Drone regulations in Greenland

Written by Francis Markert | Last update on 2. October 2026 | 0 comments

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know if you want to use a drone on a trip to Greenland.

Greenland is not part of the European Union and lies outside the EU legal framework. That is why this autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark has its own rules for operating drones. The Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority (Trafikstyrelsen) has set out these rules in BL 9‑4.

Overview: Drone rules in Greenland

Simple drone rules in Greenland

The good news: Flying drones is allowed in Greenland, and the rules are fairly simple.

The maximum permitted altitude is 100 meters above ground.

Greenland has neither a registration requirement nor a qualification system in which you have to prove relevant knowledge. European drone licenses are not valid in Greenland, but they are not required either.

Always keep unmanned aircraft within visual line of sight. FPV flights are only possible if another person next to you maintains visual contact with the drone.

Additional rules apply to drones weighing seven kilograms or more and to drones with jet engines: they may only take off from an approved model aircraft airfield, and the operation must run through a model flying organization recognized by the authority. For drones over 25 kilograms, you need an exemption.

Safety distances and restricted zones

Recreational flights are not allowed in towns and settlements. There are also some minimum horizontal distances you have to keep. These include a lateral distance of 150 meters from residential areas and major public roads. You also have to stay at least five kilometers away from civil airfields and eight kilometers away from military airfields.

To take off in a national park or another protected area, you need a permit in advance.

You must not fly over uninvolved people, crowds or residential buildings.

Mandatory insurance

Liability insurance is mandatory for drones weighing more than 7 kilograms or with jet engines. The purpose of the flight (private or commercial) does not matter.

More important information: Liability insurance for drones

Permits and exemptions

If you want to fly outside the standard rules (for example in national parks, over people or with heavy drones), you have to apply for an exemption from the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority. You will find the application form and further information under Application for Exemption – Greenland.

Conclusion

Greenland allows private and commercial drone flights under clear conditions. Outside towns and settlements, the rules for light drones are among the simplest in the world.

Have you flown a drone in Greenland? Leave us a comment below this article and tell us about your experience.

Source: Trafikstyrelsen

We have researched the drone rules for Greenland listed here to the best of our knowledge. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that the information is correct. If you want to be on the safe side, contact the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority. You can also ask the Danish embassy in your home country for more information on the regulations. Please leave us a comment if you learn something new or have your own experience flying a drone in Greenland!