Can I change my name in Austria?
Yes — you may change your first or family name. The right applies to Austrian citizens, stateless people and recognised refugees resident in Austria (Name Change Act). The competent body is the district authority (in Vienna MA 63). With a legal reason (e.g. an offensive or hard-to-pronounce name) the application costs €0 orally, or €21 in writing. For a pure wish-name with no reason, €567 + €163 = €730 applies. Names you take through marriage, partnership or divorce go through the registry office and are free of charge. In short: yes — cheap with a reason, expensive as a wish-name.
📋 The rules
- Right under the Name Change Act
- Competent: district authority (Vienna MA 63)
- With a reason: €0 orally, €21 in writing
- Wish-name with no reason: €730
- Name from marriage/divorce: free of charge
🔓 Exceptions
- Reverting to a former name: reduced levy €54.50
- Foreign nationals: their home state's name law applies
- Minors: a separate procedure with guardians' consent
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This isn't about fines but administrative fees: €567 federal fee + €163 administrative levy = €730 for a wish-name, plus €21 for a written application and €6 per attachment sheet. With a recognised reason — e.g. spelling difficulties, an offensive name or aligning with gender identity — the levy is largely waived. Beware a myth: "a name change always costs over €500" is false — with a valid reason it's practically free apart from the €21 written-application fee. Tip: apply orally if you can and bring all documents to save fees.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I simply change my name?
You may change your first or family name if you are an Austrian citizen, stateless or a recognised refugee resident in Austria. The competent body is the district authority, in Vienna the MA 63. A legal reason makes the change much cheaper.
What does a name change cost?
With a recognised legal reason the application is free if made orally, and €21 if submitted in writing. For a pure wish-name with no legal reason, a €567 federal fee and a €163 administrative levy apply, together €730.
What counts as a valid reason?
Valid reasons include, for example, an offensive, ridiculous or hard-to-pronounce name, serious spelling difficulties, or aligning the name with gender identity. Where such a reason exists, the name change is largely free of charge.
Is a name change on marriage free?
Yes. Names you take or revert to through a marriage, registered partnership or divorce go through the registry office under name-law rules. No name-change levy under the Name Change Act is charged for these.
Can I change my child's name?
For minors there is a separate procedure. The consent of those with custody is required, and the authority assesses the child's welfare. Here too the change is much cheaper where a legal reason exists than for a pure wish-name.
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