Can I fly a drone in Luxembourg?
Yes, but under strict conditions — and the framework changed at the end of 2025. Drone flying is governed by EU Regulation 2019/947, now supplemented by a national framework: the Law of 19 December 2025 and the Grand-Ducal Regulation of 22 December 2025, in force since end 2025, which introduce criminal penalties and fees. Before any flight you must register as an operator (a drone with a camera or weighing 250 g or more), comply with the geographic zones published on the Geoportail — the only legally applicable ones — and complete the appropriate training. Competent authority: the Civil Aviation Administration (DAC). An operational authorisation is required for the "specific" category (beyond visual line of sight, spraying…). The myth: "the zones shown in the manufacturer's app are authoritative" — false: only the Geoportail zones count, and they can differ from the maker's.
📋 The rules
- Registration mandatory: you must register as an operator before any flight, as soon as the drone carries a camera or weighs 250 g or more.
- Geoportail zones: only the geographic zones published on the Geoportail are legally applicable; they can differ from those in the maker's app.
- 2025 national framework: the Law of 19 December 2025 and the Grand-Ducal Regulation of 22 December 2025 add criminal penalties and fees to the EU regime.
- Training and categories: training suited to the drone type is required; the "specific" category (beyond line of sight, spraying) needs an operational authorisation.
- Fees since 2026: since 14 January 2026, operator registration costs 10 euros; other steps (STS, A2 exam) are also chargeable.
🔓 Exceptions
- Toys and mini-drones: a drone under 250 g with no camera or personal-data sensor may escape operator registration, but is still subject to the zones.
- Minors: since end 2025, a minor from age 14 can be registered as an operator in the "open" category.
- Framed professional use: "specific" operations remain possible, but only with an operational authorisation issued by the DAC.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Flying off the rails is no longer a mere slip since end 2025. The new national framework introduces criminal penalties for non-compliance: flying in a forbidden zone of the Geoportail, lack of registration, missing training or authorisation in the specific category expose you to prosecution, on top of possible seizure of the device. The DAC can inspect, authorise and sanction. Add the "privacy" risks: filming people with a drone engages the Law of 11 August 1982 and the GDPR, with a possible complaint before the CNPD. Flying near the airport or over crowds puts air safety at stake and heavy liability in the event of an accident. Finally, damage caused by the drone falls under your civil liability, and dedicated insurance is strongly advised.
📎 Official sources
- Civil Aviation Administration · drones (official DAC portal) →
- Legilux · Law of 19 December 2025 and Grand-Ducal Regulation of 22 December 2025 (drones) →
- Guichet.lu · registration of the UAS operator (drone) →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have to register my drone before flying?
You must register as an operator before any flight as soon as the drone carries a camera or weighs 250 g or more. Registration is done via MyGuichet.lu with the Civil Aviation Administration, and costs 10 euros since 14 January 2026.
Where can I check whether I may fly somewhere?
The only legally applicable zones are those published on the Geoportail, not those shown by the manufacturer's app. Check the official map before each flight, because restrictions near the airport or sensitive sites are marked there.
What changed with the end-2025 framework?
The Law of 19 December 2025 and the Grand-Ducal Regulation of 22 December 2025 supplement the EU regime by adding criminal penalties and fees. Some steps are now chargeable, and a minor from age 14 can be registered as an operator in the open category.
Can I film over the neighbourhood with my drone?
The flight itself must respect the zones and the authorised category, but filming people adds a privacy constraint. The 1982 Law and the GDPR apply, so a targeted capture of neighbours can lead to a complaint before the CNPD.
Do I need special authorisation for professional use?
The "specific" category operations, such as beyond-line-of-sight flight or spraying, require an operational authorisation from the DAC. Training suited to the drone type and the planned operation is also required before you start.
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