Do you want to fly your drone in Belgium? Then it’s a good idea to check the local rules first. Within the European Union, the drone laws are largely the same, but each country interprets them slightly differently. In Belgium, , for example, there are specific rules regarding altitude, registration, and no-fly zones that you really need to know before you take off.
The rules are divided into the main categories OPEN, SPECIFIC, and CERTIFIED. This guide focuses on the OPEN category (the most common category for individuals and professionals).
In this guide, you’ll learn:
This way, you’ll know exactly how to fly your drone safely and legally in Belgium, without running into any surprises.
Fly a drone in Belgium is allowed, but there are clear rules you must follow. Most of the rules stem from European Legislation (EASA), but Belgium also has a number of specific national provisions.
Below is a summary of the basic rules that apply to almost every pilot and to most drones.
Whether you need a drone license in Belgium on the weight of your drone and the risk zone in which you fly. Within the European Union, a distinction is made between three categories: OPEN, SPECIFIC and CERTIFIED. Within the OPEN Within this category, a further distinction is made between the following subcategories: A1, A2, and A3. These rules also apply in Belgium.
Getting a drone license is fairly easy to arrange. In Belgium, , this is done through the DGLV (DG Aviation) – Drone Portal, where you complete a short drone training course and take a theory exam. Once you pass, you’ll receive the official EU drone license, which is valid in all member states.
a, in most cases, the pilot (or operator) register in Belgium. European regulations require this registration for anyone who flies a drone equipped with a Camera or weighing more than 250 grams. This rule applies even if you’re flying for recreational purposes.
So it’s the pilot who registers as a drone operator to receive an operator number; the drone itself no longer needs to be registered.
Registration is handled through DGLV (DG Aviation) – Drone Portal, the official aviation authority in Belgium. As a drone pilot or operator, you apply there for an operator number: a unique code that you are required to affix to your drone (with a sticker or engraved plate).
Your operator number must be clearly visible on the drone itself, so that during an inspection it is immediately clear who the pilot is.
Here’s how it works, step by step:
Your operator number is personal, but may be used for all drones that you operate.
Only if your drone weighs less than 250 grams and doesn’t have a Camera , you usually don’t need to register it. Still, it’s recommended that you do so: this makes it easier to identify you in the event of loss or an incident.
Tip: Take a photo of your registration certificate right away and save it digitally. That way, you can always show it during an inspection.
In the EU, you pay an average of €0 to about €30–50 for your operator number.
Not every place in Belgium is suitable for flying your drone. There are areas where it is allowed, and areas where drone flights are restricted or prohibited . The airspace over Belgium is divided into various geozones, which determine where you are allowed to take off.
Some areas are completely off-limits for drones, even if you have the proper permits.
This is often the case for:
In these zones in Belgium, you risk a fine or even the confiscation of your drone.
In certain areas, you may only fly with a special permit from the competent aviation authority, the DGLV (DG Aviation) – Drone Portal.
This applies, for example, to:
For some flights, you need prior authorization from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (Belgium) or a comparable aviation authority in Belgium.
Fortunately, there are also plenty of areas where you can fly freely—as long as you follow the general rules. These are usually open fields, beaches, or rural areas, located at a certain distance from buildings or crowds.
Tip: Always choose a quiet area with few obstacles. This makes it safer for you and for others.
Always use an official drone map or app before you take off. That way, you can see at a glance whether it’s safe to fly. You can view Belgium’s official drone map here: {link}.
Flying a drone shouldn’t just be fun—it should also be safe and responsible. That’s why there are clear rules regarding insurance, privacy, and safety. These rules ensure that you can fly worry-free and that others remain protected.
In Belgium it is usually mandatory to have liability insurance if you fly a drone that weighs more than 20 kg (although regulations may be stricter at the national level), or if it is used for professional purposes.
Since you’re always asked for an insurance or policy number when applying for your operator number (required for drones equipped with a Camera or weighing more than 250 g), it’s highly recommended to have liability insurance, even for lighter, recreational flights.
Insurance can be useful in the following situations:
Always check whether your family insurance (civil liability) covers drone use. If not, make sure your drone is covered by a separate insurance policy. It takes very little effort, but it saves a lot of hassle.
A drone with a Camera offers endless possibilities, but also comes with privacy responsibilities . In Belgium, , the same basic rules apply as in the rest of the EU:
Tip: Use neutral images or film only landscapes to avoid discussions about privacy.
Safety starts with preparation. The following applies to every flight in Belgium , the following applies:
Bonus tip: Start by practicing in open areas with few obstacles. This will help you get to know your drone better and fly with more confidence.
Drone regulations in Belgium is in place to keep the airspace safe. Anyone who fails to comply risks a fine, and in some cases even the confiscation of the drone.
Still, there’s no need to worry: if you follow the basic rules, you can enjoy every flight without any problems or stress.
The most common violations in Belgium are:
Depending on the severity of the violation, in Belgium you can face the following:
Most fines result from ignorance, not from intentional wrongdoing. By adopting a few simple habits, you can always stay on the right side of the law:
You may fly your drone in Belgium’s open zones — these are areas where no restrictions apply according to the official drone map or app. You may fly up to a maximum of 120 m AGL, as long as you keep the drone within your line of sight and maintain a safe distance from people and buildings. Always use an app to check whether your location is safe for takeoff.
Yes, that is allowed, but only if you comply with European and national regulations.
That means:
Not sure? Check an app or the DGLV (DG Aviation) website – Drone Portal for the latest rules.
You may film or take photos in public places as long as you respect the privacy of others. In Belgium, , the GDPR legislation applies, which means you may not film people in a way that makes them recognizable without their consent.
You are generally allowed to film landscapes, buildings, or events, as long as you stay within the designated flight zones.
Fly a drone in Belgium is perfectly possible as long as you know and follow the rules. Register as a drone operator with {registratieinstantie}, obtain the appropriate EU drone license and stay below the maximum altitude of 120 m AGL. Always use an app to check whether you can take off safely and avoid no-fly zones.
This way, you can fly worry-free, get the most out of your drone, and stay completely within the law.
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