Loan for a professional drone: How to finance your equipment
20.07.2025
9
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A professional drone can transform your business, but purchasing one is a significant investment. A dedicated loan is often the key to success. This article shows you how to plan financing strategically and what hurdles you need to overcome.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A detailed business plan with a profitability forecast is the most important prerequisite for loan approval.
Commercial drone liability insurance is required by law and protects against high claims for damages.
Government funding programmes such as the KfW digitalisation loan can significantly reduce financing costs.
Assessing the investment correctly: costs and potential
The purchase of a professional drone is an investment that, depending on requirements, can cost between €2,000 and over €15,000. For surveying tasks or film productions, models in the five-figure range are often required. The return on investment can be achieved quickly, often a single order already covers ten per cent of the acquisition costs. The ongoing operating costs, such as maintenance and batteries, must also be factored in from the outset. A well-considered business loan for freelancers helps overcome this initial hurdle. This initial calculation is the basis for every bank decision and your business plan.
Prepare the financing application strategically
Business plan as the foundation of your financing
A complete business plan is crucial for securing a loan and greatly increases your chances of success. It should cover at least three core areas to convince banks. Show potential lenders that you have a firm grip on the market and your figures.
Market analysis: Define your target group, for example estate agents or farmers, and analyse at least three competitors.
Service offering: Describe your service precisely, for example high-resolution aerial images for €500 per assignment.
Profit forecast: Calculate using realistic figures, for example 15 assignments per month in the first year.
Cost breakdown: List all cost items, from the drone for €8,000 to insurance for €400 per year.
Loan types compared: what suits your project?
Choosing the right type of loan has a major impact on interest costs and flexibility. A classic instalment loan often offers quick availability, while an investment loan provides better terms for business customers. Interest rates for such loans typically range between four and eight per cent. A loan for unrestricted use can be an alternative, but is often more expensive. Weigh up the options carefully so that you do not jeopardise your liquidity.
Optimise costs through grants and accurate calculations
Unlocking funding and reducing interest costs
Government funding programmes can make financing considerably easier. The KfW Banking Group offers an option with the “ERP Digitalisation Loan” to finance investments in digital equipment. Under certain conditions, you can receive a funding grant of up to three per cent of the loan amount. These grants do not have to be repaid, which directly reduces your overall costs. A loan for start-ups can often be combined with these programmes. A careful review of funding databases is therefore a must for every founder.
Tax aspects: writing off the drone correctly
The acquisition costs of your drone can be claimed for tax purposes, which further reduces your financial burden. As a rule, a drone used for business purposes is depreciated on a straight-line basis over a useful life of three to five years. With a purchase price of 4,500 euros and a useful life of five years, you can claim 900 euros a year as a business expense. Accessories such as spare batteries may, in some circumstances, be deducted immediately as low-value assets (GWG). An accurate household budget calculation for the loan application should already take these tax advantages into account.
Fulfil legal and insurance-related obligations
Before you accept your first job, you must ensure that the legal framework for commercial drone operations is in place. The EU Drone Regulation requires the operator to register with the Federal Aviation Office (LBA). In addition, depending on weight and the operating scenario, an EU remote pilot competence certificate (A1/A3) or even the remote pilot licence (A2) is required. These qualifications cost between €30 and €400. Without these certificates, you risk substantial fines and losing your insurance cover. A comprehensive drone hull insurance policy is therefore only the second step after meeting the legal requirements. Our expert tip: allow at least four weeks to handle these formalities before you start operating.
Essential: the right drone insurance
Special drone liability insurance is required by law and protects you against damage to third parties. The cover amount should be at least €1 million. Annual premiums for commercial liability insurance start at around €150. In addition, hull insurance for the drone itself is strongly recommended to protect the expensive equipment against crashes or theft. This costs from €120 per year, depending on the drone's value. A comprehensive policy also covers lost jobs if the drone is damaged.
Request your individual risk analysis now
Financing a professional drone is a strategic step that requires careful planning. From the sound calculations in the business plan to choosing the right loan and securing all legal and insurance-related requirements – every step counts. Thoughtful preparation not only paves the way to the bank, but also lays the foundation for a profitable business. At nextsure, we support you in analysing your risks and finding the right cover for your project. Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
KfW offers detailed information on the KfW Entrepreneur Loan (037/047), an important funding product for businesses.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs provides an article on business financing through the KfW Entrepreneur Loan.
On Wikipedia you will find a comprehensive article about unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
The Federal Ministry for Transport offers important information on the subject of drones.
The Federal Aviation Office (LBA) provides a drone flyer from the Federal Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) for download.
The ADAC provides information on the requirements for a drone licence and registration in Germany.
The official website of the Federal Aviation Office (LBA) offers comprehensive information on drones.
The German Air Navigation Services (DFS) provides specific information on drone flights.
The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) provides information on the use of drones in crisis management.
FAQ
What documents do I need for the loan application?
As a rule, you will need a detailed business plan, a CV, a SCHUFA report, the latest tax assessments, a profitability and liquidity plan, as well as quotes for the drone and the necessary insurance.
Is leasing an alternative to a loan?
Yes, leasing can be a good alternative. It preserves liquidity, as no large initial investment is required, and the monthly instalments are tax-deductible as operating expenses. However, you do not own the drone at the end of the term.
Which insurance is mandatory for a commercial drone?
A drone liability insurance policy covering personal injury and property damage to third parties is legally required. The sum insured should be at least one million euros.
Which drone licence do I need for commercial use?
This depends on the drone’s weight and the area of operation. For most commercial flights, at least the EU A1/A3 Certificate of Competency is required. For flights near people, the EU A2 Remote Pilot Certificate is often required.
Can I receive funding to purchase a drone?
Yes, especially if the drone is used as part of the digitalisation of your business model. Schemes such as KfW’s “ERP Digitalisation Loan” offer low-interest loans and, in some cases, even repayment grants.
What happens if my loan application is declined?
Ask for the exact reasons for the rejection. Often, it is due to an unconvincing business plan or an unclear profitability forecast. Revise your documents and try again with another bank, or consider alternative forms of financing such as leasing or crowdfunding.
