Flying High or Breaking the Law? Everything You Must Know About Germany’s Drone Rules in 2025
Germany applies EU Open/Specific/Certified drone categories under EASA, with the Open category limited to 120 meters altitude and 25 kg maximum takeoff mass. Drone Operator Registration with the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) is required for drone operators over 250 grams or any camera-equipped drone, yielding an electronic e-ID displayed on each drone. The minimum age to operate a drone in Germany is 16, with under-16 pilots allowed only under direct supervision unless the drone is a toy or weighs under 250 g. The EU Certificate of Competency A1/A3 is mandatory for drones 250 g or heavier, and the EU Remote Pilot Certificate