You acquired your name under foreign law and now want to align it with German law? This is possible if you have now been naturalized or recognized as an asylum seeker or refugee.
People with foreign names who are now subject to German law can make a declaration to bring their first and last names into line with German law. Name components that are not recognized under German law can be dropped, e.g. father's names.
Acquisition of the name under foreign law. The declaring person has names or parts of names that are foreign to German law and the declaring person
- now has German citizenship
- or is stateless
- or homeless foreigners
- or recognized foreign refugee or asylum seeker.
with habitual residence in Germany or registered in Germany.
- Identity card, passport or travel document
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable. Documents in a foreign language require an official translation.
- Naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate or certificate of acquisition of German citizenship, if applicable, proof of entitlement to asylum or recognition as a refugee.
- Interpreter - If the person making the declaration does not speak German, an interpreter must be involved at his or her request and expense.
Further documents are available upon request. In case of doubt, we recommend that you contact us by telephone beforehand.
Advice on legal options and requirements is necessary.
The registry office that maintains the birth register for the person whose name is to be changed is responsible for receiving the declaration and thus making it effective. If there is no domestic birth entry, the registry office that maintains the marriage register is responsible. If this does not result in any jurisdiction, the registry office of the place of residence is responsible. The declaration is generally notarized at the registry office of the place of residence. The registry office that certifies it will then send it to the responsible registry office if necessary.
No.
Contact the registry office where you live. You will receive an appointment for the certification of the declaration of adjustment. You can prove the name you have previously used by providing your foreign birth or marriage certificate and/or a foreign identity document. You can prove your entitlement to a declaration of adjustment by providing your naturalization certificate or your recognition as an asylum seeker or as a foreign refugee.
No.
35.50 EUR. A certificate for name alignment costs 18.00 EUR.
If the registry office refuses to carry out an official act, in this case: recording a declaration regarding the use of the name, an application can be made to the Hamburg District Court, Personal Status Court, Sievekingplatz 1, on the instructions of the registry office.
Keywords: Explanation of the name alignment Name-legal declaration Alignment of the surname German foreign surnames Change of name after naturalization Name change after naturalization Deletion of the father's name after naturalization First name, change after naturalization Change of first name after naturalization Change of surname after naturalization Last name, change after naturalization
Last updated: 08.10.2024