Can I fly a drone in Switzerland?
Yes — with registration and rules. Switzerland adopted the EASA drone rules on 1 January 2023, administered by BAZL (Federal Office of Civil Aviation). Anyone operating a drone with a camera or weighing 250 g or more must register as an operator with BAZL; the drone needs a class mark C0–C4. There are the Open (A1/A2/A3), Specific and Certified categories. Maximum height in the Open category: 120 m above ground. Around airfields there are no-fly and restricted zones — check the official BAZL drone map before take-off. In short: yes, registered, under 120 m and clear of airfields.
📋 The rules
- Since 2023 the EASA rules apply (BAZL)
- Registration if camera or 250 g+
- Drone with a class mark C0–C4
- Max 120 m above ground (Open category)
- No-fly zones around airfields — check the map
🔓 Exceptions
- Specific/Certified categories for higher risk, with a permit
- U-Space: digital traffic management in certain airspaces
- Higher than 120 m only with a BAZL permit
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Flying without registration or the required competence certificate, or breaching no-fly zones, is an offence penalised by BAZL and the authorities with a fine. Data protection and personality rights also apply — filming people without consent can have consequences. Beware a myth: "a small camera drone under 250 g needs no registration" — in Switzerland any drone with a camera must be registered. Tip: check the BAZL drone map for no-fly zones before every flight.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have to register my drone?
In Switzerland yes, as soon as the drone has a camera or weighs at least 250 grams. You register as an operator with BAZL. The drone itself needs a class mark from C0 to C4. Only camera-less toy drones under 250 grams are exempt from registration.
How high can I fly?
In the Open category you may fly up to 120 metres above ground. Higher flights need a BAZL permit and fall, depending on risk, into the Specific or Certified categories. You must also keep the drone in sight at all times and keep your distance from people.
Where can't I fly?
Around airfields and in further no-fly and restricted zones, flying is prohibited or limited. Check the official BAZL drone map before every take-off. In certain airspaces there is also the U-Space, with digital traffic management services for drone operators to use.
What applies since 2023?
Since 1 January 2023 Switzerland applies the EASA drone rules, that is the same categories as the EU and EEA. They are administered by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation, BAZL. This means a registration requirement, class marking and harmonised operating categories.
What happens for breaches?
Flying without registration or the required competence certificate, or breaching no-fly zones, is an offence and is penalised with a fine. Data protection and personality rights also apply, for example when filming people without their consent, which can bring further consequences.
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