🇩🇪 Drone rules in Germany
Germany follows the EU/EASA Open-category rules under the LBA, with two notable national additions: liability insurance is mandatory for every drone regardless of weight, and flying over residential areas and nature reserves is especially restricted. Register as an operator, pass the EASA A1/A3 exam, and stay below 120 m.
Before you fly: drone rules change and vary by location. This page is a general summary, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules with the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) (official site). You are responsible for flying legally and safely.
Do I need to register my drone?
Register as an operator with the LBA if your drone is 250 g or more, or is lighter but has a camera/sensor and isn't a certified toy. You get an operator e-ID that must be displayed on all your drones; it is recognised EU-wide. Germany also requires liability insurance for every drone, including those under 250 g.
Do I need a licence or test?
Yes — complete the EU online training and exam for the A1/A3 competency certificate; flying closer to people (A2) needs an additional remote pilot certificate. Obtained via the LBA or an approved body. Minimum remote-pilot age is 16 (standard EASA exceptions apply).
Is Remote ID required?
Yes for class-marked drones (C1 and above), which must broadcast direct Remote ID — the EU/EASA requirement, not a German-specific rule.
What is the maximum altitude?
120 m (about 400 ft) above the ground in the Open category. Higher flights fall into the Specific category and need prior approval.
Where can't I fly?
Check the official dipul.de geo-zone map before every flight. Restricted near airports, over residential properties (barred without the owner's consent, partly on privacy grounds), nature reserves and national parks, crowds, critical infrastructure, hospitals, prisons, federal waterways and military sites. Entering a protected zone generally needs approval from the state aviation authority.
Authority: Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA)