Switzerland CH

EASA rules apply since 2023. Register once with FOCA, pass the online A1/A3 test and carry liability insurance for drones of 250 g or more.

Draft: not yet reviewedUpdated 23 Sept 2026Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA / BAZL)

65Fly score

95Import score

77Combined

Your plan

Choose your home country (top right) to see steps tailored to you.

1 thing to sort out before you fly

Register your drone in Switzerland
Register as an operator with FOCA for drones of 250 g or more, or with a camera. Drones of 250 g or more need insurance details at registration. Allow about 1 day before your trip.
Open official page
Remote ID may apply
Direct Remote ID is required for C1, C2 and C3 class drones and in some geographical zones.
Bringing your drone in
Goods up to CHF 300 per person are VAT-free. A drone you bring in as personal luggage and take back out is not taxed. Batteries: Carry-on only. Up to 100 Wh freely; 100–160 Wh with airline approval (max 2 spares).
Before each flight
Max 120 m above ground, always in visual line of sight · Never fly over crowds or assemblies of people · Check the drone restriction layer on map.geo.admin.ch (airports, nature reserves, Swiss National Park)
Open official page

Flying

VisitorsAllowed

Max altitude120 m

Line of sightRequired

Night flightsAllowed

Max 120 m above ground, always in visual line of sight
Never fly over crowds or assemblies of people
Check the drone restriction layer on map.geo.admin.ch (airports, nature reserves, Swiss National Park)
Class-marked drones need a flashing green light at night
Many cantons and communes add local bans (lakesides, city centres); check before flying

Commercial use: The Open category covers most low-risk commercial work. Riskier flights need an operational authorisation or a standard-scenario declaration in the Specific category.

Official airspace map

Registration & classes

Registration	Yes (from 250 g or camera) Register as an operator with FOCA for drones of 250 g or more, or with a camera. Drones of 250 g or more need insurance details at registration.
Pilot test	Yes (online, from 250 g) EU A1/A3 online certificate. Online training + 40-question multiple-choice exam, valid 5 years. The A2 certificate (extra exam) allows C2 drones closer to people.
Remote ID	Some classes Direct Remote ID is required for C1, C2 and C3 class drones and in some geographical zones.
Insurance	Yes (min. CHF 1 million) Liability insurance of at least CHF 1 million is mandatory from 250 g. Recommended for lighter drones.
Foreign registration accepted	Depends EASA registrations and certificates are valid in every EASA state. Residents of non-EASA countries register in the first EASA state where they plan to fly.

Weight classes

Class	Weight	Rules
C0	< 250 g	Subcategory A1: may overfly uninvolved people (never crowds). No test; register if it has a camera.
C1	< 900 g	A1: avoid overflying people. A1/A3 certificate and Remote ID required.
C2	< 4 kg	A2: 30 m from people (5 m in low-speed mode) with the A2 certificate; otherwise A3.
C3 / C4	< 25 kg	A3 only: far from people and 150 m from residential, commercial and industrial areas.
No class mark	any	Under 250 g → A1. 250 g and more → A3 only (legacy transition ended 1 Jan 2024).

Import & export

ImportAllowed (with customs)

Customs duty0 %

VAT / sales tax8.1 %

Radio certificationNo

Goods up to CHF 300 per person are VAT-free. A drone you bring in as personal luggage and take back out is not taxed.
CE-marked radio equipment is accepted.
Batteries: Carry-on only. Up to 100 Wh freely; 100–160 Wh with airline approval (max 2 spares).
Switzerland abolished industrial tariffs in 2024, so drones pay no customs duty, only 8.1 % VAT.
Switzerland is not in the EU customs union: goods from the EU go through customs.

Export

Only high-end professional or military-capable drones fall under SECO dual-use export control.

Costs

Operator registration	Unknown Validity: Until details change
EU A1/A3 online certificate	Unknown
Import taxes	0 % duty + 8.1 % VAT Usually only for drones you buy abroad and bring in to keep.

Guides

Start flying in Switzerland Residents

Register as an operator
Create your operator registration with FOCA. You receive an operator ID (CHE…). Open
Get liability insurance
Drones of 250 g or more need at least CHF 1 million liability cover. Many household liability policies include it, so check yours first.
Pass the A1/A3 test
Take the free online training and exam. The certificate is valid in all EASA states for 5 years.
Label your drone
Put your operator ID on the drone and enter it in the app for Remote ID if your drone has it.
Check the map before every flight
Open the drone layer on map.geo.admin.ch for no-fly zones. Open

Sources

EASA – Civil drones (Open category) · accessed 23 Sept 2026
FOCA – Registration as a drone operator · accessed 23 Sept 2026
ch.ch – Drones: what applies · accessed 23 Sept 2026

How the score is built

Fly score 65

Operator registration−10
Pilot test (online)−10
Remote ID−4
Mandatory insurance−6
Visitors must register locally−5

Import score 95

Duty + VAT ≈ 8 %−5

Every score starts at 100 and loses points for each requirement. How scoring works