The name change does not happen in Denmark, it happens in your home country. What works: fully use German / Austrian / Swiss name options. What does not work: directly carrying Danish names. Here is the guide.
Which name options do you have?
Both keep
Each partner keeps their birth name. Most common choice for academic couples.
Common marriage name
One birth name becomes the marriage name of both. Automatic for children.
Double name
One partner uses a hyphenated double name (e.g. "Müller-Schmidt"). Not possible in all constellations.
Where do you declare the name change?
In Germany: at your responsible registry office (residence or place of marriage if registered there). In Austria: at the registry office at the main residence. In Switzerland: at the civil-status office.
What does the name change cost?
| Country | Fee | Follow-up cost |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | € 25–60 | + new passport / ID € 60–80 |
| Austria | € 35 | + new passport € 76 |
| Switzerland | CHF 75–150 | + new passport CHF 145 |
Which documents do you need?
- Danish marriage certificate (multilingual or certified translation)
- Birth certificate of both partners
- ID card or passport
- Application form of the registry office
- For non-German marriage certificates: apostille if needed
After the name change, what to update
Passport and ID
Citizens' office, new passport with the new name.
Banks and insurance
Change with the marriage certificate without formality.
Health insurance, employer
Income-tax class III/V or IV/IV.
Contracts and memberships
Telecom, electricity, clubs, online accounts.
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