On this page, we are going to explain step by step what the regulations for drone pilots will look like from 31 December 2021. This page has been written using information from the central government. 

The rules and requirements for flying drones depends on the risk of an accident during a flight. There 3 categories defined that apply throughout the European Union:

• Flights with a low risk
  • The category for low-risk flights is called open category
• Flights with a medium risk
  • The category for low-risk flights is called specific category
• Flights with a high risk
  • The category for low-risk flights is called certified category

For each category, the risk posed by the flight is considered. 

Requirements for flights in the open category (low risk)

• The drone weighs (at take-off) a maximum of 25 kg;
• You will fly up to a maximum altitude of 120 metres;
• You are not transporting hazardous materials;
• You don't drop anything from the drone;
• You always have a view of the drone. This is called the visual line of sight (VLOS).

Does your flight not meet 1 or more of these requirements? Then your drone flight is not a low-risk flight.

Requirements for flights in the specific category (medium risk)

• Flying above people is allowed;
• Flights near aerodromes are allowed;
• Drones over 25 kilos may be flown;
• Within the inhabited area may be flown;
• Higher than 120 metres may be flown;
• Drones may drop something, e.g. spraying crops;
• There may be flying out of direct view. This is called beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).