You don't change your name in Denmark but at home. After the Danish wedding, every name option that German, Austrian or Swiss law provides is open to you. In Denmark itself, a name change is not possible without Danish residence. Note for Switzerland: there, the name declaration must be filed at the latest 6 months after the wedding.
Which name options do you have?
Both keep
Each partner keeps their current name.
Common marriage name
One partner's name becomes the common name; in Germany and Austria this can also be a name currently in use, in Switzerland only a pre-marriage name (Ledigname). Children you have together carry it automatically.
Double name
In Germany since 1 May 2025 also as the common marriage name of both, with or without a hyphen (e.g. "Müller-Schmidt"); in Austria with a hyphen. Not currently possible in Switzerland.
Where do you declare the name change?
In Germany: at the registry office of your place of residence; if you live abroad and were never registered as a resident in Germany, at Standesamt I in Berlin. The declaration must be officially certified and can be combined with the subsequent registration in the marriage register. In Austria: at the registry office at the main residence, ideally together with reporting the marriage. With the shared family name in mind, the Austrian embassy in Copenhagen recommends obtaining an Austrian certificate of no impediment or a certificate of single or civil status before the wedding, even though Denmark does not require one. In Switzerland: before the wedding at the civil-status office, afterwards together with the marriage documents at the Swiss representation or the cantonal supervisory authority.
What does the name change cost?
The declaration itself is cheap; the new ID usually costs more.
| Country | Fee + new ID |
|---|---|
| Germany | €25–60 + €46 (ID card) or €70 (passport) |
| Austria | €35 + €76 |
| Switzerland | CHF 75–150 + 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 Switzerland only: the original marriage certificate, no more than 6 months old; the Swiss representation's leaflet lists no apostille (more on registration in Switzerland)
What to update after the name change
Passport and ID first
The citizens' office issues your passport and ID in the new name; with them you can handle every other change in one go.
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.
