Double surname
Starting Jan. 1, 2024, you can give your first child if born on (or after) Jan. 1, 2024, the last names of both parents. No more than two names may be given. This double surname also applies to all subsequent children of the same parents. It is not mandatory to choose a double surname.
Are you married or in a registered partnership?
Name choice can be made no later than the birth declaration. This requires both parents to appear in person. Therefore, we recommend that name choice be arranged before the birth. Make an appointment to do name selection.
Are you currently pregnant with your first child and your child is expected to be born in 2024?
You can have a deed of name choice drawn up now in anticipation of the new legislation if you want a double surname for your child. Please make an appointment to do so.
Are you not married or in a registered partnership?
To choose a double surname, you must first have the child recognized.
Transitional
If the eldest child was born on (or after) Jan. 1, 2016, and before Jan. 1, 2024, parents can take advantage of the transitional arrangement. This allows them to still choose a double surname for their child(ren) from Jan. 1, 2024 (until Jan. 1, 2025). They must choose together which names to give and in what order. The chosen name will apply to all children of the same parents. To arrange this, a deed of choice of name must be drawn up. This deed can be drawn up at any civil registrar's office.
Did you arrange recognition of unborn fetus in 2023? And will your child be born in 2024? Then you can only choose a double surname for your child during the birth registration. Please note: both parents must be present during the birth registration!
Cost
For the first child: €75.00
For each subsequent child: €50.00
Double surname
A double surname consists of a maximum of 2 names. The surname is written without hyphen/couple sign. For example: the surnames of the parents are 'Jansen' and 'de Boer'. Then the surname of the child can be: 'Jansen', 'de Boer', 'Jansen de Boer' or 'de Boer Jansen'.
