Can you fly a drone to film or photograph in Switzerland?

Registration costs CHF 10 and is valid in all EASA countries for an unlimited period.

Sources: FOCA: registration of drone operators

FOCA's flight rules say strangers may not be filmed or photographed, and drones may not fly low over private property.

Sources: FOCA: flight rules for drones

In the open category the drone may fly no higher than 120 m above ground level, and no FOCA authorisation is needed if you follow the open-category rules. FOCA's example: a wedding shoot can stay in the open category by flying alongside the guests, not over them, with a C0 or C1 drone.

Sources: FOCA: flight rules for drones · FOCA: introduction to the specific category

In subcategory A2, keep at least 30 m from uninvolved people (5 m in low-speed mode), or a distance at least equal to the drone's height if that is greater. In subcategory A3, stay at least 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial or recreational areas.

Sources: FOCA: flight rules for drones

FOCA authorisation (the specific category) is needed for drones of 25 kg or more, flights above 120 m, beyond visual line of sight, over crowds, or carrying dangerous goods. Flying in a restricted area needs authorisation from the authority responsible for that zone, not FOCA, in both the open and specific categories.

Sources: FOCA: flight rules for drones · FOCA: introduction to the specific category

Open-category pilots must be at least 12 and need an A1/A3 certificate; the exam costs CHF 20. C0 drones, and legacy or home-built drones under 250 g flown in A1, are exempt. Remote pilot certificates from countries outside EASA are not recognised in Switzerland.

Sources: FOCA: remote pilots

Operators of drones over 250 g give their liability insurance details when registering. Remote ID must be on during flight in the open and specific categories, except on C0, legacy and home-built drones.

Sources: FOCA: registration of drone operators · FOCA: flight rules for drones

Visitors who live outside the EASA countries must register as operators in Switzerland, unless they're already registered in another EASA country.

Persons residing outside the EASA member states who wish to operate drones in Switzerland must register in Switzerland unless they have already registered in another EASA member state. The same applies to organisations.

Sources: FOCA: registration of drone operators

Checked against the official source on October 8, 2026.

You don't have to register as an operator if your drone weighs under 250 g and has no camera, microphone or other sensor that records personal data, so a camera drone like a DJI Mini still has to be registered.

Exception: There is no requirement to register if the drone used meets both of the following requirements: The drone weighs less than 250g, and it has no device or other sensors for recording personal data (e.g. camera, microphone). For example: A DJI Mini weighs less than 250g, but it has a camera, so operators of this type of drone must register.

Sources: FOCA: registration of drone operators

Checked against the official source on October 8, 2026.