Only with „important reasons“ — governed by the PGR (Art. 46–49), not the Swiss ZGB, and the fee is CHF 100.

Updated July 2026

📝 Can I change my name in Liechtenstein?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes, but not on a mere wish — it takes „important reasons“. The basis sits in the Persons and Companies Act (PGR, LR 216.0), Art. 46 to 49: a name may be changed where there are important reasons in personal, business or professional circumstances. The detailed, reasoned application is filed in writing with the civil registry office (Zivilstandsamt); the administrative implementation lies with the Office of Justice (Amt für Justiz). The fee is CHF 100. The myth: „I can change my name whenever and however I like.“ Wrong — without a solid reason the office refuses, and for children the special provisions of the ABGB apply (among them the consent of both parents). And in Switzerland the name change sits in Art. 30 ZGB — in Liechtenstein in the PGR. Same topic, different source.

📋 The rules

The basis is the PGR (Art. 46–49, LR 216.0): a change is possible where there are important reasons in personal, business or professional circumstances. A mere „I do not like it“ is generally not enough.
Application to the registry office: the written, detailed and reasoned application goes to the Liechtenstein civil registry office; the Office of Justice is responsible for the administrative implementation and approval.
The fee: a fee of CHF 100 is payable for the name change. Clarify the appointment and the documents needed with the registry office in advance.
Extra rules for children (ABGB): the special provisions of the ABGB apply, in particular the consent of both parents (§ 154) and the rules on the name of the child (§ 139, § 165 ff). The welfare of the child comes first.
The name is protected (Art. 43 PGR): the right to a name is inalienable. A change must not adopt another person's name in a way that causes confusion or disadvantage to others. In Switzerland the matter sits in Art. 30 ZGB.

🔓 Exceptions

Name after marriage or divorce: this change does not run through the „important reasons“ procedure but through marriage and name law by means of a declaration at the registry office — a separate, simpler route.
Change of a child's name: it is tied to the consent of both parents and the welfare of the child; different constellations (adoption, separation) follow their own rules in the ABGB.
No cloak for harming others: the protection of the name (Art. 43–45 PGR) prevents adopting a name in order to deceive or to impair the rights of a genuine bearer of that name.

⚠️ Penalties & fines

There is no „punishment“, but a change without a sound basis is simply refused — the fee is then spent and the goal not reached. False statements in the detailed application can draw a procedure of their own. If the new name is used to mislead creditors, authorities or contractual partners, the protection of the name applies (Art. 43–45 PGR) and the change can be challenged. Underestimated is the effort afterwards: the new name has to be carried through passport, identity card, registers, contracts, bank and insurers — costing time and further fees. For children, a change without the necessary consent of the other parent can fail or be reversed later where the welfare of the child speaks against it.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

Which reasons count as „important“?

Important reasons can lie in personal, business or professional circumstances, for example a heavily burdensome or offensive name. Mere dislike is generally not enough, which is why the application must be reasoned in detail.

Where do I apply and what does it cost?

The written, detailed application goes to the Liechtenstein civil registry office, and the Office of Justice is responsible for approval. The fee for a name change is CHF 100, and you should clarify the required documents with the office in advance.

Can I change the name of my child?

Yes, but the special provisions of the ABGB must be observed, in particular the consent of both parents under § 154. The welfare of the child is always decisive, so the office examines the reasons carefully in each case.

Is the procedure like in Switzerland?

No, in Liechtenstein the name change sits in the PGR (Art. 46–49), in Switzerland in Art. 30 ZGB. Same topic, different source — and the competent body is the Liechtenstein civil registry office.

And my name after marriage?

You settle the use of a name in marriage through a declaration at the civil registry office, not through the procedure with important reasons. That is a separate, simpler route of marriage and name law, for which you need not prove special reasons.

🔎 Common searches

What people search to land here:

“name change liechtenstein”
“change surname liechtenstein”
“change name liechtenstein cost”
“civil registry name change liechtenstein”
“important reasons name change liechtenstein”
“pgr name change liechtenstein”