Drone regulations in Denmark

Drone Blog | 22 Kommentare Last update on 16.05.2020

In this article, we highlight the current legal situation for the use of drones in Denmark.

In Denmark, the legislation for multicopters has been tackled differently than most other countries. The regulations are subdivided into built-up and undeveloped areas according to the area of the drone flights.

The built-up areas include all areas that are used for living, for leisure or for commercial purposes. As examples of inhabited areas, the Danish aviation authority cites among others gymnasiums, camping sites, harbors, and industrial facilities. Also, parks, beaches and other areas that are directly connected to an inhabited area must be counted to this area.

Drone flights in built-up areas are only permitted with a drone license for commercial purposes. Thus, such maneuvers can only be carried out after multi-day training in Denmark. Hobby pilots may allow their drone to rise only in undeveloped regions.

Which rules apply for drone flights depends on the weight of the aircraft. Currently, a distinction is made between two weight classes:

• Micro-drones: drones weighing up to 250 grams and having a maximum airspeed of 50 km / h.
• Small drones: Multicopters weighing more than 250 grams and less than 25 kilograms.

The most common drones such as the DJI Mavic Air or the DJI Spark fall into the category of small drones.

Overview: Drone rules in Denmark

Registration is mandatory in Denmark

You must register as a drone owner in Denmark if your drone weighs more than 250 grams (here in the English language). After registering you will receive a registration number which you must attach to the drone along with your name and telephone number.

In addition to registering, you will also need to pass an online Drone Awareness Accreditation test to prove your ability and knowledge of the legal situation.

Further rules for drone pilots in Denmark

The maximum flight altitude in Denmark is 100 meters above ground in rural regions. There is a limit of 120 meters in cities.

Flights are only permitted within the visual line of sight. 

For drone flights in Denmark, you need drone insurance valid in the country, which will cover for possible damages of third parties. The policy must cover damages of at least 900,000 euros.

Drones are allowed to take off in Denmark up to a weight of 25 kilograms. If the drone weighs 7 kg and upwards, the minimum age is 16 years.

Safety distances and flight bans

You have to keep 5 kilometers distance to civil airports and 8 kilometers to military airports.

Denmark has defined a whole range of safety distances.

• 50 meters to manned ships, boats and offshore installations (does not apply to micro-drones).
• 50 meters to uninvolved persons (does not apply to micro-drones).
• 100 meters to buildings without the consent of the authorized persons (does not apply to micro-drones).
• 150 meters to government buildings, embassies, police stations, prisons, probation facilities, military facilities, and similar facilities.
• 150 meters to police and emergency services.
• 150 meters to public highways and built-up area (does not apply to micro-drones).

Flights over densely populated areas – including campsites – are only allowed for commercial pilots. Restricted areas can be checked in this map. The map is also available as an app (Droneluftrum by Naviair) on Google Play and iTunes.

 In all weight categories, you must apply for a drone license from the Danish Transport and Construction Agency, if you want to fly in a built area. For the approval, you must attend a class, pass tests, and demonstrate a practice of 24 flights with 4 hours of flight time in the last year.

Night flights in settled areas are permitted only with special permission. In nature, night flights are allowed.

A minimum age of 18 years is required for flights in developed regions. Such maneuvers must also be documented in a flight book and kept for at least two years. Drone users younger than 12 years must be supervised by an elderly person.

Regulations for commercial pilots

Commercial pilots must continue their education at an accredited company. From these training companies, you will receive a kind of drone license. Approved drone schools are listed here.

Good to know: Rules in Greenland and the Faroe Islands

Although Greenland and the Faroe Islands are part of Denmark, the rules described in this article do not apply to these areas. Currently, these regulations from 2004 are legally binding for these regions.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Denmark to the best of our knowledge. We can not guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, please contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Denmark!