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Drone Laws in Switzerland

Summary of Drone Laws in Switzerland

Hobbyist Drone Laws For Residents of Switzerland

Drone Operations in Switzerland are currently regulated.


  • Hobbyist drone flights are allowed in Switzerland
  • Hobbyist Switzerland drone pilot license is required
  • Hobbyist Drone registration is required in Switzerland for hobbyists flying over 250g, or drone with a camera
  • Drone Remote ID is generally required in Switzerland (except in some classes C0, C4 with no RID)
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists’ drone operations in Switzerland

Read below for more details on Hobbyist Drone Laws in Switzerland and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Commercial Drone Laws For Residents of Switzerland

Drone Operations in Switzerland are currently regulated.


  • Commercial drone flights are allowed in Switzerland
  • Commercial Switzerland drone pilot license is required
  • Commercial Drone registration is required in Switzerland for commercial drone operators
  • Drone Remote ID is generally required in Switzerland (except in some classes C0, C4 with no RID)
  • Drone Insurance is required for commercial drone operations in Switzerland

Read below for more details on Commercial Drone Laws in Switzerland and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Regulations For Visitors To Switzerland

Drone Operations in Switzerland are currently regulated.


  • Foreign visitor drone flights are allowed in Switzerland
  • Foreign visitor drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration is required in Switzerland for visitors/tourists (unless previously registered in EASA)
  • Drone Remote ID is generally required in Switzerland (except in some classes C0, C4 with no RID)
  • Drone Insurance is not required but recommended for tourist drone operations in Switzerland

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Switzerland for Visitors (Tourists) and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Drone Rules For Government Drone Operators in Switzerland

Drone Operations in Switzerland are currently regulated.


  • Government drone flights are allowed in Switzerland
  • Government drone pilot license is required
  • Drone registration is required in Switzerland for Government operations
  • Drone Remote ID is generally required in Switzerland (except in some classes C0, C4 with no RID)
  • Drone Insurance is not required for Government drone operations in Switzerland

Read below for more details on Drone Laws in Switzerland for Government Drone Operations and to find links to regulators and other credible sources!

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Swiss Confederation (Switzerland)

Drone Regulator in Switzerland: Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)

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 Switzerland

The Swiss agency responsible for drone safety, FOCA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying drones for fun or work. The highlights of Switzerland Drone Rules are outlined below. For more details, go to the links above.

Flying and operating drones in Switzerland are subject to European Union Regulation 2019/947. The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) supervises and implements Drone Rules Switzerland.

According to the level of risk involved, this new legal framework will introduce three categories of drone operations: Open, Specific, and Certified.

Are drones allowed in Switzerland?

According to FOCA, drones are allowed in Switzerland, subject to FOCA and EASA regulations. Read on for details.

Categories of Allowed Drone Flights in Switzerland:

Drone flights in Switzerland are allowed in three categories defined by the level of risk associated with drone flights or operations. Whether you are a resident of Switzerland or a visitor, you must operate within the limitations and follow the rules and procedures of the category in which your drone operation qualifies:

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 it must 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!

The most common rules to know for flying a drone in Switzerland:

The ‘open’ category is the main reference for most leisure drone and low-risk commercial activities in European countries.

Subcategories of Open Category Drones

The ‘open’ category is, in turn, subdivided into three sub-categories – A1, A2, A3 — which may be summarised as follows:

  • A1: fly over people but not over assemblies of people
  • A2: fly close to people
  • A3: fly far from people

Each subcategory comes with its own set of requirements. Therefore, in the ‘open’ category, it is important to identify the subcategory of operation your activities will fall under to determine which rules apply to you and the training the remote pilot needs to undertake.

If you comply with the relevant requirements of the subcategories (A1, A2, and A3), no operational authorization is required before starting a flight.

Conditions required to avoid authorization

The following conditions must be met:

  • The drone operator has to be registered.

EU residents: Please register in the EU member state of your main residence (or principal place of business), and contact the Aviation Authority in your member state for further details.

Non-EU residents: Please register in the EU member state where you intend to operate your drone first. If the first drone operation will take place in Switzerland, please register as an operator here.

  • All operated drones need sufficient insurance coverage.

Each country might have a different limit. For example, in Switzerland, you must ensure the coverage is at least 1m EUR, and your insurance is valid in Switzerland.

  • The drone pilot needs proof of competency.

Depending on the subcategory of your drone operation (see table below), you need a certificate for A1/A3 and additionally A2.

  • The drone must always be in a visual line of sight (VLOS).
  • The drone is flown at no more than 120 meters above ground level.
  • The drone must not carry any dangerous goods or drop any material.

Open Category Since January 1, 2024

Starting from January 1, 2024, operations in the open category must be conducted either with a drone bearing a C0, C1, C2, C3, or C4 class identification label or privately built or even without a class identification label, but only if placed on the market before December 31, 2023.

The markings look like this:

C0 Drone Class LabelC1 Drone Class LabelC2 Drone Class LabelC3 Drone Class LabelC4 Drone Class Label
easa drone c0 marking easa drone c1 marking easa drone c2 marking easa drone c3 marking easa drone c4 marking

If you are in the market, buy a drone with your desired marking. Choose one with the markings for the operations you will conduct.

For your benefit, here is a list of the currently available drones with class identification labels:

ClassCompanyTypeModel NameModel Numbers

easa drone c0 marking
DJIMulti-rotorDJI Mini 2 SE
DJI Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo
MT2SD, MT2SDCE, MT3PDCE, MT3PD,
MT3M3VDB, MT4MFVD

easa drone c1 marking
DJIMulti-rotorAIR 3, DJI MAVIC 3 V2.0, Cine V2.0, ClassicEB3WBC , L2AA, L2PA, L2C
easa drone c2 marking AgEagleFixed-wingSENSEFLY eBeeSENSEFLY EBEE X, GEO,
AG, TAC PUBLIC SAFETY
easa drone c2 marking
DJIMulti-rotorM30 EU, M3OT EU, DJI MAVIC 3E EU, 3T EU, ЗМ EUM30 RTK EU, M30T RTK EU, M3E-EU, M3T-EU, M3M-EU
easa drone c3 marking Quantum-SystemsFixed-wingTrinity F90+R10
easa drone c3 marking DJI Multi-rotor Matrice 350 RTKM350 RTK

Open Category From January 1, 2024

You will be able to operate them as described in the table below.

Be aware that ‘privately built’ means that you built the drone for your own personal use, so it was not purchased; it does not refer to UASs assembled from sets of parts placed on the market as a single, ready-to-assemble kit.

After 1 January 2024, if you have purchased a drone before that date without a class identification label, you will still be able to fly it in subcategory A1 if it weighs up to 250g or in subcategory A3 if it weighs up to 25kg.

Drone CategoryOperation SubcategoryOperational RestrictionsDrone Operator RegistrationRemote Pilot CompetenceRemote Pilot Minimum Age
Privately Built and Drones bought before 1/1/24 (under 250 g)A1 (fly over people, but not assemblies) – can also fly in Subcategory A3May fly over uninvolved people (should be avoided when possible)

No flight over assemblies of people
Not required unless a camera or sensor is on board and the drone is not a toyNo Training requiredNo minimum age
C0 (under 250 gram)A1 (fly over people, but not assemblies) – can also fly in Subcategory A3No flight expected over uninvolved people (if it happens, overflight should be minimized)

No flight over assemblies of people

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level
Not required unless a camera or sensor is on board and the drone is not a toyNo flight expected over uninvolved people (if it happens, overflight should be minimized)

No flight over assemblies of people

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state). No minimum age if the drone is a toy
C1 (under 900 gram)A1 (fly over people, but not assemblies) – can also fly in Subcategory A3No flight expected over uninvolved people (if it happens, overflight should be minimised)

No flight over assemblies of people

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level
Yes. Drone Registration is requiredRead the user manual carefully

Obtain a ‘Proof of completion for online training’ for A1/A3 ‘open’ subcategory by:

Completing the online training 

Passing the online theoretical exam
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state
C2 (under 4 kg)A2 (fly close to people) – can also fly in Subcategory A3Must not overfly uninvolved people

Maintain a horizontal distance of 30 m from uninvolved people (can be reduced to 5 m if the low-speed function is activated)

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level
Yes. Drone Registration is requiredRead the user manual carefully

Obtain a ’Remote pilot certificate of competency’ for A2 ‘open’ subcategory by:

Having a ‘Proof of completion for online training’ for A1/A3 ‘open’ subcategory 

Conducting and declare a practical self-training

Passing an additional theoretical exam at the NAA or proctored online
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state)
C3 (under 25 kg)A3 (fly far from people)Must not overfly uninvolved people

Maintain a horizontal distance of 150 m from uninvolved people and urban areas

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level.
Yes. Drone Registration is requiredRead the user manual carefully

Obtain a ‘Proof of completion for online training’ for the A1/A3 ‘open’ subcategory by:

Completing the online training 

Passing the online theoretical exam
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state)
C4 (under 25 kg)A3 (fly far from people)Must not overfly uninvolved people

Maintain a horizontal distance of 150 m from uninvolved people and urban areas.

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level.
Yes. Drone Registration is requiredRead the user manual carefully

Obtain a ‘Proof of completion for online training’ for the A1/A3 ‘open’ subcategory by:

Completing the online training 

Passing the online theoretical exam
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state)
Privately Built and Drones bought before 1/1/24 (under 25 kg)A3 (fly far from people)Must not overfly uninvolved people

Maintain a horizontal distance of 150 m from uninvolved people and urban areas.

Maintain flight altitude below 120m above ground level.
Yes. Drone Registration is requiredRead the user manual carefully

Obtain a ‘Proof of completion for online training’ for the A1/A3 ‘open’ subcategory by:

Completing the online training 

Passing the online theoretical exam
16 years (some states can lower it to 12, but this will only apply to that state)
Table of EASA Open Category Classification and Operational Requirements in place from January 1, 2024

From 1 January 2024, all drones operating in the specific category and all drones with class marks operating in the open category will be required to operate with an active and up-to-date remote identification system.

Drones with class identification label C1, C2, C3, C5 and C6 are already equipped with a remote identification system.

For details on the EASA Category as of January 2024, please see the Open Category Explainer.

Registration

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 individuals, the Pilot and the Operator are the same person.

How to register as a drone pilot or operator in Switzerland?

The operator registration procedure can be found on the Swiss Drone Registration Platform Page: UAS Gate

This UAS operator registration number is valid for one year and must be renewed periodically following the same procedure. Therefore, the operator always uses the same number unless the latter is permanently deregistered from the register.

Who should register?

As part of the OPEN category, registration is compulsory for operators:

  • UAS that have a mass of 250 g or more; 
  • UAS that have 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 the age of 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.

Drone Insurance Switzerland – Compulsory for Commercial

Attention: For the operation of a drone in Switzerland, insurance is recommended for hobbyists but required for commercial drone operations. Your insurance coverage must be at least 1m EUR.

Note for foreign drone operators visiting Switzerland

Whether you are a resident of Switzerland or a visitor, you must operate within the limitations and follow the rules and procedures of the category in which your drone operation qualifies above.

EU Resident Visitors (Countries following EASA regulations)

  • If you are previously registered or have a remote pilot certificate in your home country or another EASA member state, then your registration and RPC are valid in Switzerland. Follow the operational rules for your category of drone flight.
  • If you have not been registered or have a remote pilot certificate previously, you will need to do so in your home country or Switzerland before conducting flights (depending on the category of drone flight you wish to undertake).

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 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 Switzerland, you must not register again. You always register to the first non-EU country where you have conducted flights.

Remote Pilot Certificate (Non-EU Residents)

  • If you want to fly your drone in Switzerland 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 tries to pass.
  • Once you pass your exam, you will receive your remote pilot certificate. Its validity will be five years.
  • You must have your Remote Pilot Certificate when you plan drone operations in Switzerland and present it when the authorities ask.

Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Switzerland

The most common drone flights you will undertake will most likely be covered by the Open Category described above.

For more details on the Open Category, please see our Open Category Explainer.

If your flights cannot be operated within the limitations of the Open Category, you may need to follow the Specific Category or Certified Category Rules.

For more details on the Specific Category, please see our Specific Category Explainer.

The Certified Category is complicated and aimed at the most sophisticated drone operators. We recommend you start at this EASA page.


Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Switzerland

The most common drone flights you will undertake will most likely be covered by the Open Category described above.

For more details on the Open Category, please see our Open Category Explainer.

If your flights cannot be operated within the limitations of the Open Category, you may need to follow the Specific Category or Certified Category Rules.

For more details on the Specific Category, please see our Specific Category Explainer.

The Certified Category is complicated and aimed at the most sophisticated drone operators. We recommend you start at this EASA page.


What you must know about Switzerland No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

You need to know if you can operate your drone. Under what limitations? Will you need flight authorizations? And, if so, how do you get those authorizations?

We encourage you to read our explainer. It provides more details here: Explainer – What You Must Know About No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

We provide links to where you can fly a drone below (Switzerland Drone Map).

Useful published information on flying drones in Switzerland

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Switzerland…


Authoritative Sources of Information on Switzerland Drone Laws

We will attempt to keep an updated list of online authoritative links to regulators and other official websites here:



NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: 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.


Find out why

We think you must use a Drone Preflight Checklist

And a Drone Post-flight checklist

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It’s an easy-to-use printable PDF that covers all your bases.


Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.



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13 responses to “Drone Laws in Switzerland”

  1. panagiotis tsetsekos

    Greetings from Athens, Greece!
    I am a filmaker and EASA certified drone operator (A1/A2/A3) willing to use my drone in Switzerland. What is the procedure ? Do I need toregister somewhere ?
    I have already registered in Skyguide.

    Thank you !

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      EASA certifications are valid throughout EU nations. Follow EASA rules

  2. Antonio Garcia

    Dears,

    is there any app or website to check the no-fly zones a part from “swisstopo” to locate other restricted areas such as nature and bird reserves?

    Moreover, the link UAS Gate is not working.

    Thanks for your kind answer.

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Thanks Antonio for the heads up on the link. We have updated it. You can find maps and restrictions at the following link: https://www.bazl.admin.ch/bazl/en/home/drohnen/verstaendnishilfe/drohnenkarte.html

  3. Agnes

    Dear Drone Laws,
    Where can I find information on the criminal liability of drone operators?
    BR

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Agnes, FOCA is the regulator, but on their website they say:
      Please note: FOCA is not responsible for dealing with drone-related issues that are subject to private law and data protection legislation, e.g. disturbance of the peace, undesired filming, protection of privacy.
      Your best bet if you are looking for something in those areas would be to contact law enforcement officials.

  4. Captain Varma

    How and where do I get insurance for my drone in Switzerland since I am from a Non-EU member country?

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      You need 3rd party liability of CHF 1 million if the drone weighs more than 500 grams.
      Drone insurance in Switzerland is provided by the major insurance companies Allianz, AXA, etc.

  5. Hesham atef

    Morning
    Shall tourist from non EU countries needed permission for DJI MINI 2 drone less than 250 g ?

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Hesham, you should contact FOCA for a definitive answer. See the link at the top of this page.

    2. Makram Titi

      Hi, next week I’ll be at Switzerland for some days, I want to take some photos from your beautiful country by my mavic air 2 drone.
      What I need to do to get access or permission to do that?
      Thanks for your help

  6. Antonio Pascual

    Dear Drone Laws.com,
    Thank you very much for your work. I have one small comment.
    I think the “special” category is not recognized by EASA, as they call it “specific” category instead.
    Could that be the case? Or am I misunderstanding something?
    Thank you very much in advance.
    Best regards,

    1. Merlin at Drone Laws

      Antonio, you are correct. Thanks for pointing this out. We have changed the labels to reflect
      Appreciate your support in helping make us better.

Leave a Comment

13 thoughts on “Drone Laws in Switzerland”

  1. Greetings from Athens, Greece!
    I am a filmaker and EASA certified drone operator (A1/A2/A3) willing to use my drone in Switzerland. What is the procedure ? Do I need toregister somewhere ?
    I have already registered in Skyguide.

    Thank you !

    Reply
  2. Dears,

    is there any app or website to check the no-fly zones a part from “swisstopo” to locate other restricted areas such as nature and bird reserves?

    Moreover, the link UAS Gate is not working.

    Thanks for your kind answer.

    Reply
    • Agnes, FOCA is the regulator, but on their website they say:
      Please note: FOCA is not responsible for dealing with drone-related issues that are subject to private law and data protection legislation, e.g. disturbance of the peace, undesired filming, protection of privacy.
      Your best bet if you are looking for something in those areas would be to contact law enforcement officials.

      Reply
    • You need 3rd party liability of CHF 1 million if the drone weighs more than 500 grams.
      Drone insurance in Switzerland is provided by the major insurance companies Allianz, AXA, etc.

      Reply
    • Hi, next week I’ll be at Switzerland for some days, I want to take some photos from your beautiful country by my mavic air 2 drone.
      What I need to do to get access or permission to do that?
      Thanks for your help

      Reply
  3. Dear Drone Laws.com,
    Thank you very much for your work. I have one small comment.
    I think the “special” category is not recognized by EASA, as they call it “specific” category instead.
    Could that be the case? Or am I misunderstanding something?
    Thank you very much in advance.
    Best regards,

    Reply
    • Antonio, you are correct. Thanks for pointing this out. We have changed the labels to reflect
      Appreciate your support in helping make us better.

      Reply

Leave a Comment