Drone regulations in Denmark

Last update on 22.10.2021 | 22 Kommentare

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

The EU Drone Regulation has been in force in Denmark since December 31, 2020. This has largely harmonized the rules for remote pilots. You only have to register as an operator in one European country and your EU drone license is also recognized across countries. In Denmark, remote pilots who obtain a license are automatically registered. To obtain a competency certificate in Denmark, you need to log in using an online account for government services. We are not sure if you can get one as a non-resident.

Overview of the European rules that apply in Denmark

In Denmark, the regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) apply. The following is a summary of the key facts. For a complete overview, read our article on the new EU drone regulation.

National peculiarities in Denmark

Each country can define certain aspects of its drone regulations. For Denmark, the following requirements apply in addition to the European regulations.

Further rules for drone pilots in Denmark

For drone flights in Denmark, you need drone insurance valid in the country, which will cover any damages to third parties. The policy must cover at least 750,000 special drawing rights (approx. 900,000 euros, as of mid-February 2021). Class C0 drones and drones without class designation that were launched on the market before January 1, 2023, weigh less than 250 grams and are not faster than 19 m/s, are exempt from compulsory insurance.

Safety distances and flight bans

Minimum distances have been introduced for some critical areas. For example, drones are not allowed to get closer than 2 kilometers to the take-off and landing sites of medical helicopters, unless the drone pilot has a drone license. In this case, the minimum distance is reduced to 1 kilometer, the maximum height is 50 meters above the height of the landing site.

A distance of five kilometers must be kept to airports. There is even a minimum distance of 8 kilometers to military airports. Here, too, there are exceptions for pilots with a license: They are allowed to get within 2 kilometers to public and military airports, whereby the drone may not be more than 40 meters above the runway.

A number of additional safety distances have been defined in Denmark:

• 2.5 meters to residential buildings (exceptions for approved work)
• 5 meters to overhead lines
• 15 meters to the railway system
• 150 meters to the royal residences, Christiansborg Palace, Prime Minister Marienborg residence, embassies, police stations, prisons, probation services and similar facilities. 
• 300 meters to military area, including the royal residence guarded by the armed forces and temporarily military area, unless the Defense Command has given prior approval.
• 150 meters to police and rescue teams.

Flights over public roads with a speed limit of more than 70 km / h are only permitted with a permit.

Restricted areas can be checked in this map. The map is also available as an app (Droneluftrum by Naviair) on Google Play and iTunes.

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!