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Change of name

Swiss abroad and their spouses or registered partners have to report any change of name and/or surname to the Swiss representation responsible for their place of residence, so that the data in the various Swiss registers can be updated. 

Following a marriage/registered partnership  

Following a divorce/dissolution of registered partnership

Following the death of a spouse or registered partner

  • Please see 'Changing your surname back to your birth name' in:
    Death

Any change of name must be must be entered in the Swiss civil status register. This updating of the register is free of charge.

Please submit the following documents to your Swiss representation:

  • original of the corresponding decree

The original documents are submitted to the civil status authority concerned in Switzerland and must not be older than six months. They will not be returned. Photocopies are not accepted. Additional documents may be required if necessary.

The cost of a thorough verification, should it be necessary, of the foreign civil status documents by a lawyer approved by the Swiss representation are at your expense.

For a change of name or surname in Switzerland, the government of your home canton is responsible to decide on your application.

Your Swiss representation can forward your application to the competent authority in Switzerland, if you hand it in:

  • A written request to the government of your home canton stating the reasons for your request and the choice of the new name or surname
  • A copy of your valid identity document
  • A corresponding advance payment (fees vary from one canton to another)

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Last update 21.07.2022