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Family matters (name declarations, certificates)

21.07.2025 - Article

Please read the information thoroughly to find out if a name declaration is required, especially after a birth, marriage or divorce abroad.

10.04.2025 Article

New naming law as of 1 May 2025

The changes to German naming law for married and birth names and to private international law as of 1 May 2025 are outlined below.

Father, mother and two small children at the breakfast table
20.07.2025 Article

Name Declaration for Spouses

The name of a German citizen does not change automatically by marriage alone. Therefore, a name declaration might be necessary before a German passport can be issued in the new name.

Married Name / Name  declaration for civil partners
27.09.2023 Article

Birth registration / German birth certificate

If a German citizen is born abroad, the birth may be registered upon request at the competent Registrar’s Office (“Standesamt”) in Germany and a German birth certificate will be issued.

Baby
30.09.2021 Article

Name declaration after divorce or death of a spouse

The name of a German national does not change automatically by divorce or death of a spouse. However, after the divorce or death of a spouse, it is possible to change the name back to the maiden name…

Name declaration
29.01.2020 Article

Change of name under Public Law

The German law on names is comprehensively and fundamentally conclusively regulated by the provisions of the German Civil Code (BGB). The change of name under public law is of an exceptional nature and…

Name Change
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