European drone rules. Here’s what you need to know.

It’s time! Today, New Year’s Eve 2020, the new European drone rules come into effect. This has a number of consequences for almost all drone pilots in . For example, you must register as a drone operator and there is a good chance that you will have to obtain an EU drone certificate. This step-by-step plan shows you exactly what to do, assuming you are going to fly in the Open Category.

European drone rules. Here’s what you need to know

Register yourself as a drone pilot

Are you flying a drone that weighs more than 250 grams? Does your drone have a camera? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then you must register as a drone operator. This can be done as a person or as a company. You must register in the country where you live or where your company is located.

In the , you can register via the RDW. The costs are 23 euros. In , registration is done through the DGLV. After the registration process, you will receive an operator number, a unique code that is linked to your registration.

Put the operator number on all your drones

Visibly affix your operator number (also called Operator ID) to all your drones. This is possible with the help of a label, sticker, or decal. The drones themselves do not need to be registered under the new European drone rules.

Get the right training

Does your drone weigh more than 250 grams? Then you will have to obtain a European drone certificate. This is available in two variants: the basic A1 / A3 certificate and the more extensive A2 drone certificate. Which proof you need depends, among other things, on the weight of your drone(s). After completing the training, you can request a flight certificate from the RDW. In Belgium, basic training is provided by the BCAA. You can also take the A2 theory exam at the BCAA.

Check your insurance

Find out if your personal liability insurance also covers damage caused by drones. Do you want to use your drone for business? Then you may need special insurance under the new European drone rules.

General rules for the Open category

  • The maximum flight height is 120 meters from the ground;
  • Always keep the drone in sight and only fly in daylight;
  • Do not fly over or right next to 80 km roads, expressways, and highways;
  • Keep your distance from small airports/heliports and do not fly in CTR areas;
  • Check Godrone.nl (or in Belgium: Droneguide.be) to see in which other zones there is a flying ban for drones;
  • FPV flying is allowed as long as an observer is standing next to you;
  • Take into account the privacy of people who may be recognizable in the picture;
  • Do not fly above places where there are many people;
  • Make sure you have your EU drone certificate (on paper or on your smartphone) with you when you fly your drone.

ROC-light, RPA-L or ROC

Do you have a ROC-light exemption, RPA-L license or ROC permit? Then you must register with the RDW as a drone operator anyway. You can visibly apply the Operator ID to all your drones. As long as you use your “old” papers, you leave the PH registration on your drone.

As it looks now, the Dutch ministry is coming up with an online conversion course for people who already have a ROC-light theory certificate or RPA-L license. After completing this, you can apply for an A2 drone certificate at the RDW. We recommend that you wait a little longer. It is not yet clear how the conversion of a ROC permit to an authorization for the Specific category will proceed.

What do you think of the new European drone rules? let us know in the comments below.

European Drone Rules. Here'S What You Need To Know. 1

Stay in touch!

If you’d like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors, and reviews follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or…

Subscribe to our Daily Drone News email.*


 

Submit tips If you have information or tips that you would like to share with us, feel free to submit them hereSupport DroneXL.co: You can support DroneXL.co by using these links when you make your next drone purchase: Adorama, Amazon, B&H, BestBuy, eBay, DJI, Parrot, and Yuneec. We make a small commission when you do so at no additional expense to you. Thank you for helping DroneXL grow! FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.


* We do not sell, share, rent out or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.

This article first appeared on dronewatch.nul and is written by Wiebe de Jager who is also a DroneXL contributor.


Discover more from DroneXL.co

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Proposed legislation threatens your ability to use drones for fun, work, and safety. The Drone Advocacy Alliance is fighting to ensure your voice is heard in these critical policy discussions.Join us and tell your elected officials to protect your right to fly.

Drone Advocacy Alliance
TAKE ACTION NOW
Follow us on Google News!

Get your Part 107 Certificate

Pass the Part 107 test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.

pilot institute dronexl

Copyright © DroneXL.co 2025. All rights reserved. The content, images, and intellectual property on this website are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution of any material without prior written permission from DroneXL.co is strictly prohibited. For permissions and inquiries, please contact us first. DroneXL.co is a proud partner of the Drone Advocacy Alliance. Be sure to check out DroneXL's sister site, EVXL.co, for all the latest news on electric vehicles.

FTC: DroneXL.co is an Amazon Associate and uses affiliate links that can generate income from qualifying purchases. We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email.

Haye Kesteloo
Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is a leading drone industry expert and Editor in Chief of DroneXL.co and EVXL.co, where he covers drone technology, industry developments, and electric mobility trends. With over nine years of specialized coverage in unmanned aerial systems, his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, and cited by The Brookings Institute, Foreign Policy, Politico and others.

Before founding DroneXL.co, Kesteloo built his expertise at DroneDJ. He currently co-hosts the PiXL Drone Show on YouTube and podcast platforms, sharing industry insights with a global audience. His reporting has influenced policy discussions and been referenced in federal documents, establishing him as an authoritative voice in drone technology and regulation. He can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.

Articles: 4802

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

en_USEnglish