Can I change my name in Cyprus?
Yes — by application to the District Administration Office. A Cypriot citizen may change their first name and/or surname by application to the Registrar at the District Administration Office of their residence (or via a diplomatic mission if abroad), under Law 141(I)/2002, Article 43. The official fee is €80. You need a letter stating reasons and a sworn affidavit before the Registrar of the District Court. You may hold at most 3 first names and 2 surnames. It's not automatic — approval is at the Registrar's discretion. In short: yes, with an application, affidavit and fee.
📋 The rules
- Application to the District Office Registrar
- Fee €80
- Letter of reasons + sworn affidavit
- At most 3 first names and 2 surnames
- Minor: affidavit signed by both parents
🔓 Exceptions
- Surname change after marriage isn't automatic
- Change after divorce: same procedure, not automatic
- An application with fraudulent intent can be refused
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Core figures: a €80 fee, a 3-first-name / 2-surname ceiling, a sworn affidavit before a District Court Registrar; approval is discretionary. For a minor, the affidavit must be signed by both parents, unless a court granted sole parental responsibility to one. Beware a myth: "Cyprus has a UK-style deed poll where you just declare your new name" is false — Cyprus uses a formal Civil Registry application with affidavit, fee and Registrar approval. Tip: prepare clear reasons; administrative fees can change, so confirm the fee on the spot.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How do I change my name?
By application to the Registrar at the District Administration Office of your residence, under the Civil Registry Law. You need a letter stating reasons and a sworn affidavit in the prescribed form, signed before the Registrar of the District Court.
What does it cost?
The official fee for a name and/or surname change is €80. Since administrative fees can be adjusted, it's wise to confirm the exact amount when submitting the application.
How many names can I have?
You may hold at most three first names and at most two surnames in total. Beyond these limits, no further names or surnames can be added through the change procedure.
Does my surname change automatically on marriage?
No. A surname change after marriage isn't automatic; you must submit the marriage certificate and follow the procedure. The same applies to a surname change after divorce.
Can the application be refused?
Yes. The law lists no fixed acceptable reasons, giving the Registrar discretion. Applications with fraudulent or unlawful intent, such as evading debts or a criminal record, can be refused.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “name change cyprus”
- “surname change cyprus”
- “name change fee cyprus”
- “sworn affidavit name cyprus”
- “district office name cyprus”
- “name change minor cyprus”