Credit for professional drones: How to finance your equipment
20 Jul 2025
10
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
A professional drone can transform your business, but acquiring one is a significant investment. A targeted loan is often the key to success. This article shows you how to plan your 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 a loan approval.
A commercial drone liability insurance is legally required and protects against high compensation claims.
State funding programs, such as the KfW loan for digitalization, can significantly reduce financing costs.
Accurately Assessing the Investment: Costs and Potential
Acquiring a professional drone is an investment that, depending on requirements, can range from €2,000 to over €15,000. For surveying tasks or film productions, models in the five-figure range are often needed. The return on investment can be realised quickly, often with a single order covering ten percent of the acquisition costs. Ongoing operational costs, such as maintenance and batteries, also need to be factored in from the start. A well-planned business loan for freelancers helps to overcome this initial hurdle. This initial calculation is the foundation for any bank decision and your business plan.
Strategically prepare the funding application
Business Plan as the Foundation of Your Financing
A comprehensive business plan is crucial for securing loans and significantly increases your chances of success. It should cover at least three core areas to convince banks. Show potential investors that you have a firm grip on the market and your finances.
Market Analysis: Define your target audience, such as real estate agents or farmers, and analyse at least three competitors.
Service Offering: Precisely describe your service, for example, high-resolution aerial photography for 500 euros per operation.
Profitability Forecast: Calculate with realistic figures, for instance, with 15 operations per month in the first year.
Cost Breakdown: List all cost items from the drone for 8,000 euros to insurance for 400 euros annually.
Comparing Loan Types: What Suits Your Project?
The choice of the right type of loan significantly affects interest costs and flexibility. A traditional installment loan often offers quick availability, while an investment loan provides better terms for business customers. The interest rates for such loans typically range between four and eight percent. A loan with an unrestricted purpose can be an alternative but is often more expensive. Carefully weigh the options to avoid jeopardising your liquidity.
Optimise costs through subsidies and accurate calculation
Securing Funding and Reducing Interest Burdens
Government funding programmes can significantly ease financing. The KfW banking group offers the "ERP Digitalisation Loan" as an option to finance investments in digital equipment. Under certain conditions, you can receive a grant of up to three percent of the loan amount. These grants do not need to be repaid, which directly reduces your overall costs. A loan for start-ups can often be combined with these programmes. Therefore, thorough examination of funding databases is a must for every entrepreneur.
Tax Aspects: Depreciating Your Drone Correctly
The purchase costs of your drone can be claimed for tax purposes, further reducing your financial burden. Generally, a commercially used drone is depreciated linearly 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 set aside 900 Euros annually as an operating expense. Accessories such as additional batteries can potentially be written off immediately as low-value assets (GWG). A correct budget statement for the loan application should already consider these tax advantages.
Fulfil legal and insurance obligations
Before you accept the first assignment, you must ensure the legal framework for commercial drone operations. The EU drone regulation requires operator registration with the Federal Aviation Office (LBA). Additionally, depending on the weight and deployment scenario, an EU certificate of competence (A1/A3) or even the remote pilot certificate (A2) is required. These qualifications cost between 30 and 400 euros. Without these certificates, you risk hefty fines and the loss of insurance coverage. Therefore, comprehensive drone hull insurance is only the second step after fulfilling legal requirements. Our expert tip: Allow at least four weeks to complete these formalities before you start operational activities.
Essential: The right drone insurance
A special drone liability insurance is legally required and protects you against third-party damages. The coverage amount should be at least one million euros. Annual premiums for commercial liability insurance start at around 150 euros. Additionally, hull insurance for the drone itself is strongly recommended to protect the expensive technology against crashes or theft. This costs, depending on the value of the drone, from 120 euros annually. Comprehensive insurance also covers loss of assignments if the drone is damaged.
Request a personalised risk analysis now
Financing a professional drone is a strategic move that requires careful planning. From solid calculations in the business plan to selecting the right loan and ensuring all legal and insurance requirements are met – every step is crucial. A well-thought-out preparation not only paves the way to the bank but also lays the foundation for a profitable business. At nextsure, we assist you in analysing your risks and finding the right protection for your venture. Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete optimization suggestions.
More useful links
KfW provides 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 can find a comprehensive article about unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
The Federal Ministry of Transport offers important information on the topic of drones.
The Federal Aviation Office (LBA) provides a drone flyer from the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) for download.
The ADAC provides information about the requirements for a drone license and registration in Germany.
The official site of the Federal Aviation Office (LBA) offers comprehensive information on the topic of drones.
The German Air Traffic Control (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?
Usually, you will need a detailed business plan, a resume, a credit 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 credit?
Yes, leasing can be a good alternative. It conserves liquidity, as no large initial investment is necessary, and the monthly payments are tax-deductible as business expenses. However, the drone does not belong to you at the end of the term.
What insurance is mandatory for a commercial drone?
A drone liability insurance covering personal injury and property damage to third parties is legally required. The coverage amount should be at least one million euros.
Which drone license do I need for commercial use?
It depends on the weight of the drone and the area of operation. For most commercial flights, at least the EU competency certificate A1/A3 is required. For flights near people, the EU remote pilot certificate A2 is often needed.
Can I receive funding for purchasing a drone?
Yes, especially if the drone is used as part of the digitisation of your business model. Programs like the 'ERP-Förderkredit Digitalisierung' from KfW offer low-interest loans and even partial repayment subsidies.
What happens if my loan application is rejected?
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 with another bank, or consider alternative forms of financing such as leasing or crowdfunding.
