24 October 2026
Flying a drone in Singapore: the rules, no-fly zones and what to rent
CAAS registration and Remote ID thresholds, the 200ft height limit, how to read OneMap, and which DJI drone to rent for a trip, a property listing or a client shoot.
Why the rules matter
Singapore is small, busy and ringed by flight paths, so drone rules are stricter than in most countries. Getting it wrong can mean a fine, a confiscated drone or a ruined shoot. These are the checks that actually apply to renters, taken from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) unmanned aircraft pages and the OneMap drone query.
Do you have to register a drone?
CAAS requires registration when the total weight of the drone exceeds 250g. That total includes the battery you fly with, so a Mini fitted with larger Plus batteries moves into registration territory. Registration takes two steps: buy a registration label (S$25 each) and complete the online registration on the CAAS UA Portal. The label must be affixed to the main body of the drone, not to a battery, propeller or payload. Drones above 250g must also meet Broadcast Remote ID requirements, which announce the drone to nearby airspace users.
If you rent from Arkework Studio this step is already done: the whole fleet is registered with CAAS, and we register the sub-249g Mini models too, even though they sit under the threshold.
How high can you fly?
Without a permit, keep the drone below 200ft above mean sea level. Above that height you need an Activity Permit from CAAS, applied for before you fly.
Where you cannot fly
No-fly zones include: - areas within 5km of an aerodrome - danger areas, prohibited areas and restricted areas - protected areas under the Air Navigation Act
Signage matters too. National parks, nature reserves and private property can carry their own restrictions, so check before you launch.
Before every flight, open OneMap (www.onemap.gov.sg/droneQuery). It shows where flying is recommended, where permits are required, and any Temporary Restricted Area set up for events such as the National Day Parade. Singapore also runs free Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas (UAFAs), community spaces where you can practise, with no entry fee.
Do you need a training certificate or licence?
For recreational flying the thresholds are based on weight and where you fly: - above 1.5kg up to 7kg, in a publicly accessible place or at an event with more than 50 attendees: you need a UA Basic Training Certificate or a UA Pilot Licence - above 7kg in those same situations: you need a UA Pilot Licence
Our Mini, Air and Mavic rentals sit under those thresholds for ordinary recreational use, but tell us what you have planned and we will point you to the rule that applies.
Flying for a client is different
Recreational and educational flying gets lighter treatment. If you are shooting for a paying client, CAAS treats it as business use: you need a Class 1 Activity Permit, and that permit is only valid when held together with a UA Operator Permit. Operator Permits are assessed on your procedures, airworthiness and personnel, are valid for one year, and require the Centralised Flight Management System and a tracker fitted to the drone.
If you are a production crew or a property marketing team, message us the location, dates and subject of the shoot before you book, and we will help you work out what you need to apply for.
Which drone should you rent?
- DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo: the cheapest way to start. Under 249g with standard batteries, three batteries, a controller, a triple charger and a bag. - DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo: the newer Mini with a larger 1-inch sensor and an ND filter set in the box, better for dusk and city nights. - DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo: dual cameras, up to 45 minutes of flight and LiDAR obstacle sensing. The pick for serious travel and property work. - DJI Mavic 4 Pro Creator Combo: flagship triple-camera system, 512GB onboard storage and a pro controller for client deliverables. - DJI Avata 360: goggles flying for immersive fly-through shots, with RC 2 and N3 goggle combos.
Each listing on arkework.com/rent shows the 1-day rate and exactly what is in the box.
Taking a drone overseas
Singapore renters can take rented gear overseas with no surcharge and no additional deposit. Check the rules in the country you are visiting before you travel, keep the registration label with the drone, and pack spare lithium batteries in your carry-on baggage, as airlines require.
Before you fly: a five-minute checklist
1. Open OneMap and check your exact spot. 2. Confirm your drone weight with the battery you plan to use. 3. Plan to stay below 200ft. 4. Check whether your flying is recreational or for a client. 5. If you are unsure about any of this, message us the location and dates on WhatsApp and we will tell you what applies.
Rules change, so verify
Drone rules and permit categories are updated from time to time. The figures above were checked against the CAAS unmanned aircraft pages and the OneMap drone query in October 2026. For the current position, read the CAAS requirements page (www.caas.gov.sg/unmanned-aircraft/requirements-for-flying-ua/), the operator and activity permits page (www.caas.gov.sg/unmanned-aircraft/operator-and-activity-permits/) and the registration page (www.caas.gov.sg/unmanned-aircraft/registration-deregistration/). This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Browse drones to rent: arkework.com/drone-rental-singapore
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