Since the introduction of a law allowing individuals to change their surname or first name in Luxembourg on 1 January 2021, a total of 3,344 applications have been submitted. Of these, nearly 2,360 requests have been approved, while 680 are still under review.
The reasons cited for seeking a change include the desire to remove one or more components of a surname or first name, adapt it to Luxembourg customs, align the name used in the Grand Duchy with the version legally recognised abroad, or adopt one or more first names by which the applicant is commonly known.
However, not all applications are granted. According to Minister of Justice Elisabeth Margue, requests will be denied if the applicant fails to demonstrate “exceptional circumstances and important reasons” justifying the change. Additionally, applications motivated solely by personal convenience will also be rejected.
These details were shared by Minister Margue in response to a parliamentary question posed by Mars Di Bartolomeo of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP).
