Belgian regulations for commercial drone operations in 2026

Drones are increasingly used professionally today for inspections, thermography, photography and technical cleaning. In Belgium too, a growing number of companies use drones to work more safely, efficiently and accurately.

However, commercial drone flights are not simply allowed. They fall under an extensive European and Belgian legal framework that is constantly evolving. That is why it is important to know and correctly apply the rules.

At DROPS Belgium, we consider safety at least as important as technology. That is why we invest not only in professional equipment, but also in training, permits and correct compliance with applicable regulations.

For several years now, the same basic rules for drone operations have applied in almost all European member states. These are developed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and apply directly in Belgium.

The regulation divides drone flights into three categories:

• Open category
• Specific category
• Certified category

Most professional inspections and part of the commercial assignments fall under the Open or Specific category, depending on the risk of the flight.

The Open category is intended for low-risk operations.

Typical characteristics include:

• flying at a maximum of 120 metres above the ground;
• flying within the direct visual line of sight of the pilot (VLOS);
• complying with the conditions of the applicable subcategory (A1, A2 or A3);
• flying with a suitable drone class (C0 to C4) or an approved legacy drone under the transitional rules.

When a flight no longer meets the conditions of the Open category, it may fall under the Specific category.

This is the case, for example, when:

• the operational risk is higher;
• additional safety measures are required;
• an operational authorisation or declaration is required.

For such operations, a risk assessment (such as SORA) or a pre-approved scenario may be required.

In Belgium, a drone operator must in many cases register before starting professional activity.

After registration, the operator receives a unique registration number that is valid across all EASA member states.

Depending on the type of operation, the pilot must hold the appropriate training and certificates.

For most professional activities in the Open category, this concerns at least the required training for:

• A1/A3
• possibly A2 when the operation requires it.

For more complex operations, additional training or qualifications may be necessary.

Not everywhere can simply be flown over with a drone.

Important points of attention include:

• controlled airspace;
• airports;
• heliports;
• military zones;
• temporary no-fly zones;
• nature reserves where restrictions apply.

For every assignment, it must be checked in advance whether the location is accessible according to the applicable aviation rules.

In addition to aviation legislation, professional drone operators must also take the GDPR and Belgian privacy legislation into account.

During inspections, only imagery necessary for the execution of the assignment is collected. Personal data is handled carefully in accordance with applicable regulations.

More information about this can also be found in our privacy policy.

For clients, a properly regulated drone operator offers important advantages:

• higher safety;
• professional working method;
• correct insurance;
• respect for legislation;
• fewer operational risks;
• reliable reporting.

For us, regulation is not an administrative obligation, but part of professional entrepreneurship.

For every assignment, we first carry out an operational assessment.

This includes looking at:

• the location;
• accessibility;
• airspace;
• weather conditions;
• the safety of the surroundings;
• the appropriate drone configuration.

Only once all safety conditions are met is a flight carried out.

Flying drones professionally today requires much more than simply being able to pilot a drone.

Training, regulation, safety, insurance and operational preparation together form the basis of quality service delivery.

At DROPS Belgium, we deliberately invest in this professional approach so that every assignment can be carried out safely, legally and efficiently.

This article is intended solely as general information and does not constitute legal or aviation-technical advice. Although DROPS Belgium strives to keep the content as accurate and up to date as possible, laws, regulations, procedures and interpretations may change at any time. No rights can be derived from the content of this article. DROPS Belgium accepts no liability for decisions or actions based solely on the information in this article.

For the most recent and binding information, please always refer to the official government authorities and competent aviation authorities.

Official sources: EASA – Civil Drones & regulation, EASA – Open Category explanation, Belgian Aviation Portal (My Drone).