22. Ceremonial procedures

22.1 Flying flags

Below you will find information about flying flags in Sweden, including the rules for installing a flagpole and a list of the official flag flying days in Sweden.

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 their 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 their means of transport when used on official business. However, if the Mission's premises are rented, the landlord should always be consulted before a flagpole is installed.

Flags or national flags on a pole do not require building permits in Stockholm, regardless of the 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 must not be set up so that they protrude over a walkway at a height less than 3.0 metres or over a road at a height less than 4.50 metres. Foldaway marquees may be placed over the walkway with a free height measurement of 2.50 metres. For the relevant rule in the general local police regulations, visit the website of the City of Stockholm and choose the heading Markiser, flaggor och skyltar.

City of Stockholm - external website,

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.

Official flag flying days in Sweden

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

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

Rikskommittén Sveriges nationaldag - external website,

22.2 Gifts

While gifts are a part of international protocol in connection with visits and a traditional way to express gratitude, some ethical and legal factors should be borne in mind.

According to the current ethical guidelines for Government Offices officials, gifts exceeding a value equivalent to SEK 500 should not be kept by the receiving official. Such gifts must be handed over to the Ministry’s official gifts repository.

Moderation should be observed as regards alcoholic beverages. Gifts consisting of alcoholic beverages are therefore not recommended; nor are gift tokens/vouchers. However, gifts such as local specialties or handicraft products are always welcome.

22.3 Communication with the Royal Court

Embassies’ communication with the Royal Court.

Gifts to the Royal Family can be delivered to:
The Palace’s Post & Logistics reception
(Kungl. Slottets Post & Logistik-mottagning)
Högvaktsterrassen 1
107 70 Stockholm (Sweden)
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 07.00–16.30
Staff there will receive the gift. It is very important that the gift is clearly labelled, including whom it is from and for whom it is intended.
If the driver has any trouble finding the location, please call the Royal Palace at: 08-402 60 00.

New Year’s, birthday and National Day greetings should be sent directly to Heidi Kumlin, Private Secretary to His Majesty The King.
Via email: [email protected]
Via postal service:
Private Secretary to His Majesty The King
Heidi Kumlin
Kungliga Slottet
SE-107 70 Stockholm (Sweden)

For any other matters please contact Charlotte Dahl at the Office of the Marshal of the Court.
Via email: [email protected]
Via Postal Service:
Charlotte Dahl
Kungliga Slottet
SE-107 70 Stockholm (Sweden)