In Spain, you can legally change your name at the age of 18.
More detailed answer to your request
In Spain, individuals can legally change their name at the age of 18 without the need for parental consent. This process can be done through obtaining a name change certificate, which will require individuals to present a valid reason for the change. Some valid reasons can include marriage, adoption, or simply wanting to change one’s name. It is important to note that changing one’s name does not affect their legal obligations or rights, including financial and criminal histories.
According to a report by The Local, “Changing your name in Spain used to be a pretty straightforward procedure, but in recent years the rules have been tightened up to avoid fraud, so be warned it’s not as fast or simple as you might think.”
Interesting facts:
In Spain, surnames carry a significant cultural meaning and are typically composed of two parts – the first being the father’s surname and the second being the mother’s surname.
Some Spanish individuals may also have a third surname, which comes from the maternal or paternal surname of a grandparent.
In some Spanish-speaking countries, it is common for individuals to use both their father and mother’s surnames in daily conversation, while legal documents will only feature one.
A famous Spanish writer and philosopher, Miguel de Unamuno, famously said: “Your true name and nature are not to be separated.”
On the Oprah Winfrey Show, a mother and daughter with an incredibly long and unique name are featured. The mother aimed to break the Guinness World Record for the longest personal name, resulting in her daughter having a name with over 1,000 letters. The name is so long that an extra sheet had to be attached to her birth certificate to fit it all, and the mother even had to record her name for her to learn it. While the daughter goes by a nickname, she embraces her unique name as a fun part of her identity.
Also, people ask
Can I legally change my name in Spain?
Response will be: The interested party in the change of name and surname must make a written request, directed, as the case may be, to the Ministry of Justice or the Judge in Charge of the Registry. The request for the change of name and surnames must be submitted in the Civil Registry of the address.
What age can a child change his name?
As an answer to this: 16 and 18 Q. Can a child change their own name? A. If aged between 16 and 18 a child can generally change their name themselves but the consent of any person having responsibility for that child may be required.
What is the naming law in Spain?
Response will be: Spaniards have a personal name(s) followed by two surnames – the father’s paternal family name and then the mother’s paternal family name. For example: Hector Marίa GONZALEZ LÓPEZ. People may have two personal names (e.g. Hector Marίa). The second personal name does not always reflect the gender of the person.
Can you change a 10 year olds name?
Answer to this: Generally, you will need to file a petition with the court where the child lives and pay a filing fee. If the court agrees that the name change is in the child’s best interest, then you can change the child’s birth certificate.
Does your name change if you get married in Spain?
As a response to this: Nothing. Your name does not change. In Spain, the tradition of women adopting their husband’s family name does not exist, and it is a custom I (and most Spanish women would agree) find weird and do not understand. There are no maiden names or married names. You simply have your name, which you do not give up or change.
How do I change my legal name?
If you want to change your legal name, you need to use a legal process. You are free to use an alias or a nickname at any time, but that is not your legal name. The reason for your name change will dictate which legal process you need to follow. The most common reason for a name change is marriage or divorce. Adoption is another common reason.
How long does it take to get a name change approved?
In some states you have to appear at a brief court hearing before a judge to have your name change approved. It can take several weeks or months to receive your certificate of name change, again depending on the state. You may have to pay an additional fee for a certified copy of the name change.
How do I change my legal name?
If you want to change your legal name, you need to use a legal process. You are free to use an alias or a nickname at any time, but that is not your legal name. The reason for your name change will dictate which legal process you need to follow. The most common reason for a name change is marriage or divorce. Adoption is another common reason.
What if I don't have British nationality in Spain?
As an answer to this: Also, the Spanish authorities sometimes request a certificate confirming that you or your children do not hold British nationality. In both cases please visit UK Visas and Immigration and the section entitled Nationality Services for further information.
Do foreign children need a passport to visit Spain?
Answer: This is required in addition to a valid travel document. The Spanish authorities have confirmed that the regulation does not apply to foreign children resident in Spain who are subject to the law of their country of nationality, or to non-resident foreign children visiting Spain.
Where can I get a parental authorization in Spain?
Response will be: If you have parental responsibility for Spanish children in Spain, you can obtain a certified authorisation at a notary, national police station (in Spanish), or at the Guardia Civil (in Spanish). The services below may be provided by Spanish notaries or English speaking lawyers in Spain:
