How to Change Your Name Legally in Russia

Changing your name in Russia is a legal process that can be necessary for various reasons, including personal preference, marriage, or gender transition. Russian law allows individuals to change their name, but the process requires following specific legal procedures and providing the necessary documentation. Here’s a detailed guide on how to change your name legally in Russia.

1. Understand the Legal Grounds for Name Change

In Russia, changing your name is a formal procedure regulated by the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. While you can change your name for personal reasons, there are certain grounds on which a name change is typically granted:

Common Reasons for Name Change:

• Marriage: Changing your surname after marriage is common in Russia. Often, one spouse (typically the wife) adopts the surname of the other spouse, though the law allows both spouses to retain their original surnames.
• Divorce: In case of divorce, a person may choose to revert to their maiden name or change their name for other personal reasons.
• Gender Transition: Individuals undergoing gender transition may request to change their name as part of the process.
• Personal Preference: If you simply wish to change your first name or surname, you may apply for a name change, though the reasons must be reasonable and in line with the law.
• Ethnic or National Reasons: Some people may wish to change their name to reflect their ethnicity or nationality, particularly in cases where the original name is seen as offensive, outdated, or confusing.

2. Check the Legal Restrictions on Name Change

While Russian law allows for name changes, there are some legal restrictions and considerations that must be kept in mind:

• No Offensive Names: You cannot change your name to something that is offensive, vulgar, or deemed inappropriate by the authorities.
• Unusual or Ridiculous Names: The name should be reasonable and not cause confusion. The authorities are unlikely to approve a name that is considered unusual, overly complicated, or not in line with social norms.
• Preserving Family Identity: In some cases, especially for children, the family name must be preserved to maintain family identity, particularly if it affects the legal rights of family members.

3. Gather the Necessary Documents

To change your name legally in Russia, you must gather specific documents to support your application. The requirements can vary depending on whether you are changing your first name, surname, or both.

Documents Needed:

• Application Form: You must complete an application form to change your name, which is available from the civil registry office (ZAGS).
• Passport: Your current passport must be provided as proof of identity.
• Birth Certificate: A copy of your birth certificate is required.
• Marriage or Divorce Certificate (if applicable): If your name change is due to marriage or divorce, provide the corresponding certificate.
• Reason for Change: If the name change is not due to marriage or divorce, you may need to provide an explanation for why you want to change your name. This can include reasons related to personal preference, gender transition, or cultural considerations.
• Medical Certificate: In some cases, especially in the case of gender transition, a medical certificate may be required to confirm the process has been completed or is ongoing.
• Court Order (if applicable): If your name change requires approval from a court, you may need to provide a court decision confirming that the name change is lawful and justified.

4. Submit Your Application to the Civil Registry Office (ZAGS)

The application for a name change is usually submitted to the ZAGS (civil registry office). In Russia, ZAGS handles various personal status matters, including marriage, divorce, and name changes.

Steps to Submit Your Application:

1. Prepare Documents: Gather all the necessary documents as mentioned above.
2. Submit Application to ZAGS: Submit your application and documents to your local ZAGS office. In large cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, there are usually several ZAGS offices, so make sure to find the one that is closest to your residence.
3. Pay the Fee: There is a state fee for applying for a name change, which is typically around 1,000 to 2,000 rubles. The fee may vary depending on the region, so check with your local ZAGS office for the exact amount.
4. Wait for Approval: The ZAGS office will process your application. If everything is in order, they will approve the name change. The processing time can vary, but it usually takes 1 to 2 months.

Important Notes:

• If you are changing your name for reasons other than marriage or divorce, the process may require additional paperwork or approval from a court. The ZAGS office will inform you of any additional steps needed.
• If you are changing your name due to marriage or divorce, the process is simpler and may be completed at ZAGS during the registration of the marriage or divorce.

5. Changing Your Name in Official Documents

Once your name change has been approved by ZAGS, you must update your official documents. This includes changing your name on your passport, bank accounts, employment records, medical records, and any other official identification or documents.

Steps to Update Your Documents:

1. New Passport: You will need to apply for a new passport with your updated name at the Federal Migration Service (FMS).
2. Social Security and Insurance: Update your information with the Russian social security office and health insurance providers.
3. Bank Accounts: Visit your bank to update your name on your bank accounts and cards. This may require submitting a copy of your name change certificate from ZAGS.
4. Workplace Records: Inform your employer of your name change so that your employment records and pay slips are updated.

Additional Considerations:

• You must ensure that your name change is reflected in all official documents, as any discrepancies can cause legal issues.
• If you are a foreigner, you must also update your name in any immigration or visa-related documents.

6. Court Order for Name Change (If Necessary)

In some cases, the authorities may not approve a name change at ZAGS, particularly if they feel the request is unreasonable. If this happens, you may need to apply for a court order to legally change your name.

Steps for Court Application:

1. File a Lawsuit: If the ZAGS office denies your name change application, you can file a lawsuit in a court, requesting permission to change your name. The court will assess your reasons for the name change and decide whether to grant it.
2. Prepare Supporting Documents: You will need to present evidence to support your case, including your reasoning for changing your name, any supporting documents, and any relevant medical or legal documents.
3. Court Decision: The court will review your case and, if satisfied with your reasons, issue a court order for your name change. Once the court order is obtained, you can proceed to update your name in your official documents.

7. Changing Your Name After Gender Transition

For individuals undergoing a gender transition, changing your name is a significant part of the process. In Russia, the legal recognition of gender change and name change is possible, but it may require additional documentation, including:

• Medical Documentation: A medical certificate or statement from a certified healthcare provider that confirms the completion of the gender transition process.
• Court Approval: A court order may be required to legally recognize the name change, as well as the gender marker change in official documents.

It is advised to seek legal assistance when applying for a name change as part of a gender transition to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Conclusion

Changing your name legally in Russia involves submitting an application to ZAGS, gathering the necessary documentation, and following legal procedures to ensure the change is valid. Whether you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, personal reasons, or gender transition, understanding the steps and requirements can help you navigate the process efficiently. Always check with your local ZAGS office for specific details and procedures, as regulations may vary by region. By following the correct legal channels, you can successfully change your name and update your personal documents accordingly.