Change Your Name or Surname in Greece
Change Your Name or Surname in Greece: A Legal Guide
Your surname is a fundamental part of your personal identity, but the process of acquiring or changing it is not solely a matter of personal choice. In Greece, name and surname changes are subject to legal and administrative procedures to ensure the stability and security of public and private legal transactions.
Changing Your Surname in Greece
According to Legislative Decree 2573/1953, acquiring or changing a surname, as well as determining the surname of children born outside of marriage, falls under the jurisdiction of the local Prefect. With the administrative reforms introduced by Law 3852/2010, this authority was transferred to the relevant municipal offices.
The Legal Process for Surname Change
1. Filing an Application
• An individual seeking a surname change must submit a formal request to the municipality where they are registered (either the Register of Males or the Central Registry).
• The application must include a justified reason for the change and the preferred new surname.
2. Public Notification
• The municipality arranges for a public notice to be published in a newspaper circulating in the applicant’s area.
• This notice includes personal details such as name, profession, birthplace, and residence, along with an open invitation for objections from the public.
3. Review and Decision
• A 15-day period is given for any objections.
• The municipal authority then issues a reasoned decision, either approving or rejecting the request.
• If objections are raised, the decision will also address them.
4. Notification of Authorities
• If approved, the decision is forwarded to the relevant government offices, including the Civil Registry, Prosecutor’s Office, Police, and other state authorities.
• The applicant must use this decision to update their Greek identity card and official records.
Legal Justifications for a Surname Change
Although the law does not explicitly define acceptable reasons for a surname change, Greek case law requires “serious and justified reasons.” Common grounds include:
• Psychological distress caused by a surname that is offensive or difficult to pronounce.
• Avoiding association with a family member who has a criminal record or negative reputation.
• Extreme alienation from the family, particularly the paternal side.
Appeal Process for Rejected Applications
If the surname change is denied:
• The applicant may file an appeal with the General Secretariat of the Decentralized Administration within 30 days.
• If rejected again, the applicant can then seek judicial review before the Council of State (Συμβούλιο της Επικρατείας).
Changing Your First Name in Greece
Unlike surname changes, which are handled administratively, first name changes must be approved through a judicial process. A Greek court, following a voluntary jurisdiction procedure, decides whether a “grave reason” exists to justify the change.
Common Justifications for a First Name Change
Greek courts have accepted name changes for reasons such as:
• Religious beliefs, where the applicant wishes to adopt a name aligned with their faith.
• Frequent use of a different name in daily life and legal transactions.
• Integration into Greek society for newly naturalized citizens who wish for a more Greek-sounding name.
• Psychological or social difficulties caused by an embarrassing or unusual name.
• Adoption, when the child’s existing name has no connection to the adoptive family.
The Legal Process for a First Name Change
1. A lawyer must draft and submit a petition to the competent court.
2. The case is also reviewed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
3. Once the court decision is final, it must be recorded in the Civil Registry to update birth records and official documents.
Name Change for Foreigners Who Acquired Greek Citizenship
For foreign nationals who have obtained Greek citizenship, the process of changing their name or surname to a Greek-adapted version follows special legal provisions.
1. Eligibility for a Greek Name Adaptation
According to Law 2130/1993, a foreign national who has acquired Greek nationality may choose to adjust their name to a Greek form. This applies to:
• Greeks living abroad.
• Ethnic Greeks who have recently moved to Greece.
• Foreigners who obtained Greek nationality.
2. Procedure for Foreign Name Recognition
• If a name change was legally recognized abroad (through court or administrative decision), it must be validated in Greece via the procedure outlined in Article 905 of the Greek Civil Procedure Code.
• Recognition of the foreign court ruling allows the name change to be officially recorded in Greek state registries.
3. Registration with Greek Authorities
• Adult men must ensure that name and surname changes are recorded in the Male Registry (Μητρώο Αρρένων) of their municipality, per Law 2119/1993.
• Any modifications must also be reported to the Civil Registry for accurate recordkeeping.
Legal Framework for Name and Surname Modifications
The primary law governing changes in birth registrations and personal records in Greece was Law 344/1976, later amended by Law 4144/2013. This law mandates that changes in personal status, including name, surname, nationality, religious belief, or gender identity, must be officially registered within one month of approval.
Why Choose Economou & Economou for Your Name Change in Greece?
Navigating the legal process in order to change your name or surname in Greece requires expert legal guidance. At Economou & Economou, we specialize in administrative and family law, ensuring a swift, efficient, and legally sound name change process.
Why Trust Us?
✔ Expertise: Our law firm is recognized as one of the best in Greece for handling complex name change cases.
✔ Personalized Service: We assess your situation carefully and craft compelling legal arguments to support your application.
✔ Fast Results: We streamline the process, minimizing delays and bureaucratic obstacles.
If you need to change your name or surname in Greece, contact the best law office in Greece according to Lawzana, Economou & Economou law office today. We are here to guide you through every step of the process with professionalism and efficiency.
📧 Email: econlaw@live.com
📞 Phone: (+30) 2103603824
Let us help you secure your legal identity in Greece with confidence.
