The European drone rules are based on the risk that a flight involves. No distinction is made between private and professional users. However, flying a drone recreationally will often be a low-risk flight. For such flights, the applicable rules are generally more relaxed. This page describes the situation in the Netherlands.
Applicable rules when flying a drone recreationally
The European drone rules start from the risk of the drone flight. This risk depends on various things, such as the weight of the drone, whether or not you fly near people, the pilot's level of knowledge and the location where the drone is flown. The rules apply in all EU countries and to all drone flights. There are exceptions for when you fly a toy drone or when you fly indoors with, for example, a mini drone.
Flying a drone recreationally in the Netherlands
In many cases, you are required to register online with the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) if you fly a drone in the Netherlands. To do so, you must apply for an operator registration number (exploitantnummer). Only if a drone weighs less than 250 grams (a so-called mini drone) and has no camera are the rules more relaxed. The operator registration number you receive must be displayed visibly on the drone. You will usually also have to take an exam and hold a drone pilot certificate. The European drone rules apply in the Netherlands. These rules also apply in the other EU countries.
All European drone rulesFlying recreationally without an operational authorisation
Pilots who fly without an operational authorisation (exploitatievergunning) will in principle operate in the open category. This category contains the low-risk drone flights. A limited number of general rules apply here. For example, the drone may not weigh more than 25 kilograms and you may never fly higher than 120 metres. In addition, you must always keep the drone in sight, and you may not fly in the so-called NFZ zones (No Fly Zones).
Rules for low-risk flightsCE label for drones
Under the new European rules, all drones sold ready to fly must have a CE label if you want to fly in the open category. Drones sold earlier cannot be given a new CE label afterwards. Drones without a Cx label that were placed on the market before 1 January 2024 may still be used in subcategory A1 or A3, subject to conditions (veiligdronevliegen.nl).
All about the CE label for dronesFlying a drone recreationally abroad
Many drone pilots love to take their drone with them when they go on a trip or on holiday. That way they can make incredibly beautiful holiday footage. Abroad, however, different rules may apply. That is particularly the case if you travel outside Europe. Moreover, there are countries where drones are banned and where prison sentences can even be imposed. That is why it is important to be aware of the drone rules in your holiday destination.
Taking a drone on holidayPrivacy and flying a drone recreationally
The rules mentioned above mainly concern using a drone safely. In addition, when flying a drone recreationally you must also take a number of privacy rules into account. It is not permitted to simply film or take photos anywhere. In principle, you may film and take photos in places where you are allowed to go yourself and where you are allowed to take photos and film yourself. So not in the neighbours' garden, but you can in open countryside. However, make sure that people are not recognisable when you publish photos or video footage. For that you need the permission of these people.
Self-built drones and flying a drone recreationally
More and more drone enthusiasts are building their own drone. There are countless kits available with clear building instructions. The European rules can also apply when flying self-built drones. If the drone weighs less than 250 grams, it falls under open subcategory A1. These are the most relaxed rules. Otherwise, and provided that the drone weighs less than 25 kilograms, it falls under open subcategory A3. For both categories, a minimum age of sixteen applies to pilots.
Insurance for recreational drone use
Anyone who uses a drone recreationally is usually not required in the Netherlands to take out special liability insurance or drone insurance. The government does, however, recommend taking out insurance for bodily injury or property damage to third parties. Personal liability insurance (AVP) may offer sufficient cover, but that is certainly not always the case.
Private pilots who use a drone of 20 kilograms or more are required to take out insurance. The insurance can be added to the registration in the RDW register.
All about drone insurance
Frequently asked questions about flying a drone recreationally
Even when it comes to flying a drone recreationally, strict rules apply. Moreover, the legislation has recently been amended with a view to European harmonisation. As a result, you will soon have extra questions and uncertainties. We are happy to provide the answers to questions that many drone enthusiasts have.
From what age can I fly a drone recreationally?
For open subcategories A1, A2 and A3, which most recreational drone users will fall under, a minimum age of sixteen applies. From this age you may fly a drone independently. Are you younger? Then you may also fly the drone recreationally, but only under the supervision of a pilot who is old enough and holds a drone pilot certificate. Other age limits may apply in other countries.
Do I need a certificate of competency to fly a drone?
That depends on the category you fall under. Only for subcategory A2 is it necessary, in addition to an online knowledge test, to take an extra test that assesses your practical knowledge. In subcategories A1 and A3, a single knowledge test is sufficient and the certificate of competency is not necessary.
Do I have to take a practical exam to be allowed to fly a drone recreationally?
No, there is no practical exam to be allowed to fly a drone. That is not the case in subcategory A2 either. You do, however, need an additional certificate of competency. To obtain this certificate of competency, extra questions are asked and you must declare that you have gained practical knowledge. A practical flight test is, however, not required.
Is flying a drone recreationally always in the open category?
No, that is not necessarily the case. Low-risk drone flights fall under the open category. That is often the case when flying a drone recreationally, but it will not necessarily always be the case. If, for example, you fly a heavier drone recreationally over an urban area, this may belong to the specific category. Extra strict rules apply to that.
How high can I fly a drone recreationally?
A number of general rules apply in the open category. Under these rules, it is not permitted to fly higher than 120 metres. Also take care, because even if you fly lower, you are still required to give way to other air traffic.
Where in the Netherlands is it prohibited to fly a drone?
In the Netherlands, it is not permitted to fly a drone over events, government buildings and military sites. There are also areas where no aircraft at all is welcome, such as the palaces and buildings of the royal house, the protected nature areas above the Wadden Sea and a number of Natura 2000 areas. For a low-risk drone flight, it is also prohibited to fly over roads with a speed limit of more than 60 km/h, railway lines, airports, hospital helipads, high-voltage power lines, drinking water areas, large seaports, companies with hazardous substances and secured sites. Bear in mind that there are also certain low-flying routes and areas. Special rules also apply to drones with a medium risk. The permit granted may then affect where you may or may not fly the drone.
What happens if I fly a drone in a no-fly zone?
Then you are breaking the rules and you can get a fine. The fine for a professional drone pilot is higher than for a hobby drone pilot. Moreover, during such a flight you can endanger other aircraft. The drone itself may also be lost. The force of an aeroplane can suck the drone upwards, and the drone may be lost. In any case, if you also cause damage, you will probably have to pay compensation on top of the fine.
Who enforces the drone rules in the Netherlands?
The power to enforce the drone rules lies primarily with the Dutch police. The police regularly issue fines. This appears to be mainly a matter of catching people in the act. Enforcement also depends on the area where you fly. If, for example, it concerns flying drones in nature areas, since 1 January 2024 this falls under the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) (before that under the Nature Conservation Act (Wet natuurbescherming), which applied until 31 December 2023), and enforcement lies with special investigating officers (boa's) and forest rangers. As regards permits, it is the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport, ILT) that enforces. If someone does not comply with the permit rules, the permit can be revoked or an order subject to a penalty (last onder dwangsom) can be imposed.