Anyone who regularly climbs onto rooftops as a roofer, carpenter, or scaffolder knows the risks firsthand. Fall accidents are among the leading causes of fatal workplace injuries in construction. A new funding program addresses this directly: Starting July 1, 2026, BG BAU is adding drones to its catalog of workplace safety grants. Acting now means securing up to €2,000 in subsidies - while protecting your workers at the same time.
What Is the BG BAU Workplace Safety Grant?
The workplace safety grant is a funding program run by the German construction industry's statutory accident insurer, BG BAU. Through these so-called Arbeitsschutzprämien, BG BAU supports member businesses investing in safer, healthier working conditions. Eligible expenses include equipment and materials as well as workplace safety measures - from personal protective equipment and scaffolding to power tools.
As of July 1, 2026, BG BAU has significantly expanded the program. Alongside new grant categories, the funding tiers have been simplified so that small and medium-sized businesses in particular can more easily access higher subsidy amounts. The drone subsidy is the centerpiece of these updates.
Retroactively eligible: Drones purchased on or after January 1, 2026 can be included in the funding program — even if the purchase was made before the official start date of July 1, 2026.
What Exactly Is Covered?
Starting July 1, 2026, BG BAU will subsidize three components: the purchase of a drone, obtaining the EU drone pilot license (A2), and registration with the Federal Aviation Office (LBA).
1. Drone Purchase (Class C1 and C2)
Only drones certified under the EU Drone Regulation in classes C1 and C2 are eligible. The current funding program focuses in particular on models such as the DJI Matrice 4E, the DJI Matrice 4T, and the DJI Mavic 3T. BG BAU's official approved model list is updated regularly - the latest version is available at bgbau.de/praemien.
2. EU Drone Pilot License A2 (Remote Pilot Certificate)
A key element of the new guidelines is funding for the EU drone pilot license at the A2 level. Importantly, BG BAU requires all drone pilots listed in the flight logbook to hold a valid A2 remote pilot certificate - even if the specific operation would legally be permitted under a simpler A1/A3 competency certificate. If multiple employees are designated as drone pilots, every individual pilot must hold this certificate.
The A2 remote pilot certificate is applied for through the Federal Aviation Office (LBA) and requires passing an additional theory exam at an approved testing center. The LBA issuance fee is €30 - and this cost is also eligible for reimbursement.
3. LBA Registration
Operators of drones weighing 250 grams or more at takeoff must register with the Federal Aviation Office. This mandatory registration is also included among the eligible costs.
| Förderbaustein | Was wird gefördert? | Wichtiger Hinweis |
|---|---|---|
| Drohne | Anschaffungskosten für C1- oder C2-Drohne | Nur Modelle auf der BG-BAU-Förderliste |
| Führerschein | EU-Fernpilotenzeugnis A2 inkl. Schulung | A1/A3 allein wird nicht gefördert |
| LBA-Registrierung | Registrierungsgebühr beim Luftfahrt-Bundesamt | Pflicht ab 250 g Abfluggewicht |
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants are businesses that are members of BG BAU, employ at least one person, have paid at least one BG BAU contribution, and can demonstrate that the drone is being used as a workplace safety measure. Even businesses with no prior drone experience can take advantage of the grant.
Typical eligible businesses include:
- Roofing contractors (inspections, measurements, documentation)
- Carpentry firms (roof checks, condition assessments)
- Scaffolding companies (pre-inspection of hard-to-reach areas)
- General contractors (job site documentation, façade inspections)
- Building services providers (shaft and duct inspections)
How Much Is the Subsidy?
BG BAU covers up to 50 percent of total net costs, with a maximum of €2,000 per member business per calendar year. The grant amount is tied to your contribution level - the actual subsidy is calculated based on the company's annual membership contribution.
Individual components or any combination of drone, pilot license, and LBA registration can be submitted together. Applying for all three components at once maximizes the total grant amount.
A complete overview of all eligibility requirements, worked examples, and frequently asked questions is available in the full guide to the BG BAU drone subsidy at drohnenfoerderung.de - an information resource created specifically for construction businesses.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Check whether the desired model appears on the current BG BAU funding list. Only certified C1 and C2 drones are eligible. The official list is available at bgbau.de/praemien.
Purchase the drone and complete the EU Remote Pilot Certificate A2 at an accredited testing center. Then register as a UAS operator with the Federal Aviation Authority (LBA). Keep all invoices and supporting documents in a safe place.
The application form is available for download at bgbau.de/praemien. Fill it out in full and attach all required documents: the drone purchase invoice, proof of the A2 license, and the LBA registration confirmation.
Submit the completed application along with all supporting documents to BG BAU. Funding is not granted automatically — it must be actively applied for, and only after the purchase, not before.
BG BAU will review the application and the submitted documents. Once approved, the subsidy will be paid out. Processing typically takes only a few weeks.
If you have questions, BG BAU can be reached toll-free at 0800 379 910 0 or by email at arbeitsschutzpraemien@bgbau.de.
Practical Tip: Which Drone Models Are the Right Fit?
Two types of drones have proven particularly well-suited for use in the trades:
Compact C1 drones are ideal for straightforward roof inspections, photo documentation, and measurement flights. They're lightweight, quick to deploy, and a great starting point for businesses new to drone use.
High-performance C2 drones such as the DJI Matrice 4E or DJI Matrice 4T offer advanced capabilities for professional inspections, thermal imaging, and precision surveying. They're optimized for regular use on job sites and handle more demanding applications with ease.
Not eligible: The EU Competency Certificate A1/A3 alone — without the additional A2 Remote Pilot Certificate — does not qualify for funding. Anyone holding only the A1/A3 certificate must also obtain the A2 license in order to receive the subsidy.
What Do You Do with the Drone Data?
Buying a drone is just the first step. The real value comes from processing the footage efficiently. Many inspection and documentation tasks can now be carried out safely from the ground - but the data still needs to be analyzed and put to work.
That's where Airteam comes in. The cloud-based platform automatically converts drone footage into precise 3D measurements and certified building models - in minutes rather than hours. Roofers, carpenters, and solar installers save not only the risky trip up to the roof, but also the time-consuming manual analysis that follows. See what this looks like in practice in the success story of master roofer Benjamin Harnack, who saves 90% of his measurement time using Airteam.
Bottom Line: Now Is the Right Time
The new BG BAU drone subsidy sends a clear message: drone technology has arrived in the trades - and the industry's accident insurer is firmly behind it. Businesses already handling inspection, documentation, or surveying tasks can use professional drone systems not only to improve workplace safety, but also to save meaningful time and money in the long run.
With up to €2,000 in subsidies, a streamlined application process, and retroactive eligibility back to January 2026, there's no reason to wait. Submit your application, lock in your funding - and put your drone to work right away.
Do I need to apply for funding before making a purchase?
No. The funding application is submitted after purchasing the drone — along with the invoice and required supporting documents. Prior approval is not necessary.
Can I get funding for a drone I've already purchased?
Yes, as long as the purchase date is on or after January 1, 2026. Drones acquired in the first half of 2026 can be included in the funding program retroactively.
Is the A1/A3 Competency Certificate enough to qualify for funding?
No. BG BAU exclusively funds the EU Remote Pilot Certificate A2. The basic A1/A3 certificate alone does not qualify for funding.
How long does the application review take?
Based on current information, processing typically takes only a few weeks. The drone may be used before the funding approval is received.
Where can I find the application form?
The application form and all current funding terms are available at bgbau.de/praemien. For questions, BG BAU can be reached at 0800 379 910 0 (toll-free) or by email at arbeitsschutzpraemien@bgbau.de.
