How to Change your Name in Europe - Switzerland, Belgium and Norway

Even though a name is viewed as an intrinsic part of an individual’s identity, there may be occasions when he/she wishes to change it. In modern society, the process of adopting a new name becomes complicated because of the emphasis on official documentation, written and/or electronic, by the government and its various departments. So if you live in Europe and belong to countries like Switzerland, Belgium and Norway, here is a brief guide on how to change your name.

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The official process of change of name will depend on what kind of law the country follows. If it is based on common law, which is gives more emphasis to precedent than on codified rules, the process of name change is relatively simpler. The civil society on the other hand requires governmental approval for the process and this in certain cases, like the change of surname for reasons other than marriage, is extremely rare. The jurisprudence of Switzerland, Belgium and Norway is based on civil law which is why in these countries, the official process of change of name is quite complicated.

Switzerland

In this country, the civil status certificate is the most important official document regarding the civil identity of the individual. All changes in civil status – marriage, birth of a child, acknowledgement of paternity as well as name changes – must be registered by the civil register office. In case you want to change your name, you will have to contact the civil register office of your place of origin. You start off by choosing the canton and then your place of origin, where you can contact the civil register office and request for the particular form for name change. The exact details of the process including forms, necessary documents and associated fees will change from the regulations of one canton to another. The best way to go about this is to browse through the website of Swiss government and the follow the relevant links¹. Swiss nationals living abroad who wish to change their civil status details like names can order it through their local Swiss representation.
If you are contemplating a name change on account of marriage, the information in some of your personal documents will need to be updated. The documents that need changing are: your driving license, your passport , your ID card as well as your certificate of origin².

However any approval for application for change of name is governed by the regulations of the particular cantonal government. According to article 30 of the Swiss Civil Code, there have to be adequately justifiable reasons, “justes motifs”, for the change of name, for instance if you can show that you suffer substantially from your present name since it is the same as that of a notorious criminal, you may be granted a name change. Other than the justifiability of your name change, you have to meet certain conditions regarding your age and residence status in Switzerland.

Belgium

Under Belgian law, an individual is supposed to carry the name given upon birth and mentioned in the birth certificate for life and changing it for frivolous reasons is not encouraged. In fact the last name is practically impossible to change and the only way you can go bring this about is to get a Royal Decree. However in case of first names, the rules for change are more relaxed and can be granted by a Ministerial Decree. But even then, you need to meet certain conditions for your request for change of name to be allowed. Thus you can petition for a name change if you are
 

• Of non-European origin and want to adopt a less exotic name to integrate yourself better in Belgian society.
• Are stuck with a ridiculous last name that is the cause of acute embarrassment or emotional distress in daily life.
• A minor and wish to adopt a new name after legal adoption or recognition of paternity.

Finally the new name that you wish to adopt should not be the source of confusion or harm to others and the society at large.

In order to change your name in Belgium, you have to get in touch with the office of the Federal Public Service, Service Changements de nom, which is located at Boulevard de Waterloo 115, B-1000 Bruxelles. You can also get in touch with their website³ and depending upon your language go through the forms and documentation necessary for the process of name change . For instance if you choose French, you will be directed to the page under Changer de nom⁴.

Under Belgian law, marriage does not have any effect on the spouses' surnames. You are allowed to keep the surname that you had before you were married unless you are also a national of another EU Member State. In case you wish to take on your spouse’s name after marriage, you will have to go through the official procedure as laid down by the office of the Federal Public Service, Service Changements de nom.

Norway

Earlier the process of name change in Norway required the applicant to file a petition with a government regional representative, also known as the fylkesmann. However since 1980 it has become relatively easier to adopt a new name in Norway even though an application process is still involved.

In order to change your name in Norway you have to complete an application form for name changing and  send it to the National Registry at the tax office⁵. An application form may be downloaded from the Ministry of Justice and the Police's website which is in the Norwegian language, Meldingsskjema for navneendring⁶. After filling the form completely and correctly you have to submit it to your local tax office so you new name may be registered correctly in the National Population Register, known in Norway as the folkeregisteret. Also if you wish to change your name in connection with the marriage, you have to send a notification of change of name GA-7700 in a form that is available in Norwegian only. The above mentioned forms can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion of Norway.

Reference:
 

1. The Swiss Portal - Civil Status Certificates
    
2. The Swiss Portal - Getting married in Switzerland
    
3. Kingdom of Belgium - Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Corporation: Giving a name
    
4. Belgium - Service Public Fédéral Justice - Changer de nom
    
5. Norway.no - Frequently Asked Questions
    
6. Norway - Meldingsskjema for navneendring