Europe
Netherlands
EASA (EU) Regulation — RDW registration, ILT enforcement
In the Netherlands operator registration is handled by the RDW (usually known for vehicle registration), while the ILT deals with authorizations and enforcement. Most of the popular tourist destinations fall within the wide control zone of Schiphol Airport.
Mandatory on rdw.nl/drone for drones ≥250 g or fitted with a camera. Fee of €23, valid for 1 year, access via DigiD or eHerkenning.
A flight certificate ('vliegbewijs') is required for drones from 250 g upward.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Wide control zone around Schiphol; some Natura 2000 sites are off-limits to drones under provincial/site-manager rules; protected areas over the Wadden Sea are off-limits to all drones (source: rijksoverheid.nl, the official government portal).
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Netherlands, the official reference remains RDW (registration) / ILT (enforcement). Mandatory on rdw.nl/drone for drones ≥250 g or fitted with a camera. Fee of €23, valid for 1 year, access via DigiD or eHerkenning.
How this usually works
In most systems, the pilot license (or "certificate") is a theory exam, often entirely online and free, covering the basics: airspace, safety distances, privacy. It's nothing like a driving license, but it's still a legal requirement. Most systems have more than one level: an entry-level exam for flights further from people and built-up areas, and a more thorough one if you want to fly closer. The certificate is usually valid for a few years before it needs renewing. The exam and certificate are handled by RDW (registration) / ILT (enforcement). A flight certificate ('vliegbewijs') is required for drones from 250 g upward.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.