Drone Laws in Germany

Open to visitors

Yes. EU/EASA operators use their home registration; non-EU visitors register via the LBA/dipul portal. A US FAA registration is not recognised.

Germany applies the EASA framework through the LBA dipul portal, with a 120 m limit, mandatory third-party insurance for every drone, and one of Europe's stricter national no-fly regimes.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Drone rules change frequently and vary by location. Always confirm the current rules with the national aviation authority (linked below) before you fly. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Aviation authority

LBA (dipul portal)

The rules

Registration: Register the operator (eID) for drones over 250g or any camera-equipped drone (min age 16). Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for ALL drones, including recreational.
Remote ID: Mandatory since 1 Jan 2024 for C1/C2/C3 drones.
Maximum altitude: 120 m.
Line of sight: VLOS in the Open category; beyond needs an LBA Specific authorisation.
No-fly and distance rules: Strong national geo-zones: bans/limits near government buildings, industrial plants, power stations, prisons, hospitals, police operations, major roads and railways, nature reserves/Natura 2000 (usually 250 m clearance) and national parks, plus the Berlin government district. Use the dipul map.
Commercial and paid work: Same Open/Specific framework: registration, competency and insurance; higher-risk is a Specific authorisation.
Notable restrictions: One of the stricter national no-fly regimes in Europe (§21h LuftVO).
Penalties: Fines up to ~€50,000 for serious breaches; flying unregistered can bring a four-figure fine; endangering air traffic can be criminal.

Would rather not deal with the paperwork? Hire a local, insured drone pilot through Terasor.

Find a local drone pilot

Official sources

Back to the drone laws hub