The right to a name is one of the first rights accorded in Book 1 of the Dutch Civil Code, which concerns the law of persons and family law. All residents of the Netherlands have a first name and a surname, for which the Civil Code contains rules for their acquisition, use and change.
Thus, a surname may only be changed if there is a sufficiently compelling interest for the requested change and following an assessment of whether the proposed name is lawful – a name that is also a term of abuse or mockery is not permitted, for example.

Our specialists are always happy to answer any queries about first name and/or surname changes and the applicable procedures.