Legal framework
Drone regulations in Switzerland: what you need to know
Since 1 January 2023, Switzerland has applied the European EASA framework, under the supervision of FOCA (Federal Office of Civil Aviation). Every drone operator must register free of charge on UAS.gate, and agricultural spraying requires dual authorisation: from FOCA and Agroscope approval of the model used.
The European framework applied in Switzerland
Switzerland adopted the European EASA regulation on drones (UAS) on 1 January 2023. This framework distinguishes three operating categories according to risk: the open category, the specific category and the certified category.
The open category, which covers most everyday professional uses, is itself divided into three subcategories, A1, A2 and A3, with an altitude limit of 120 metres above ground in all cases.
New drones must carry a class marking from C0 to C4 indicating their characteristics; so-called 'legacy' devices, placed on the market before 1 January 2024 and unmarked, remain usable in subcategory A1 (under 250 g) or A3 (under 25 kg).
Mandatory registration and insurance
Every drone operator, whether professional or private, must register on the UAS.gate platform using a CH-Login. Registration is free and generates an operator number to be affixed to the device.
An exemption exists for drones under 250 g without a sensor capable of collecting personal data. Above this threshold, liability insurance is mandatory, with minimum cover of one million Swiss francs.
- Free registration on UAS.gate (CH-Login)
- Operator number to be affixed to the device
- Registration exemption under 250 g without a personal-data sensor
- Liability insurance mandatory from 250 g, minimum cover CHF 1 million
The special case of agricultural spraying
Spraying or spreading by drone falls under the specific category and requires dual authorisation, separate from basic registration. It is issued by two different bodies for two different purposes.
On one hand, FOCA issues an annual authorisation on request, via form PDRA-S01 accompanied by annex FOCA-UAS-APP-AGRI, to be submitted at least two months before the first planned use. The schedule of safety distances to be observed was updated in early 2026.
On the other hand, Agroscope approves the drone model used for this specific purpose, with a check renewed every three years, and requires that a person holding the treatment permit be responsible for the operation. A technical flight-path tracking accuracy requirement of around ±50 cm also applies.
Specific category: STS, PDRA, SORA and LUC
Beyond agricultural spraying, the specific category covers other operations with higher risk than the open category: flights over assemblies of people, beyond visual line of sight, or with heavier devices.
Depending on the complexity of the operation, the operator follows a standard scenario (STS-01, STS-02), submits an application for a predefined risk assessment (PDRA), or carries out a full risk analysis (SORA). Operators who carry out frequent flights in the specific category can obtain a LUC (Light UAS operator Certificate) authorisation, which allows them to self-assess certain flights.
Airspace and U-Space management
Airspace management for drones in Switzerland relies on the national Swiss U-Space system, developed by Skyguide and accessible via the app.swissuspace.ch application, whose rollout continues nationwide.
This application makes it possible, among other things, to check authorised or restricted flight zones and, in time, to facilitate the coordination of flights in the specific category within an airspace shared with manned aviation.
What this page does not replace
This page presents a summary current as of 11 August 2026, intended to guide professional and private operators. It does not in any way replace the official texts of FOCA, the sole authority competent to interpret and enforce Swiss drone regulations.
For any registration, authorisation request, or doubt about a particular case, consult bazl.admin.ch or contact FOCA directly. SinoDrone can direct you to a dealer or service provider, but does not replace the competent authority.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to register your drone in Switzerland?
Yes, every operator must register free of charge on UAS.gate with a CH-Login, except for an exemption for drones under 250 g without a personal-data sensor. An operator number is then issued and must be affixed to the device.
What is the maximum altitude allowed for a drone in Switzerland?
In the open category (A1, A2, A3), altitude is capped at 120 metres above ground. Different rules apply in the specific category depending on the authorised operating scenario.
What authorisations are needed to spray by drone in Switzerland?
Two separate authorisations are required: an annual FOCA authorisation (form PDRA-S01 and annex FOCA-UAS-APP-AGRI, to be submitted at least two months before use) and an Agroscope approval of the drone model, renewed every three years. The pilot must also hold the treatment permit.
Is insurance mandatory for a drone in Switzerland?
Yes, from 250 g, liability insurance is mandatory, with minimum cover of one million Swiss francs. Below this threshold, the obligation does not apply if the device does not carry a personal-data sensor.
What can still be done with a drone bought before 2024 without a class marking?
So-called 'legacy' drones, placed on the market before 1 January 2024 and not marked C0-C4, remain usable in subcategory A1 if they weigh under 250 g, or in subcategory A3 if they weigh under 25 kg.
Does this page replace FOCA's official texts?
No. This page offers a summary to guide operators, but it does not replace the official texts available on bazl.admin.ch. For any procedure or interpretation, FOCA remains the sole competent authority.