Flag lighting in Sweden – rules and practice for a floodlit flag

Under the Swedish recommendations, the flag is lowered at sunset, no later than 21:00. But there is an exception: if the flag is floodlit, it may stay up after the sun has set. That is why lighting is common at businesses and public buildings, and with private individuals who want the flag up on an evening of celebration. Here is an overview.

Why lighting matters

The flying times are based on the idea that the flag is seen and treated with respect. A flag hanging in the dark cannot be seen, which is why Swedish tradition regards it as poor flag etiquette. With lighting, that problem disappears. The same principle appears in the Swedish Armed Forces’ regulations on flag flying, under which the flag may, with permission, stay up after sunset if it is lit by floodlights.

It is worth bearing in mind that it is lighting aimed at the flag that counts. A lamp on the house wall that happens to light up the garden does not normally count.

Common ways of lighting the flag

• Floodlights at the foot: one or two directed floodlights at the foot of the pole, shining upwards, are the most common. With two fittings from different directions, the flag is visible whatever the wind direction.
• Lighting on the pole: there are fittings mounted some way up the pole or at the top.
• LED: uses little power and lasts a long time, which suits lighting that is on for whole evenings.
• Timer or dusk sensor: switches the lighting on automatically when it gets dark.
• Solar-powered lighting: needs no electrical installation and is often used at holiday homes, but usually gives weaker light.

It is worth bearing in mind that light not aimed at the flag can dazzle neighbours, drivers and cyclists.

Electrical safety

According to the Swedish National Electrical Safety Board (Elsäkerhetsverket), fixed installations of outdoor lighting are, with a few exceptions, carried out by a registered electrical installation company. This applies, for example, when cable is buried to the pole or a fitting is permanently connected.

Plug-in lighting connected to an earthed socket does not count as a fixed installation. The Electrical Safety Board points out that such lighting needs to be intended for outdoor use and that the cables need protecting against crushing. Solar lighting requires no electrical installation at all.

It is worth bearing in mind that there can be cables and pipes in the ground where the cable is to run, see flagpole installation.

Planning permission

On 1 December 2025 a new set of planning rules came into force, and the general permission requirement for lighting installations was removed. Lighting can still require planning permission in some cases:

• as an alteration to the façade of buildings other than one- and two-family houses within a local development plan, if the alteration is on a façade or roof facing a public place
• on or near particularly valuable buildings, facilities, public places and built-up areas
• if the lighting can hinder the operations of the total defence within or near an area of national interest for the total defence.

A floodlight at a house’s flagpole is not normally covered by these cases. For businesses and properties in central locations, the municipality can give an answer in the individual case.

Businesses and public buildings

It is worth bearing in mind that lighting is a precondition if the flag is to stay up after sunset in a way that follows the Swedish recommendations. Some organisations keep flags up permanently; others raise and lower them according to the ordinary times. More about flag policies in the guide to flagpoles for businesses.