21.1 Flying flags

Below you find information of interest when flying flags in Sweden, including the rules for installing a flagpole and information on the Swedish National Flag Days.

In accordance with the Vienna Convention, the Mission and its head shall have the right to use the flag and emblem of the sending State on the premises of the Mission, including the residence of the head of the Mission and on his/her means of transport. This includes ambassadors who have handed over their letters of credence to His Majesty the King and chargés d’affaires (a.i.). The same right also applies to consulates and to the head of the consular post and his/her means of transport when used on official business. However, if the Mission's premises are rented, the landlord should always be consulted before the flagpole is installed.

Flags or national flags on a pole do not require building permits in Stockholm, regardless of location. However, there are local police regulations that the Mission has to consider when the flag is raised over a walkway or a road. According to Section 9 of Stockholm's local police regulations, marquees, flags and signs shall not be set up so that they protrude over a walkway at a height less than 3.0 meters or over a road at a height less than 4.50 meters. Foldaway marquees may be placed over the walkway with a free height measurement of 2.50 meters. For the relevant rule in the general local police regulations, see the website of the City of Stockholm and choose 'Markiser, flaggor och skyltar'.

Flags are flown in Sweden on the dates indicated below. It is recommended that a Mission's flag be hoisted at 08.00 from 1 March until 31 October, and at 09.00 for the rest of the year. The flag should be lowered at sunset or by 21.00 at the latest.

Swedish National Flag Days:

  • January 1 - New Year's Day
  • January 28 - Name day of HM the King
  • March 12 - Name day of HRH the Crown Princess
  • Easter Day
  • April 30 - Birthday of HM the King
  • May 1 - First of May
  • May 29 - Veterans day
  • May/June - Whit Sunday
  • June 6 - Swedish National Day and Swedish Flag Day
  • Midsummer Day
  • July 14 - Birthday of HRH the Crown Princess
  • August 8 - Name day of HM the Queen
  • September - General Election Day (3rd Sunday in September every fourth year)
  • October 24 - United Nations Day
  • November 6 - Commemoration of King Gustav II Adolf
  • December 10 - Nobel Day
  • December 23 - Birthday of HM the Queen
  • December 25 - Christmas Day

For information on the flag rules applicable to the Swedish flag, please see the website of Rikskommittén Sveriges nationaldag.

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