Drone Legislation Netherlands 2026: Everything You Need to Know for Professional Drone Filming

Drone legislation in the Netherlands has been fully governed by the European EASA rules since 31 December 2021. These uniform rules apply to both recreational and professional use and distinguish between three risk categories: Open (low risk), Specific (medium risk) and Certified (high risk).

For professional drone filming in the Netherlands Netherlands, aerial cinematography, heavy-lift operations, FPV , night flights or flights over built-up areas , almost all film, TV and commercial work falls under the Specific Category. This requires an operational authorisation (exploitation permit) from the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), often applied for via a SORA risk analysis.

Key requirements for legal professional drone operations:

• Registration as a drone operator with the RDW (mandatory if the drone has a camera or weighs more than 250 grams)

• Valid remote pilot certificates (A1/A3, A2 and specific training)

• Mandatory liability insurance

• Operational authorisation from the ILT for Specific Category flights

• Always in compliance with NOTAMs, CTR zones and Natura 2000 areas

What drones are NOT allowed to do in the Netherlands (prohibited without special authorisation)

Without the correct ILT authorisation or exploitation permit it is forbidden in the Netherlands to:

• Fly over crowds of people, events or crowded areas (strictly enforced in the Open category)

• Fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)

• Fly higher than 120 metres above ground level

• Fly in controlled airspace (CTR) around airports such as Schiphol, Rotterdam or military zones

• Fly in permanent or temporary no-fly zones (e.g. royal palaces, vital infrastructure, Natura 2000 areas or emergency services)

• Perform night flights without specific night authorisation and lighting

• Drop objects or transport dangerous goods

• Fly within the minimum distances to persons or buildings that apply in the Open category

With an approved Specific Category authorisation (which Skymotion holds) most of these restrictions are lifted, allowing you to carry out professional film, TV and commercial shoots safely and legally – including heavy-lift ARRI Alexa shots, indoor FPV and night flights.

Where to check which drone operators in the Netherlands have a Specific Category authorisation

The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) publishes a fully public and up-to-date overview of all UAS operators in the Specific Category in the Netherlands. → Overview of UAS operators (Specific Category): https://www.ilent.nl/onderwerpen/luchtvaart/drones-en-modelvliegtuigen/regels-voor-drones/specifiek-dronecategorie/uas-operators

You can filter, search and view the privileges and authorisations per operator. The overview is updated regularly (February 2026).

Official sources and useful links (current February 2026)

• GoDrone – Official airspace map, flight planning and digital clearance: https://map.godrone.nl/ and https://operatorportal.godrone.nl/

• ILT (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) – All rules, permits and Specific Category applications: https://www.ilent.nl/onderwerpen/luchtvaart/drones-en-modelvliegtuigen

• Dutch Government – General information and Q&A on drone rules: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/drone/regels-voor-vliegen-met-drones

• Business.gov.nl – Practical explanation for businesses: https://business.gov.nl/regulations/drones/

• EASA Easy Access Rules – Full European drone regulation: https://www.easa.europa.eu/document-library/easy-access-rules/easy-access-rules-unmanned-aircraft-systems-regulation-eu

At Skymotion we are fully compliant with all current EASA and Dutch requirements. We hold EU Specific authorisations, Enhanced Containment certification and many years of experience with complex film and commercial operations – from heavy-lift ARRI Alexa shoots to indoor FPV.