Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Principality of Liechtenstein
Drone Regulator in Liechtenstein: Landesverwaltung Liechtenstein Division Civil Aviation (DCA)
EU Nations Drone Regulator and Regulations: European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
For a full explanation of EASA regulations simplified, please read our explainer: The rules for drone flyers in the European Union (Europe Drone Laws Simplified)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Liechtenstein
NOTE: Liechtenstein follows Switzerland Drone Laws, and Switzerland has delayed the implementation of the EASA regulations until there is a resolution related to model aircraft. The delay in implementation means that during the transition, drone regulations will continue to follow the currently in place DCA regulations. Those current regulations are identified separately below.
The Liechtenstein agency responsible for drone safety, DCA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying drones for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, go to the links above.
Flying and operating drones in Liechtenstein are subject to European Union Regulation 2019/947. The DCA supervises and implements the Regulation in Liechtenstein. This reform aims to create a truly harmonized drone market in Europe with the highest level of safety. In practice, it means that once a drone Οperator has received authorization from its state of registry, they will be allowed to circulate in the European Union freely.
According to the level of risk involved, this new legal framework will introduce three categories of drone operations: Open, Specific, and Certified.
Drone operations are to be conducted according to the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (as amended).
Are drones allowed in Liechtenstein?
DCA states that drones are allowed in Liechtenstein, subject to DCA and EASA regulations. Read on for details.
Here are the most important EASA rules to know for flying a drone in Liechtenstein:
Drone operators must register all drones in Liechtenstein. Following registration, you must adhere to the following rules.
- Drones may fly up to 50 meters (170 feet) above ground or sea level in the Open category and up to 120 meters (400 feet) in the Specific category. (The DCA may grant exemptions to operators of specific category drones.)
- Direct visual contact with the drone is required, and the operating distance should not exceed 500 meters.
- Avoid flying too close to residential areas or populated areas.
- Maintain a safety buffer zone of one kilometer around residential areas.
- Unless the owner/person consents, a safety distance of 500 meters from isolated buildings, people, vehicles, animals, and structures is required.
- Avoid flying near airports and heliports. Stay a minimum of eight (8) kilometers away from airports and three (3) kilometers from heliports for safety.
- At no time is it permissible to fly a drone at night.
- There shall be no flying over, within, or near military installations, public utility installations, archaeological sites, or public or private facilities.
Open Category
Given the low level of risk, neither prior authorization by the competent authority nor a declaration by the drone operator is required. The drone’s total takeoff mass must be less than 25kg and be operated within a visual line of sight at a maximum altitude of 120m.
Specific Category
Considering the moderate level of risk involved, flights in this category require authorization before the operation. The permission is given considering the mitigation measures identified in an operational risk assessment, except in specific standard scenarios where an operator declaration is sufficient.
Certified Category
Given the inherent dangers, certification of the drone and a licensed remote pilot are required. If your drone can carry people, you fall under the Certified category!
EASA Summary of Drone Flight Operation Requirements
EASA Note for foreign operators
Operator Registration (Non-EU Residents)
- If you are coming from a non-EU country and this is the first time you will fly your drone in an EU country, you MUST register as an Operator.
- Upon registration, you will receive a unique Operator Registration number which you MUST attach to your drone. If you have several drones, the same number must be attached to all of them.
- You are not allowed to fly in NO FLY ZONES, and you must keep a minimum of 8km distance from airports/heliports.
- If you have already conducted operations in another EU country before going to Liechtenstein, you must not register again. You always register to the first non-EU country you have conducted flights.
Remote Pilot Certificate (Non-EU Residents)
- If you want to fly your drone in Liechtenstein and live in a non-EU country, you must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate from an EU country.
- You can get the A1/A3 Certificate by registering with the online Remote Pilot School.
- The online training and exam are required for those who want to fly a drone in the ‘Open’ category in subcategories A1/A3.
- The pass mark is 75%, and you have three attempts to pass.
- Once you pass your exam, you will receive your remote pilot certificate. Its validity will be 5 years.
- You must have your Remote Pilot Certificate in your possession whenever you plan to perform drone operations in Liechtenstein and present it when the authorities ask.
How to register as an EASA drone pilot or operator in Liechtenstein?
According to European Regulation (EU) 2019/947, registration is mandatory for UAS operators (not for UAS themselves).
The UAS Pilot, also known as the Remote Pilot (RP), is the person physically behind the UAS flight controls. They are fully responsible for the safety of the flight throughout operations.
The UAS Operator is the person or company who oversees operations and gives flight instructions. This person or legal entity bears all responsibility for the operations of the drone (s) on their behalf. Very often, in the OPEN category and as an individual, the Pilot and the Operator are the same person.
Who should register?
As part of the OPEN category, registration is compulsory for operators:
- UAS that has a mass of 250 g or more;
- UAS that has a mass of less than 250 g but:
- can operate at speeds greater than 90km / h
- are equipped with a camera or a microphone, if these UAS are NOT toys *
* A UAS is a toy when a manufacturer intends it for children under 14 and meets the minimum safety criteria required to be so named. Compliance with these standards naturally limits the capabilities of the UAS (size, weight, non-dangerous spare parts, no powerful motor, etc.): see Directive 2009/48 / EC of 18 June 2009 on the safety of toys
Under the SPECIFIC category, registration is compulsory for all operators.
Natural persons can only register in the country where they reside.
Legal persons must register in the country where their principal place of business is located.
Registration can only be done in one Member State at a time.
How do you register in Liechtenstein for drone operations?
The operator registration procedure begins when DCA implements EASA and identifies its online provider.
This UAS operator registration number is valid for one year and must be renewed periodically following the same procedure. The operator always uses the same number unless the latter is permanently deregistered from the register.
Here are the most important current rules to know for flying a drone in Liechtenstein:
- If the pilot maintains constant eye contact with their drone, they are not required to obtain a permit.
- A license from the DCA is required if someone wishes to use technical aids such as binoculars or video glasses to augment the natural vision of the eyes.
- Within the visual line of sight, the pilot may use FPV goggles or similar devices, provided that a second visual observer monitors the flight and can intervene at any time to control the aircraft.
- Automated flight (i.e., autonomous drone operation) within the pilot’s field of vision is permitted, provided the pilot can intervene at any time to regain control of the drone.
- Drones cannot be flown within hunting or protected areas for water and migratory birds.
- Aerial photography is permitted if military installation protection regulations are followed. Attention must be paid to privacy protection and the Data Protection Act’s provisions.
- If you operate a drone weighing more than 500 grams (1.1 pounds), you must maintain insurance of a minimum of 1 million francs to cover any damage.
- The DCA does not require approval for public air events involving only model airplanes or drones.
Current Registration Requirements
A safety test is required to qualify for an exemption from the DCA and to register your drone.
A comprehensive safety test per the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) Guidelines is required for operations that do not qualify for a standard procedure.
In this case, you should include the following: a description of your intended flight and the drone used to conduct it;
- a risk assessment & the measures that will be taken to ensure the safety of all parties involved if any auxiliary devices are to be used,
- a description of your contingency plan if your equipment fails during the operation & an assessment of its current reliability.
- a copy of the insurance policy that complies with the provisions of this law
Depending on your operation’s test and scope, your drone’s certification will cost between 50 and 5,000 Swiss Francs.
Allow a minimum of three months for the delivery of any permit.
Current Safety distances and flight bans
In Liechtenstein, you must maintain a 5-kilometer buffer zone around airports.
A minimum of 100 meters shall be maintained between more than 24 people gatherings. Drones may be flown over crowds at model sports events or airshows with prior coordination with the organizer. Avoid flying over military installations.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Liechtenstein
See the general rules above.
Currently Applicable Hobbyists Regulations (until EASA implemented)
Private drone flying is permitted in Liechtenstein, but you must adhere to specific regulations.
No special permission is required.
Maximum Height Flown – 150m / 492ft. If greater than 150m / 492ft, then a Special Permit is Required
Maximum Range – The drone must always be visible (line-of-sight)
Maximum Take-Off Weight – Weight 30kg / 66lb without special permission. If greater than 30kg / 66lb, special authorization is required
There is no requirement for a Competence Statement / License.
In Liechtenstein, flying a drone is permitted only during daylight hours. Flights at night require special approval.
There are no labeling requirements.
Insurance for Drone Liability – Always required; a minimum level of coverage is required. 1,000,000 Swiss francs / approximately 1,005,210 US dollars
See general EASA rules above.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Liechtenstein
See the general rules above.
Currently Applicable Commercial Operations Regulations (until EASA implemented)
Commercial drone flying is permitted in Liechtenstein, but only under certain conditions.
No special permission is required.
Maximum Height Flown – 150m / 492ft. If greater than 150m / 492ft, then a Special Permit is Required
Maximum Range – The drone must always be visible (line-of-sight)
Maximum Take-Off Weight – Weight 30kg / 66lb without special permission. If greater than 30kg / 66lb, special authorization is required
There is no requirement for a Competence Statement / License.
In Liechtenstein, flying a drone is permitted only during daylight hours. Flights at night require special approval.
There are no labeling requirements.
Insurance for Drone Liability – Always required; a minimum level of coverage is required. 1,000,000 Swiss francs / approximately 1,005,210 US dollars.
See general EASA rules above.
What you must know about Liechtenstein No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones
You need to know if you can operate your drone, under what limitations, whether authorizations are required, and how to get those authorizations.
We encourage you to read our explainer for more details on this topic here: Explainer – What You Must Know About No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones
Useful published information on flying drones in Liechtenstein
- Where you are allowed to fly a drone in Liechtenstein
- Register as drone operator in Liechtenstein (TBD)
- Online drone pilot training and tests in Liechtenstein (TBD)
- Apply for an authorisation to fly in Liechtenstein
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Liechtenstein…
NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
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Traveling with a Drone?
Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.
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