Bird's-eye shots are no longer a luxury reserved for big film studios. Today, drone filming has become a standard tool in commercials, real-estate presentations and corporate videos. In Latvia, however, drones are not a completely free zone: to legally and safely lift a camera into the air, you need to know the rules, the zones and the technical limits.

What regulates drone flights in Latvia

In Latvia, drone use is overseen by the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA), and the rules are based on the unified European EASA standards. In practice, most commercial filming flights fall into the so-called "open" category, where the drone's weight and the flight altitude are the key factors.

  • Operator registration: if a drone weighs more than 250 g or carries a camera, the operator must register with the CAA and obtain a unique operator number.
  • Pilot training: depending on the subcategory (A1/A2/A3), an online exam is required.
  • Maximum altitude: usually 120 metres above the ground surface.

Where you can and cannot fly in Riga

Riga is a challenging city for drone pilots, as a large part of the centre lies near Riga Airport and within various restricted zones. Before every flight, a professional operator checks the current airspace map.

Typical restricted zones

  • Near the airport and within flight corridors.
  • Over government buildings, prisons and military sites.
  • Over crowds at events without a special permit.
  • In the Old Town and densely built-up areas that require extra clearance.

Creative opportunities for professional video

Used correctly, a drone delivers shots that would otherwise require a crane or a helicopter. The Latvian landscape, with its forests, seacoast and industrial architecture, is ideal for aerial work. Most often we use drone footage for tasks such as:

  • Real estate: showing a property and its surroundings in one smooth shot.
  • Advertising: dynamic reveal shots that grab attention within the first seconds.
  • Corporate video: demonstrating the scale of factories, logistics centres and facilities.
  • Events: capturing the scope of festivals and public occasions.

We offer a full service - from flight clearance to colour grading. Read more about this area in our drone filming section.

Practical tips before the shoot

To keep the filming day running smoothly, it pays to prepare in advance. Weather in Latvia is decisive - strong wind or rain can cancel a flight entirely.

  • Plan a backup date in case of bad weather.
  • Check in advance whether the site sits in a restricted zone.
  • Filming during the "golden hour" after sunrise or before sunset gives the best light.
  • Get the landowner's consent if you take off from private property.

How much it costs

The price depends on project complexity, the number of flights, the editing scope and any permits required. A simple real-estate video needs only a couple of hours of shooting, while an advertising project may require multi-day planning and additional approvals.

If you are planning a project that needs professional aerial footage in Riga or elsewhere in Latvia, get in touch - we will help sort out both the permits and the creative side. Contact us and let's talk through your idea.