Drone Laws in The Netherlands for 2023 (Complete Guide)

European Union General Rules for Flying a Drone in the Netherlands

Since the Netherlands is a part of the EU, the country has to abide by the set of rules and regulations provided by the EU. In addition to those regulations, the Netherlands, like other EU countries has its national restrictions and requirements as well.

Listed below are the EU rules and regulations that you must follow while flying a drone in the Netherlands.

1. Under EU regulations, drone laws are classified into three categories, an open category, a specific category, and a certified category based on their weights and operations.
2. If your drone falls in any of the above-mentioned 3 categories, it must be registered.
3. The drone must have a maximum weight of 25 kg
4. The drone will not be allowed to be flown in crowded areas
5. A drone must be flown at a distance from airports, prisons, etc.
6. The drone must be labeled by its class
7. The drone cannot carry or drop any heavy material.

General Rules for Flying a Drone in the Netherlands

According to the Netherlands Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and European Union Aviation Safety (EUAS), the following general laws must be followed while flying drones in the Netherlands:

1. The pilot must observe the maximum height limit of 120m above the ground on the water while flying their drones.
2. No nighttime flying operations are allowed to avoid any accidents.
3. Keep your done within the visual line of sight of an observer who is next to you or in direct communication with you
4. Drones should keep a safe distance from buildings and people.
5. Drone pilots should give the priority to the other aircraft. If a drone pilot sees any other airplane, helicopter, or glider on its premise, they must land immediately to avoid causing any hindrance in their flying operations.
6. The pilots must study the no-fly zones map before entering the airspace. The Netherlands does not allow drones to be flown over all areas.
7. Drone Laws in the Netherlands include the islands of Sint Eustatius, Saba, and Bonaire.

How can I register my drone in the Netherlands?

To register yourself and your drone, you have to register yourself with the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). The RDW after taking you through the complete registration process will assign you a drone registration number. The registration number is valid for one year and has to be renewed following the same procedure.

How are drones classified in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, drones are classified into two types based on their operations. Both classes have different rules and regulations for their operations.

1. Commercial drones: If you’re earning through your drone by making promotional videos, or for business purposes, your drones fall in the commercial drone category.
2. Recreational Drones: If you’re flying a drone for capturing personal videos and for recreational purposes only, it will fall in the recreational drones category.

Am I required to have insurance to fly a drone in the Netherlands?

If you’re flying your drone for commercial purposes, you must have insurance that covers you and your drone. You don’t need any insurance by law if your drone falls in the recreational category. However, if you cause any harm to the property or injury to anybody, you will be held liable. So it is always beneficial for you to get yourself covered by third-party liability insurance to cover such incidents.

Rules for Commercial Use of Drones:

You must abide by the following rules if you are planning to fly your drones for commercial purposes. The authorities evaluate and confirm if your drone falls in this category or not.

1. In the Netherlands, a commercial drone operator must hold a pilot’s license and the company’s ROC permit under which the operation is being operated.

2. If your drone weighs less or equal to 4kg, you can apply for a light drone permit.

3. The pilot and the drone must be insured before operating for commercial purposes.

4. In case of breaking the rules, you will be penalized either monetarily or your drone can be confiscated as well. In case of repetition, legal action is taken against the pilot and the company.

Rules for Recreational use of Drones:

You must abide by the following rules if you are planning to fly your drones for recreational purposes. The authorities evaluate and confirm if your drone falls in this category or not.

1. Your drone must not weigh more than 25 kg.

2. You must seek permission from the party if you want to take their picture and must not violate their privacy under any condition.

3. The recreational drones must be flown in overcrowded places or sensitive premises, such as private buildings, airports, military areas, prisons, etc.

4. In case of breaking the rules, the operator will be fined and your drone can be confiscated.
5. You should be well aware of the areas where it is allowed to fly drones in the Netherlands.