Flag protocol in Austria: national, state, EU and municipal flags
Published Written by Flagpole Guides
This page is an English translation of the German original. Where the two versions differ, the German text is the original.
As soon as more than one flag is flown, the question of order arises: where does red-white-red go, where the state flag, where the European flag? In Austria this is not regulated by law. The Austrian Armed Forces’ flag order states that it sums up the rules that have proved themselves and that deviations are possible under certain conditions. The State of Styria has published an illustrated flag guide following the same logic.
The place of honour
The place of honour belongs in principle to the flag of the Republic of Austria. Under the Armed Forces’ flag order it is:
| Number of flags | Place of honour |
|---|---|
| two | on the left as seen by the viewer |
| three | in the middle |
| more than three | on the far left as seen by the viewer |
The Styrian flag guide explains the background: the “higher” side is heraldic right, that is, the viewer’s left. A 2006 article by the Ministry of the Interior describes the place of honour, except with three flags, as on the far right as seen by the viewer; the more recent Armed Forces’ flag order and the Styrian guide put it on the left. Styria also mentions the option of placing the two or three highest-ranking flags in the middle when there are four or more.
The viewing direction is from in front of the poles towards the building. Seen from the building, the place of honour is therefore on the right.
The order
The Styrian flag guide ranks flags as follows:
- States: the host country’s flag first, other national flags in alphabetical order of their German names.
- Federal states: also alphabetical.
- Communities of states such as the UN, EU or NATO.
- Municipalities.
- Clubs and others.
The Armed Forces’ flag order confirms that the flags of the federal states come before those of international and supranational organisations. As a special mark of respect, the place of honour can be given to a guest or an organisation; the European, UN or Olympic flag can take the place of honour at their events.
Examples from practice
Annex 3 of the Armed Forces’ flag order shows line-ups, read from left to right as seen by the viewer:
- Austria – EU
- State – Austria – EU (three flags, Austria in the middle)
- Austria – guest – state – EU
- Austria – state – EU – city
- Austria – EU member states in alphabetical order – EU
If only the service flag and the European flag are flown on a row of poles, they go on the inner poles and the outer ones stay empty.
State and municipal flags on their own buildings
Under the Styrian flag guide, the state flag can take the place of honour on state buildings and at state events, and the municipal flag on municipal buildings and at municipal events. On federal, state or municipal occasions the respective flag is hoisted; on National Day, for example, the national flag, while hoisting the state and municipal flags as well is optional. More on the state colours in the guide to the flags of the federal states.
Poles and formats
- Flags fly on poles of the same height.
- One flag per pole; several flags on one pole are not permitted under the Armed Forces’ flag order.
- Foreign flags are hoisted only together with the Austrian flag.
- According to the Ministry of the Interior, each flag’s national format and the correct position of its design are respected.
Flags indoors, at lecterns and in processions
- Office: the flag stands to the right behind the desk.
- Lectern: the Austrian flag stands behind the lectern to the speaker’s right. If a foreign guest speaks, the guest’s national flag is added to the left behind the lectern at the same height. With two lecterns and the European flag, two pairs are formed in the order Austria – EU – guest country.
- Procession: the Austrian flag is carried at the front, behind any band. If other flags accompany it, it goes in the middle at the front. Neither source provides for several red-white-red flags in one group.
- Church: the Austrian flag stands on the right-hand side as seen from the altar.
How foreign flags are displayed and what criminal law says about them is described in the guide to foreign flags in Austria.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the place of honour when several flags are flown in Austria?
Under the Austrian Armed Forces’ flag order, the place of honour is on the left as seen by the viewer with two flags, in the middle with three flags and on the far left as seen by the viewer with more than three flags. It belongs in principle to the flag of the Republic of Austria.
In what order do the other flags follow?
After the flag in the place of honour, the other national flags follow in the order of the German alphabet, as do the flags of the federal states. The state flags come before the flags of international organisations such as the EU. The Styrian flag guide then lists municipal flags and finally club flags.
May the state flag take the place of honour?
Under the flag guide of the State of Styria, the flag of the federal state can take the place of honour on state buildings and at state events, and the municipal flag on municipal buildings. On federal occasions such as National Day, the national flag is flown.
May several flags hang on one pole?
The Armed Forces’ flag order describes hoisting several flags on one pole as not permitted. Flags are flown on poles of the same height, each flag on its own pole.
Where does the flag stand at a lectern?
Under the Armed Forces’ flag order and the Ministry of the Interior’s article, the Austrian flag stands behind the lectern to the speaker’s right. If a foreign guest speaks, the guest’s national flag stands to the left behind the lectern at the same height.
Sources
This guide is based on the following sources, most of them in German:
- Fahnenordnung des Österreichischen Bundesheeres, VBl. I Nr. 63/2018, Abschnitt II D und Beilagen 3 bis 5 – Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung
- Flaggenkunde – Rangfolge und Anordnung der Flaggen – Amt der Steiermärkischen Landesregierung, Referat Protokoll und Auszeichnungen
- Die Symbole der Republik, Öffentliche Sicherheit 11-12/2006 – Bundesministerium für Inneres
Related guides
- Foreign flagsForeign flags in Austria: who may display them, their order next to red-white-red, embassies under the Vienna Conventions and protection under section 317 StGB.
- Flags of the federal statesThe colours of Austria’s nine federal states under state law, who may use the state flag and coat of arms, and how the state flag hangs next to red-white-red.
- Flags in mourningState mourning and mourning flags in Austria: half-mast, mourning ribbon and black flag, who orders them, how long they fly and the mourning flag on a coffin.
- Flagpoles for businessesCompany flags in Austria: when a pole counts as advertising, the roadside advertising ban in section 84 StVO, the federal coat of arms and liability.