Am I allowed to fly a drone in Germany?
Yes, but with registration and insurance. Germany follows the EU Drone Regulation. Every drone — regardless of weight — needs liability insurance. From 250 g or if it has a camera, you must register with the Federal Aviation Office (LBA) and display the e-ID. From 250 g you also need a drone licence (EU competence certificate, ~€25). You may not fly over crowds, airports, prisons, industrial sites, or in many nature reserves.
📋 The rules
- Liability insurance is mandatory for every drone — even under 250 g
- From 250 g or with a camera: register with the LBA and display the e-ID
- From 250 g: EU competence certificate (small drone licence, online, ~€25, valid 5 years)
- Maximum altitude in the open category: 120 m above ground
- Keep the drone in sight; never fly over gatherings of people
- Off-limits: airports and their surroundings, prisons, police/military sites, power plants, hospitals
- Nature reserves, national parks and private homes (privacy) only with permission
- Check geo-zones and current restrictions in the dipul/Droniq app before flying
🔓 Exceptions
- Drones/toys under 250 g without a camera: no registration or licence needed — insurance still required
- Model flying on club sites with an ascent permit: own, often more generous rules
- Commercial or special operations (over people, BVLOS): the "specific" category needs extra LBA approval
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Flying without registration/e-ID, without a licence or in restricted zones is an administrative offence: state catalogues list fines up to €50,000, in practice usually a few hundred to a few thousand euros. Flights near airports or over sensitive sites can also be prosecuted. Without liability insurance you are personally liable without limit for any damage.
📎 Official sources
- dipul · official unmanned-aviation platform (BMDV) →
- Federal Aviation Office (LBA) · drones / e-ID →
- ADAC · drone licence & registration →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need a licence for my drone?
From 250 g take-off weight yes: the EU competence certificate (A1/A3), done online with the LBA for about €25. Heavier drones in category A2 also need the EU remote-pilot certificate. Under 250 g without a camera you need no licence.
Do I have to register my drone?
As soon as the drone weighs 250 g or has a camera or other sensor, you must register as an operator with the Federal Aviation Office. You receive an electronic operator ID (e-ID) that — like a number plate — must be displayed visibly on the drone.
Where am I not allowed to fly?
No-fly areas include airports and their surroundings, prisons, military/police sites, power plants, hospitals, crowds and many nature reserves. Over private homes, privacy applies. Current geo-zones are shown in the dipul/Droniq app.
Do I need insurance for my drone?
Yes, without exception — every drone, regardless of weight, requires operator liability cover. Many private liability policies include hobby drones, but often only up to a certain weight. Without insurance you are personally and unlimitedly liable.
How high can I fly?
In the "open" category, up to 120 m above ground and only within sight. Higher or beyond-line-of-sight flights fall into the "specific" category and need separate LBA approval.
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