In the event that your first name or surname puts you at a disadvantage, an application can be made to change the name. To do so, you must submit a request.

Changing your name

Basically, a change of name is there to eliminate disadvantages associated with the previous name. The mere desire to change your name is not sufficient. The reasons must be understandable, comprehensible (e.g. by means of supporting documents) and convincing. Alleged facts must be proven and not merely made credible. The asserted reasons must not be unlawful, abusive or immoral.

According to Art. 30 para. 1 of the Swiss Civil Code, the government of the canton of the person’s residence may approve a change of name if there are substantial reasons for doing so. The mere wish to change the name is not sufficient. Understandable, comprehensible and convincing reasons must be given. The reasons given must be substantiated by the applicant.

Name declaration

Under certain circumstances, it is possible to make a name declaration directly at the registry office. You then do not have to apply for a name change. To do so, however, some conditions must be met..

Registered partnership: If your marriage or registered partnership has been dissolved by a court (e.g. through divorce, annulment or invalidity), you can declare to the registry office at any time that you wish to use your unmarried surname again. This also applies if your partner is deceased.

Gender: If you are firmly convinced that you do not belong to the gender entered in the civil status register, you can change it directly at the registry office without any red tape. You can also change your name at the same time. As a rule, this includes the first name. If your surname or an intermediate name has a gender-specific ending, you can also change these parts of your name. The declaration follows the binary gender order: only the genders “male” and “female” can be registered. Under the age of 16, the consent of the legal representative is required.

Regulations for joint children

If the parents of a child are not married to each other, the first joint child is automatically given the mother’s surname at birth.

Should the parents have joint or sole custody of the child, they can choose the father’s surname for the first child within one year of declaring custody. If the child has reached the age of twelve, he or she must consent to the change.

Married parents who chose the surname of their children when they got married can declare within one year of the birth of their first child that it should be given the surname of the other parent.

Sole name after divorce: The name change is to be distinguished from the name declaration. If, for example, you would like to use your single name again after a divorce, you can have this change made at the relevant registry office without giving reasons.

If your application for a name change is rejected, as competent lawyers at your side we can file an appeal with the relevant higher court.