Drones have become a key element of modern society, and Germany is actively using them in various fields, including photography, filming, agriculture and rescue services. However, like any other technical device, drones are subject to certain rules and regulations. In this guide, we will take a detailed look at the specifics of using drones in Germany and the importance of drone insurance.
Rules for using drones in Germany
Since 2021, drone flights in Germany have been regulated pan-European rules (EU Regulation 2019/947), rather than the former German ones. Many popular tips on the internet are outdated: a sticker with your name and address, the 2 kg threshold for a certificate, and a height of 100 metres are rules that no longer apply.
Open category (open category) — the one in which the overwhelming majority of private pilots fly. No authorisation is required if all the following conditions are met simultaneously:
- drone's take-off mass less than 25 kg;
- flight altitude no higher than 120 metres above ground level;
- flight to line of sight drone (VLOS) — first-person view without an observer is not suitable;
- no flights over crowds of people — a crowd is defined as a group from which a person cannot freely leave;
- There is no dangerous cargo on board, and the drone does not carry passengers.
If even one condition is breached, that is already special category, which requires authorisation from the aviation authorities.
Drone insurance in Germany
Liability insurance for drones in Germany mandatory — regardless of weight. Basis: Section 43(2) of the Luftfahrtgesetz (LuftVG). A drone is legally classified as an aircraft; therefore, the owner is obliged to take out and maintain third-party liability insurance. An exception is made only for drones operated by the federal government and the federal states.
The minimum sum insured for machines weighing up to 500 kg is — 750,000 Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) under Section 37 of the LuftVG. Under the same provision, in the event of the death or injury of a victim, the limit is up to 600,000 euros per person or an annuity of up to 36,000 euros per year.
You must carry proof of insurance with you on every flight. Travelling without it constitutes an administrative offence. The insurer issues the certificate itself free of charge.
Good rates Personal liability insurance Drones are often already covered – but by no means in all policies, and frequently with weight restrictions and only for private use. Check your policy to see if this cover is included, or contact us for assistance. For commercial use, personal liability insurance is generally unsuitable: a separate policy is required.
How to take out drone insurance in Germany
Taking out drone insurance in Germany is a quick and simple process. We invite you to choose a suitable option yourself, which will help you to fly with complete peace of mind.
Key points to remember
Flying a drone in Germany requires three things: third-party liability insurance — which is compulsory for drones of any weight; registration of the operator if the drone weighs 250 grams or more or is fitted with a camera; and a certificate of competence for drones weighing 250 grams or more. The rules are pan-European; the 2017 German regulations regarding address labels and the 2 kg threshold have long since been repealed.
Below is a detailed breakdown: sub-categories A1, A2 and A3; what to do with «old» drones that do not have a Class C designation; the registration process and costs; the amounts of duties and fines; and what to look out for when choosing an insurance policy.
Subcategories A1, A2, A3: exactly where you can fly
Within the open category there are three subcategories. The qualification requirements and permitted distances to people both depend on which one your drone falls into.
| Subcategory | What sort of drones? | Where can you fly to? | What a pilot needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Class C0 or homemade models weighing less than 250 g; Class C1 up to 900 g | Flying over is permitted separately strangers. Not over crowds of people. For C1, flying over strangers is prohibited | Up to 250 g without a sensor: no personal data required. For C1: A1/A3 certificate of competence |
| A2 | Class C2, up to 4 kg | Minimum 30 metres from strangers; in low-speed mode — 5 metres | A2 Certificate of Competency (examination at an accredited facility) |
| A3 | Classes C2, C3, C4 and homemade models weighing up to 25 kg | Minimum 150 metres to residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas. To unauthorized persons — at least 30 metres and not less than the flight altitude | A1/A3 Certificate of Competency |
What to do with «old» non-class-marked drones
The transition period has ended 31.12.2023. It is not forbidden to fly drones without a C-class marking placed on the market before this date, but their use is restricted:
- mass less than 250 g - you can in subcategory A1;
- mass from 250 g to 25 kg — only in subcategory A3, that is at a distance of 150 metres from buildings.
Practical conclusion for the owner of a popular model weighing just over 250 grams without a C class: flying in the park near home is not allowed. You need an open area 150 metres away from residential and industrial zones.
Operator registration: who needs it and how much does it cost
Registering not a drone, but the operator. Everyone receives a single registration number (e-ID) and affixes it to all their aircraft. The register is maintained by the German Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt).
| Registration is required if | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Take-off mass 250 g and more | Exact wording of § 66a LuftVG: an open-category drone with a mass of 250 g or more, capable of transferring an energy of more than 80 joules upon impact with a human |
| There is camera or microphone | Any mass, if the drone is equipped with a sensor capable of collecting personal data and is not a toy under Directive 2009/48/EC. That is, a 249 g drone with a camera must be registered needed |
| Flights to special category | Any mass without exception |
Answer to the frequently asked question about citizenship. Registration is linked to main place of residence operator in Germany (for legal entities — to the place of establishment), and not to citizenship. This is explicitly stated in § 66a Abs. 1 LuftVG.
Registration requires the name of the insurer and the insurance policy number. That's another reason to get insurance first and register afterwards.
Registration fees under the current Civil Aviation Authority tariff: €20 for an individual, 50 euros for legal, 5 euros per member for air sports associations.
Qualification: which certificate and how much does it cost
| Document | When is it needed | How to get | LBA fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1/A3 Certificate of Competency | From 250 g take-off mass | Online learning and online examination, completely remotely | 25 euros, renewal €15 |
| A2 Certificate of Competency | For flights in the A2 subcategory | First A1/A3, then practical self-training and a theoretical exam at an accredited centre | 30 euros 15 euros for issuance and renewal. The exam centre's own fee is paid separately. |
Validity period: 5 years. You can renew it in the Civil Aviation Authority's personal account when there are less than 12 months left until expiration. An important detail: the new term is calculated from the renewal date, the remaining credit from the old policy does not carry over — renewing too far in advance is not cost-effective.
Minimum pilot age — 16 years. Exceptions: toy drones under Directive 2009/48/EG, homemade aircraft up to 249 g, as well as flights under direct supervision of a person meeting pilot requirements. In the latter case, the supervisor bears responsibility.
Penalties: how much a violation costs
- Flying without insurance or without proof of insurance — administrative offense.
- The general penalty limit under § 58 LuftVG — up to 30,000 euros, for specific offenses up to 50,000 euros.
- Additionally, damage claims are possible — these are covered by insurance. This is why saving on the policy is pointless: the annual premium is negligible compared to potential damage.
In addition to aviation regulations, general law applies: photographing people and private property from the air affects data protection and the right to one's image. Publishing footage showing recognizable people or private property can result in claims regardless of whether flight rules were followed.
What to look for when choosing a policy
- Private or commercial use. Once recording generates income — even a one-time amount — private liability insurance no longer applies. A commercial policy is required.
- Maximum takeoff weight, covered by the policy. Ensure your aircraft fits within it with a safety margin.
- Area of coverage. Germany only, the European Union, or worldwide. For travel, this is essential.
- Sum insured. The legal minimum is the lower limit, not a reasonable level. Damage from a drone falling on a car or person can be significantly higher.
- Number of insured aircraft. Some policies cover all operator drones, others only those specifically named.
- Coverage of the drone itself. Mandatory insurance covers damage to third parties. Loss or damage to your aircraft is a separate product (drone hull insurance).
- Gross negligence. Check whether the insurer waives the reduction of benefits for gross negligence — this is one of the most significant differences between policies.
In short: what to do before your first flight
- Obtain liability insurance and save the confirmation on your phone.
- Register as an operator if the drone weighs 250 g or more or has a camera; apply e-ID to the aircraft.
- Pass the online A1/A3 exam if the drone weighs 250 g or more.
- Check your flight zone on the geofence map — restrictions apply near aerodromes, hospitals, government agencies, railways, and protected natural areas.
- Stay within 120 meters and in direct line of sight.
What else to read
- Private liability insurance — check whether drones are included in your tariff
- Home contents insurance — coverage of the equipment itself
- Legal expenses insurance
- Smartphone and tablet insurance
- Personal accident insurance
Sources
- § 43 LuftVG — insurance requirement: gesetze-im-internet.de
- § 37 LuftVG — minimum insurance amounts: gesetze-im-internet.de
- § 58 LuftVG — penalties: gesetze-im-internet.de
- § 66a LuftVG — operator registry: gesetze-im-internet.de
- §§ 102, 105, 106 LuftVZO — proof of insurance: gesetze-im-internet.de
- dipul — official Ministry of Transport portal for unmanned aviation: dipul.de
- Luftfahrt-Bundesamt — registration and certificates: lba.de
Добрый день Валерий!
А подскажите как купить страховку если нерезидент ЕС и тем более Германии — интересует именно Privathaftpflichtversicherung и для украинца
Good afternoon.
Вы можете купить ее в комплекте с медицинской Incoming-Versicherung.
Вот тут например у ХанзеМеркур
https://secure.hmrv.de/rvw-ba/initBa.jsp?baid=280&wt=POPUP&locale=de_DE&adnr=4676029
Общая страница:
https://travel.finber.de/en/incoming-health-insurance-for-visitors-to-germany/
Good evening,
I have a Mavic Air, the drone weighs slightly more than 250 grams, I've got insurance, do I need to register it?
Can you register a homemade drone? Weighing around 900 grams?
Good afternoon.
You need to check this with:
Federal Office for Civil Aviation of Germany (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt, LBA)
I bought a DJI Mini 3 drone and I don't know what to do, where to register, how to register, and how to pay for insurance. I didn't understand anything in the article because some sources say you only need to pay insurance for drones over 250 grams, while others say all drones need insurance. Please help me, give me an answer on how to proceed correctly.
Good afternoon.
Insurance is required for all drones.
Not all drones need to be registered.
Look, if you have your third-party liability insurance, good tariffs most often already include drones.
I have just been told that Russian citizens are not permitted to fly over the EU or land on EU territory. Consequently, I was unable to register the drone.
Good afternoon.
Yes, there were such innovations. Their status needs to be clarified.