BG BAU to fund drones from 2026: How your business can claim up to €2,000

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    From 1 July 2026, BG BAU will subsidise drone purchases, drone certificates and LBA registration with up to €2,000 per year. All drones in our range are eligible for funding – simply choose the right model for you.


    No scaffolding. No walking on the roof. Still complete data.

    Drones take over tasks that would otherwise require your staff to access roofs, scaffolding or hard-to-reach areas. You stay on the ground while the data comes from above. This is exactly why BG BAU has included drones in its funding catalogue.

    • Roof measurement from the ground – Measure a detached house roof in under 10 minutes. No access, no ladder, complete measurements.
    • Roof and façade inspections – Identify cracks, damage and weak points without erecting scaffolding.
    • Thermography and leak detection – A thermal imaging camera reveals moisture and insulation damage on flat roofs. Visible within minutes.
    • Construction site documentation – Construction progress, 3D models and aerial measurements. Complete and traceable.
    • Inspect shafts and ducts – Inspect confined or hazardous areas without sending personnel inside.
    • Inspect PV systems – Detect faults and performance losses in solar systems using thermal imaging. In a single flight.

    What the BG BAU occupational safety grant covers for drones

    The funding applies from 1 July 2026 and amounts to up to €2,000 per year and business, depending on contributions. You can submit the application up to one year after purchase.

    • Drone purchase
    • Drone certificate (A1/A3 and A2)
    • LBA registration

    Requirement: The drone must demonstrably be used for occupational safety tasks. Inspections, measurements and checks of roofs, façades, shafts or construction sites qualify.


    How much BG BAU funding can you receive for your drone?

    The funding amount depends on your annual BG BAU membership contribution. From July 2026, there will be four tiers instead of the previous five – meaning many businesses can apply for more than before.

    BG BAU funding tiers from July 2026
    Tier Membership contribution / year Maximum funding / year
    A €100 to €1,000 up to €250
    B €1,001 to €25,000 up to €5,000
    C €25,001 to €100,000 up to €10,000
    D from €100,001 up to €20,000

    In short: Drone funding comes from the total budget of your funding tier. The maximum for drones is €2,000 per year. You can use the remainder for other occupational safety investments.


    Eligible drones for roofers, scaffolding contractors and construction companies

    All models are designed for inspections, measurements and checks. They meet the intended use required by BG BAU as a condition for funding.

    DJI Matrice 4E – Measurement and roof measurement

    Type: Surveying and mapping

    • 4/3" CMOS, 20 MP wide-angle + 3x and 7x zoom
    • Foldable, RTK-capable, ready for immediate use
    • Centimetre-accurate results without Ground Control Points

    Applications: Roof measurement, 3D models, construction site documentation

    DJI Matrice 4T – Thermography and inspection

    Type: Thermography and inspection

    • 640x512 thermal imaging camera + 70x zoom
    • Foldable, integrated laser rangefinder
    • Inspect roofs and façades in a single flight

    Applications: Thermography, roof measurement, leak detection, façade and roof inspection

    DJI Matrice 4D – Inspection and infrastructure

    Type: Inspection and infrastructure

    • Triple camera: wide-angle, telephoto, medium telephoto
    • IP55 protection, up to 54 min. flight time
    • Dock 3 compatible, -30 to +50 degrees

    Applications: Infrastructure inspection, continuous operation, autonomous missions

    DJI Matrice 4DT – Thermography with IP55 protection

    Type: Thermography, IP55, dock-ready

    • 640x512 thermal imaging camera + triple-camera system
    • IP55, NIR light for night operations
    • Dock 3 compatible for autonomous continuous operation

    Applications: Thermal inspections, night operations, critical infrastructure

    DJI Matrice 400 – Enterprise for all applications

    Type: Enterprise, all applications

    • Modular, compatible with all Zenmuse payloads
    • Highest wind resistance in its class
    • Redundant systems for critical missions

    Applications: Large construction projects, complex inspections

    Not sure which model is right for your business? Tell us what you fly and who you fly for – we’ll tell you what you need and what you don’t.


    How BG BAU funding for your drone works

    1. Choose and order your drone. Select the right model from our range. If you are unsure, just ask us – we will tell you directly which option makes sense for your applications.
    2. Register the drone with the LBA. Every drone operator must be registered with the Federal Aviation Authority. This is mandatory. If you need help, we are here for you.
    3. Obtain your drone certificate. You can obtain the A2 certificate directly from Airclip. BG BAU also subsidises this. If you already hold the certificate, skip this step.
    4. Submit your application to BG BAU. Submit the application online at bgbau.de/praemien. Keep your proof of purchase. You have up to one year after purchase.

    FAQ about BG BAU drone funding 2026

    Which drones does BG BAU fund?

    Drones that are demonstrably used for occupational safety tasks. This includes inspections, surveying, roof measurements or checks in hazardous areas such as shafts, ducts or façades. All models in our range fall within this scope.

    When does BG BAU funding for drones take effect?

    From 1 July 2026. You can submit the application up to one year after purchase. There is therefore no immediate time pressure when submitting the application.

    How much funding can I receive for my drone?

    Up to €2,000 per year and business. The exact amount depends on your funding tier, which is based on your annual BG BAU contribution. See the table above.

    Does BG BAU also fund the drone certificate?

    Yes. The EU drone certificate and LBA registration are both covered by the funding. Airclip offers the certificate (A1/A3 and A2) directly.

    Who can apply for BG BAU drone funding?

    All BG BAU member companies with an annual contribution of at least €100. This includes roofers, scaffolding contractors, construction companies, crane companies, façade contractors, PV installers and other businesses in the construction trade.

    How do I apply for funding for my drone?

    Online at bgbau.de/praemien. Keep your proof of purchase. You can submit the application up to one year after the purchase date.


    Buy a drone and claim your BG BAU funding.

    Choose your model. If you have any questions, we are here for you – before and after your purchase and when submitting the application.

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