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Belgium

Belgium gained full freedom of panorama in 2016: you can now sell images of public buildings and art, including the once-restricted Atomium from public space.

By Joel Kelly Verified Jun 28, 2026 2 sources
Permit: conditionalPanorama: Full

Shoot decision

Depends on setup

Street photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots on public roads and at managed or interior sites need authorization.

Permit

Conditional

Issuer: Municipality or site owner for commercial shoots; no permit for personal street photography

Cost: No permit for personal photography; commercial crews and managed sites need permission

Street photography needs no permit. Commercial shoots on public roads and at managed or interior sites need authorization.

Drone / airspace

Governed by EU EASA rules via the BCAA; operator registration required, with no-fly zones over much of Brussels

For category detail, see Drone Authority.

Street / public space

Yes to photograph, but Belgium has strong portrait rights; publishing a recognizable person generally needs consent

No consent needed when a person is incidental to a crowd or scene.

Freedom of panorama

Full

The Act of 27 June 2016 added Article XI.190(2/2), covering buildings and plastic or graphic artworks permanently in public places, including commercial use.

Practical notes

  • The Atomium was the classic pre-2016 trap; photos from public space are now covered, though the rights holder still polices some uses.
  • Freedom of panorama does not waive the portrait rights of recognizable people in frame.

Guidance, not legal advice

Rules change and enforcement varies. Confirm with the issuing authority before you shoot. Drone law depth lives at Drone Authority.

Drone Authority

Check the flight side

Photography access and drone permission are separate questions. Drone Authority covers the flight-law side for this country.

Field kit

Travel kit for publication risk

Match more field gearCheck field deals

Product links may earn a commission at no cost to you. Verify the rules first, then buy only what keeps the shoot practical.

Plan the travel shoot

Sources

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