Drone rules by country
Last reviewed: October 8, 2026
Drone rules compared: registration, pilot competency, insurance, maximum height and Remote ID. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Operator registration | Pilot competency | Liability insurance | Maximum height | Remote ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Required if camera or over 250 g | A1/A3 proof; A2 needs extra certificate | Yes | 120 m | Required for C1, C2, C3; not C0, C4 |
| Netherlands | Register with RDW (some under-250 g exceptions) | A1/A3 certificate; A2 certificate for subcategory A2 | Drones over 20 kg: Yes Drones up to 20 kg: No | 120 m | Required for C1, C2, C3; not C0, C4 |
| United Kingdom | Operator ID from 250 g, or 100 g with camera | Flyer ID (free test) from 100 g | No | 120 m | UK1–UK3 since 2026; UK4 and some others from 2028 |
How to read the comparison
- Operator registration: whether you must register as a drone operator before you fly.
- Pilot competency: whether the pilot needs training, a test or a certificate.
- Liability insurance: whether insurance is required.
- Maximum height: the highest altitude allowed for recreational flying in the open category.
- Remote ID: whether the drone must broadcast an identification signal while it flies.
Before you fly
This comparison covers national rules for recreational flying. Local restrictions, such as areas where flying is not allowed, can apply on top of them. Each country page links to the official sources, and those are the place to confirm the details before you fly. Compare with the e-scooter rules if you travel with both.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.