Partner Surname Choice in Utrecht

Upon marriage or registered partnership in Utrecht, partners can record a partner surname choice. You then decide whether to keep your own surname, adopt your partner's, or create a new joint family name. This decision affects not only you and your partner but also future children. In Utrecht, it's wise to consider this carefully through the Municipality of Utrecht or Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht.

What is partner surname choice?

The partner surname choice gives spouses or partners the freedom to select their surname upon entering into a union in the Netherlands, including in Utrecht. Unlike in many neighboring countries, Dutch law offers considerable flexibility here. Automatic adoption is not required. The choice is recorded in the marriage or partnership deed and remains in effect for the duration of the relationship.

This article builds on our overview of name change after marriage and focuses on the options during the Utrecht ceremony.

Legal basis

The partner surname choice is governed by Book 1 of the Civil Code (CC), Articles 1:10 to 1:14. Article 1:10 CC states that partners may use their own surname unless they prefer otherwise. Article 1:11 CC covers the joint surname, such as a combination of surnames or forenames. For international names, Article 1:12 CC applies. Upon termination (divorce or death), you can revert to your previous name under Article 1:14 CC.

For children, Article 1:9 CC applies, where parental choices influence the child's surname.

Options for partner surname choice

You make the choice with the civil registrar in Utrecht. Overview:

Option	Explanation	Effects
Keep own surname	Each partner retains their own surname.	No change; most popular and simplest.
Adopt partner's surname	One partner takes the other's surname.	Unilateral; reversible later.
Joint surname	Combination such as surname1 + prefix + surname2, or parts thereof.	Everyone has the same name; maximum 2 parts.

The joint surname must be unique and contain no more than two parts.

Step-by-step procedure in Utrecht

Prepare: Discuss options well in advance with your partner.
Declaration: Report the marriage/partnership to the Municipality of Utrecht and state your preference.
Ceremony: Confirm verbally with the Utrecht registrar.
Post-ceremony action: Receive an extract with the updated name.
Documents: Apply for a new passport at the Municipality of Utrecht.

Utrecht examples

Example 1: Anna de Vries and Bram Jansen marry in Utrecht and choose 'de Vries-Jansen' as their joint surname.

Example 2: Carla Smit and David van der Linden from Utrecht keep their surnames. Their child could receive 'Smit-van der Linden'.

Example 3: After divorce, David reverts to 'van der Linden'. The child's surname remains unless the District Court of Utrecht rules otherwise.

Rights and obligations

Rights: Full freedom; later changes via District Court of Utrecht (Art. 1:5 CC).
Obligations: Choice must be made in advance; coercion can invalidate the deed.
Joint surname requires consent of both.
Post-divorce: reversion is standard, retention possible (Art. 1:14(2) CC).

Frequently asked questions

Can I change my surname choice in Utrecht later?

Yes, by petition to the District Court of Utrecht during marriage (Art. 1:5 CC). After divorce, reversion is automatic or retention can be chosen.

Partner with foreign surname in Utrecht?

Rules are the same; combinations must comply with Dutch standards (Art. 1:12 CC). Check with the Municipality of Utrecht.

Impact on child's surname in Utrecht?

Yes, it determines options (Art. 1:9 CC). Joint parental surname becomes standard.

Costs for surname choice in Utrecht?

Choice is free at the ceremony. Passport approx. €70 at Municipality of Utrecht; child's name change extra.

Tips for Utrecht residents

Future-proof: Consider career, family, and children. Consult relatives.
Seek help: Visit Het Juridisch Loket Utrecht or a family law attorney in the area.
Organize: Keep all deeds and update documents promptly at the Municipality of Utrecht.