Drone laws in Switzerland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Switzerland applies the EASA drone rules. Operators register with the FOCA (CHF 10) unless the drone is under 250 g and has no camera or other sensor recording personal data, and the maximum height is 120 m above ground level. Liability insurance is required above 250 g.

RuleWhat applies
Operator registrationRecreational flying (open category)Required for every private individual or organisation flying a drone in Switzerland, unless the drone weighs less than 250 g and has no device or sensor that records personal data (for example a camera or microphone). Registration is made in the EASA member state of residence and is valid in all EASA states. [1]
Pilot competencyRecreational flying (open category)Open category: A1/A3 remote pilot certificate (online theory exam, CHF 20) for A1 or A3 flights; A2 certificate (needs the A1/A3 certificate, exam at an exam centre) for A2 flights. Not needed for class C0, legacy drones under 250 g or privately built drones under 250 g in A1. Certificates from EASA states are recognised. [2]
Liability insuranceYes [3]
Maximum heightRecreational flying (open category)120 m [4]
Remote IDRecreational flying (open category)Remote ID must be switched on during open and specific category flights, with the UAS operator number entered. Class C0 drones, legacy drones and privately built drones are exempt. [4]
EU class-marked dronesRecreational flying (open category)⚠ Not yet verified
Operator registration feeRecreational flying (open category)10.00 CHF per registration [1]
Minimum age to register as operatorRecreational flying (open category)12 years [1]
Minimum age to flyRecreational flying (open category)12 years [2]

Notes

  • Required for drones weighing more than 250 g, with a guaranteed sum of at least CHF 1 million. The FOCA only recommends insurance for lighter drones. A pilot who is not the operator does not need personal insurance.
  • The pages read do not say how class marks from non-EASA countries are treated.
  • Registration is valid in all EASA member states for an unlimited period.
  • Children under 16 must give the name of a legal representative.
  • Children under 12 may only fly under the supervision of a person who is at least 16 and holds the necessary certificates. In the specific category the minimum age is 14.

Sources

  1. Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA / BAZL): Registration as a drone operator (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA / BAZL): Training and certificates for remote pilots (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA / BAZL): FAQ drones (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA / BAZL): Flight rules for drones (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.