Drone flying in Denmark is regulated by the EU's common aviation rules, enforced domestically by the Danish Transport Authority (Trafikstyrelsen). The rules apply to everyone — whether you're flying a DJI Mini for hobby use or considering hiring a professional drone photographer for commercial footage. Here's what you need to know.

The three categories: Open, Specific, and Certified

The EU drone regulation divides all drone flights into three overarching categories based on risk:

Open — this is where most hobby and light commercial flights take place. No prior approval from the authorities is required in this category, but there are still rules about how close you can fly to people and buildings. The drone must weigh under 25 kg, and you may fly a maximum of 120 metres above ground.

Specific — requires a risk assessment (SORA) and prior permission from the Danish Transport Authority. This applies to, for example, flying in densely built-up areas, over gatherings of people, or above 120 metres. If your project requires something beyond the ordinary, the Specific category typically comes into play.

Certified — the strictest category, reserved for flying over large gatherings of people, transport of dangerous goods, and similar. It is rarely relevant for photography.

A1, A2, and A3 — what's the difference?

Within the Open category, there are three subcategories that determine how close you may fly to people:

A1 — fly over people (with restrictions): Only with drones under 250 grams (e.g. the DJI Mini series). You may fly over people, but not over gatherings. Requires completion of an online course.

A2 — fly close to people: Drones up to 4 kg. You may fly as close as 30 metres from people (5 metres at low speed). Requires an A2 certificate (Certificate of Competency), obtained through a theory exam with an approved organisation. This is the category we operate in — the A2 certificate means we can fly closer to buildings and people than most drone operators.

A3 — fly far from people: No distance limitation on the drone, but you must keep at least 150 metres from residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Primarily for flying over open land.

Where can you fly? Flight zones in Denmark

Before each flight, you should check whether the area is approved for drone flying:

Green zone — free flying below 120 metres. Most of the open countryside in Denmark.
Yellow zone — flying permitted with restrictions. Typically near smaller airports and helicopter landing sites. Check the specific rules for the zone.
Red zone — flying prohibited without special permission. This applies around Copenhagen Airport, Billund Airport, military areas, and Christiansborg, among others.

Additionally, special rules apply in cities: In the Open category (A1 and A3), there are restrictions for flying in densely built-up areas. With the A2 certificate, we can operate in urban areas while complying with the distance requirements.

There are also local restrictions that don't always appear in the app — for example, nature reserves, private events, and temporary zones. An experienced drone photographer knows the local conditions and contacts the authorities when necessary.

Insurance and liability

All drones flown commercially in Denmark must have mandatory liability insurance. This applies regardless of the drone's weight. The insurance covers damage to third parties and third-party property.

What happens in an accident? The operator is liable — both legally and insurance-wise. Without insurance, you risk personal liability for damages that can potentially amount to millions.

We are fully insured with commercial liability insurance that covers all our drone operations. It's one of the things that distinguishes a professional drone photographer from a hobbyist with a good camera.

GDPR and privacy rules for drone flying

Drones with cameras naturally raise privacy questions. Here are the key rules:

Public places — you may generally photograph from the air over public areas. Individuals must not be identifiable without their consent, unless they are part of a larger scene.
Private properties — you may fly over private land (it's the airspace, not the land, you're using). But you must not photograph into private gardens or through windows. This is an important distinction.
Neighbour complaints — if a neighbour complains about drone flying, the police can ask you to stop, even if the flight is technically legal. In practice, it's about informing neighbours in advance and showing consideration.
Commercial footage — for drone inspection of buildings or 360° drone photography on the client's property, it is the client's responsibility to inform any neighbours. We're happy to help with that communication.

When should you hire a professional drone photographer?

Honest answer: not always. I say this as someone who makes a living from drone photography — there are situations where the best advice is "do it yourself." Here's a rule of thumb:

You can manage on your own if you have a drone under 250 grams (e.g. DJI Mini), fly over open land in a green zone, and just need some aerial photos of your holiday home or a family event. Complete the Transport Authority's online course, and you're ready.

You should hire a professional if:

You need to fly in urban zones or close to people → requires A2 certificate
You need footage above 120 metres altitude → requires Specific approval with SORA risk assessment
You need to use the images for marketing → quality requires professional equipment, correct lighting, and experience with composition from the air
You want to avoid thinking about rules, insurance, and permits → we handle everything
You need drone roof inspection or building inspections → requires special equipment and experience with documentation

The rules change — stay updated

EU drone legislation has changed several times since it came into force in 2021, and the Danish Transport Authority continuously updates the Danish implementations. This guide is updated to March 2026, but always check the Transport Authority's official drone site and droner.dk for the latest rules.

If you're unsure about what your project requires — contact us. We have the certificates, insurance, and experience, and we're happy to advise on what is possible and legal.