Changing name and last name

@Ehf2025

Congratulations on your Belgian nationality! To change your first name, contact your local municipality (commune) as it's an administrative process for Belgian citizens; for your last name, you need "serious grounds" and must apply to the FPS Justice (Ministry of Justice), a more formal process requiring documents like your birth certificate and proof of nationality, possibly involving sibling agreement, with a fee involved.

For Changing Your First Name:

1. Contact Your Commune: Go to your local town hall (commune) where you are registered as a Belgian citizen.
2. Submit Request: Explain you're a Belgian citizen and request the change.
3. Requirements: The new name shouldn't cause confusion or harm.
4. Process: This is usually free and faster (can be a few months).

For Changing Your Last Name (Surname):

1. Serious Grounds: You need compelling reasons (e.g., linking to a parent's name, resolving confusion).
2. Apply to FPS Justice: Submit a written request with motivation to the Minister of Justice (FPS Justice).

1. Required Documents:
2. Proof of Belgian nationality.
3. Motivated request letter.
4. Full birth certificate (translated/legalised if from abroad).
5. Criminal record extract (Model 1).
6. Proof of fee payment (€140, payable to FPS Finance).
7. Recent certificate of residence.

Sibling Consent: Your direct siblings might need to agree.

Timeline: This is a longer process, potentially taking months or more, as it often requires a Royal Decree.

Then, finally, you will have to change:

1. Bank information,
2. Driving License,
3. Your ID card at the commune
4. Insurance,
5. Work ID,
6. Passport.
7. Everything that requires having your name on it..... (It can be very time-consuming and incur a few costs)

More information can be found here >https://fin.belgium.be/en/private-indiv … ality-name