Drones are becoming increasingly popular in Belgium. They’re used for photography, video, inspections, mapping and even as a hobby. But many people still wonder: where can you fly, do you need to register, what are the rules, and what are the penalties if you don’t comply?

This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about drone use in Belgium in 2025.

Do I need to register my drone in Belgium?

Yes, in most cases.

Any drone with a camera or weighing more than 250 grams must be registered in the Drone Portal of the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority (DGLV).

How to register your drone in Belgium

Go to the official Drone Portal.
Create an account or log in with your eID.
Register yourself as an operator.
Add your drone(s).
You will receive a unique operator ID that must be displayed on your drone.

Even the light DJI Mini 4 Pro (249g) must be registered as soon as it has a camera.

Where can you fly a drone in Belgium?

Belgium uses a system of geo-zones.

You may not fly over cities, airports, military areas or nature reserves.
The maximum altitude is 120 metres.
Keep a safe distance from people, buildings and roads.

For a full overview, read our article: Where can you fly with a drone in Belgium? All about geo-zones.

Can you film freely with a drone?

Not entirely.

For private use (e.g. filming in your own garden) it’s usually fine, provided you respect other people’s privacy.
For public places or commercial purposes, GDPR applies: you may not film identifiable individuals without consent.
Commercial filming requires a licensed pilot and proper insurance.

What are the rules for drones under 250 grams?

No pilot license is required.
Registration is still mandatory if a camera is installed.
General rules still apply: max. 120 m altitude, respect privacy, avoid no-fly zones.

How high can you fly a drone in Belgium?

The maximum height is 120 metres.
Higher flights are only possible with special authorisation (SORA application).

What are the penalties for breaking the rules?

Penalties can be heavy:

Flying in a no-fly zone: up to €10,000.
Flying without registration or license: €500 – €2,500.
Flying during festivals such as Tomorrowland: strictly forbidden.

What if a drone flies above my house or garden?

Stay calm – you are not allowed to intervene yourself (e.g. bringing down a drone).
Note details – time, drone type, location.
Report it to the police or the Civil Aviation Authority.

Is drone insurance mandatory in Belgium?

For professional use: yes, liability insurance is mandatory.
For hobbyists: not mandatory, but highly recommended. Many family insurances do not cover drones by default.

Buying, renting or hiring a drone in Belgium

You can buy drones in stores or online.
Some companies offer drones for rent, with or without a pilot.
For professional projects (inspections, construction, mapping), it’s often best to hire a certified operator like DroneView.be.

Do I need a drone license in Belgium?

It depends on the type of drone and the category of flight.

No license for drones under 250 g.
For A2/A3 category flights, an online exam or training is required.
Special flights (night, close to people, industrial inspections) may require an STS or SORA authorisation.

Read our full guide: Drone licenses in Belgium: What each category allows you to do.

Conclusion

Drones open up exciting possibilities, but they also come with obligations. In Belgium, registration is often required, you must respect geo-zones, privacy laws and the 120m altitude limit.

Want to be sure everything is legal and compliant?
At DroneView.be, our certified pilots deliver professional drone images and reports according to Belgian regulations.