 394ft (only in Airspace "G")
RPAS Operator Certificate Light: 50m / 164ft (only in Airspace "G")
Maximum Height
Maximum Distance
RPAS Operator Certificate: 500m / 1,640ft
RPAS Operator Certificate Light: 100m / 328ft
The drone needs to remain in sight always (line-of-sight)
Maximum Distance
Labelling Requirements
Not required
Not required
Labelling Requirements
< 25kg / 55lbs without special permission
> 25kg / 55lbs special permission required
Maximum Take-Off Weight
Maximum Take-Off Weight
RPAS Operator Certificate: max 150kg / 330lbs
RPAS Operator Certificate Light: max 4kg / 8.8lbs
Flying a drone in the Netherlands is allowed during daytime only.
Nigh time flights need a special approval.
Day Times
Day Times
Flying a drone in the Netherlands is allowed during daytime only.
Night time flights need a special approval.
Drone Liability Insurance
Always required
Always required
Drone Liability Insurance
Competence Statement / License
Not required
RPAS Operator Certificate
Cost: approx. 10,000 € / 10,900 USD
RPAS Operator Certificate Light
Cots: approx. 600 - 1,500€ / 654 - 1,635 USD
You find more information here.
Competence Statement / License
Drone Ban Zones
State institutes
Federal authority constructions
Regional authority constructions
Airport control zones (CTR)
Industrial plants
Railway tracks
Streets (min 150m distance)
Vessels (min 150m distance)
Crowds of people (min 150m distance)
Populated areas (min 150m distance)
Hospitals
Operation sites of police, military, search- and rescue forces
Bonaire Island (Dutch Carribean)
St. Eustatius Island (Dutch Carribean)
Saba Island (Dutch Carribean)
You must always yield right of way to manned aircraft!
FOR DJI DRONES ONLY!
Please note that there are several constant and temporary drone ban zones (known as no-fly-zones) that either won't let your drone take-off at all or that will ask for a permission of yours.
Please click at both graphics to spot all blocked / restricted areas near your desired flying location.
Additional links and important email addresses
Guide to drone laws and regulations (English)
Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Milieu contact form
Submit your countries rules and laws for flying drones in the categories mentioned above
Facebook group for pilots from all around the globe (English)
Check out more drone laws and regulations.
Click here or at the image to see all listed countries.
Or submit the regulations of your country right here.
READ THE DRONE BLOG!