Can I change my first name as a US citizen in the NL?

GhostShorty New member

Member since 12 June 2025

GhostShortyNew member12 June 2025 22:52:46

I am a trans man that struggled to get my name changed in the US, and I plan on attending the University of Maastricht.

Is it possible as a US citizen to get my name legally changed in the Netherlands? or would that be something I have to do in the US?

Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK/Netherlands ExpertYesterday 16:45:18

7893

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

First off, I'm not a lawyer and I have no experience of being Trans or changing my name.

From what I've discovered on the Internet, yes, you can change your name, but unless you take Dutch nationality, your US identity (and passport) will remain in your original name, Dutch courts can not alter another countries travel documents.聽 So, you will have to renounce your US citizenship before you will be able to take up Dutch nationality; the Dutch do not permit dual nationalities unless it comes from birth, for example, my 3 kids are all dual NL/UK nationals because my wife is Dutch, and I'm a Brit.

You will need to have a compelling reason for wanting to change your name; whether your being Trans is one they accept, I don't know.聽 So, I advise that you first start with a Dutch lawyer; how to find one, I just used Google and came up with a couple of links, I suggest you do the same.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

海角乱伦 Team