Aerial photos and video are the fastest way to show a villa, a development site or a hotel in its surroundings. But Prague is one of the more restricted cities in Europe for drones. This article explains the rules as they apply to commercial drone photography and videography in 2026 and what you as a client need to know before booking. It is a practical overview, not legal advice; the operator is always responsible for checking the current regulations before each flight.
The legal framework
Drone flights in the Czech Republic follow the EU regulation on unmanned aircraft (Regulation (EU) 2019/947) and the rules of the Czech Civil Aviation Authority (Úřad pro civilní letectví, ÚCL). Every operator must be registered, drones above 250 g must carry the operator ID, and the pilot needs the appropriate competency certificate (A1/A3 or A2 for the open category). Commercial work does not require a separate licence, but the flight must stay within the limits of its category or obtain an operational authorisation.
Where flying is restricted in Prague
- Airport control zone. A large part of the city lies within the control zone of Václav Havel Airport. Flights there require coordination with air traffic control and are usually limited in height.
- Historic centre. The Prague Castle area and parts of the city centre are protected zones where flights are prohibited or need special permission.
- Crowds and people. Flying over gatherings of people is not allowed in the open category, and flying near uninvolved people requires a drone with the right class marking.
- Height and distance. The general limit is 120 m above ground and the drone must stay within visual line of sight.
- Privacy. Filming neighbours’ gardens, windows or private property without consent can breach privacy law even if the flight itself is legal.
The official map of airspace restrictions is published by Czech air navigation services (the DronView map). We check it for every location before we confirm a booking.
What this means for your property
Most residential areas outside the centre, the outskirts, the suburbs and the countryside around Prague are fine for aerial photography with a lightweight drone. Locations near the airport or in the historic core may require an authorisation that takes days or weeks, or may not be possible at all. In those cases we offer alternatives: elevated shots from a pole, photos from a neighbouring roof or a nearby hill, or a 3D tour instead.
What a drone shoot includes
- Pre-flight check of the location and the airspace.
- 6 to 10 edited aerial photos in high resolution.
- Optionally a 30 to 60 second 4K video clip with smooth orbit and reveal shots, colour graded and ready for social media.
- Combined pricing with ground photography: the drone add-on starts at 1 600 CZK when booked with a shoot.
Best conditions for aerial photos
Low wind, no rain and soft light in the morning or late afternoon. In summer we avoid midday because of hard shadows on roofs. Winter shoots are possible on clear days and snow can look spectacular for chalets and villas, but battery time is shorter in the cold.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fly a drone in Prague 1 or at Prague Castle?
In most cases no. The historic centre lies within protected and controlled airspace. We check the exact location and tell you honestly whether it is possible.
Is drone photography legal for real estate marketing?
Yes, as long as the operator is registered, the pilot is certified, the location is outside restricted zones and the flight respects the height, distance and privacy rules.
How far in advance should I book a drone shoot?
One week is enough for locations without restrictions. If an authorisation is needed, allow two to four weeks.