Change in German Name Law

On May 1, 2025, the reform of the German marriage name and birth name law, as well as international naming law, came into effect. This provides new options for both German and binational families. The previous regulations still apply to marriages and births before May 1, 2025. Since May 1, 2025, German law allows the determination of a double surname for both marriage names and the birth name of children, using the names of both spouses or parents. However, the name cannot consist of more than two parts. Double surnames can be written with or without a hyphen.

A short overview to the new possibilities of the new German name law can be found here (available in German only). A FAQ with comprehensive information can be found on the website of the website of the Federal Ministry for Justice (available in German only)

Overview

The following overview serves to illustrate these regulations in relation to individuals who have their habitual residence in Namibia, and for whom Namibian naming law will therefore apply from now on.

Marriage took place after 30.04.2025

The spouses

• got married after 30.04.2025
• in Namibia andChatGPT:
• At the time of the marriage, they had their habitual residence in Namibia and continue to have their habitual residence there and

• the wife would like to take the name of the husban

  No declaration of name is required – as proof of the name change under Namibian law, the presentation of the Namibian identification document (passport/ID) with the new name is sufficient. The family name listed in the German passport will be changed accordingly.

Marriage took place before 01.05.2025

The spouses

• got married before 01.05.2025
• in Namibia andAt the time of the marriage, they had their habitual residence in Namibia and continue to have their habitual residence there and
• the wife would like to take the name of the husband

No declaration of name is required.

Which documents do I need to provide for a name declaration?

Please book an appointment: Appointment system for the consular section of the German Embassy Windhoek

All documents must be provided as originals.

Foreign-language documents (except for English and French) must be submitted with a translation into German.

Please provide the following documents:

• completed form: Formular: Erklärung über die nachträgliche Rechtswahl und Bestimmung der Namensführung in der Ehe PDF / 204 KB
• Birth or descent certificates of both spouses
• If applicable: Deregistration confirmation of the last residence of the spouses in Germany
• If applicable: Current residence permit of the spouses
• Valid passports of both spouses (other identification documents cannot be accepted) or, if applicable, the German ID card
• Marriage certificate
• If applicable, proof of dissolution of previous marriages (e.g., divorce decree or death certificate)
• If a German spouse was naturalized in Germany: Naturalization certificate
• If a German spouse was naturalized in Namibia: Namibian naturalization certificate and German retention permit
• If you have joint children: Birth certificate(s)

Please note: This list includes documents that must be submitted in routine cases. Since German naming law is very complex and many situations are possible, additional documents may be required in individual cases by the Embassy of Windhoek or subsequently by the responsible registry office in Germany.

Fees

Fees are applicable at the diplomatic mission. They must be paid in Namibian Dollars at the time of application. The Euro amount will be converted at the current exchange rate of the embassy. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card from Visa or MasterCard. An overview can be found here.

Processing Time

The Embassy of Windhoek has no influence on the processing times of the German registry offices and therefore cannot provide any information regarding the status of the procedure. Please note that a German passport can only be issued once the certificate of name determination has been issued by the registry office.