Starting January 1, 2024, parents in the Netherlands can officially register their child with a double surname. This update reflects the changing nature of family structures and offers greater flexibility in preserving both parental lineages. Here’s everything you need to know about the new law and how it applies to your family.

What has changed?

Traditionally, parents could only choose between the father’s or mother’s surname for their child. With the introduction of the Double Surname Law, families can now combine both surnames into a single double-barrelled name.

This is an optional choice, giving parents the freedom to decide. If no choice is made, the default surname rules remain:

• Married or registered partners: The child will automatically receive the father’s or co-mother’s surname.
• Unmarried parents: The child will receive the mother’s surname.

Key details of the new law

The law applies to all children born from January 1, 2024. Parents must make the decision when registering their first child’s birth. The chosen surname will apply to all subsequent children of the same parents, ensuring family consistency.

For children born between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2023, parents can still opt for a double surname retroactively. This option is available until December 31, 2024.

Adoptive parents can also choose a double surname, combining the child’s original surname with one of the adoptive parents’ surnames.

How to register a double surname

Registering a double surname is a straightforward process. Parents must visit their local municipal office when registering their child’s birth:

• Both parents need to be present to confirm the choice.
• This process also applies if you’re opting for a retrospective surname change for eligible children born between 2016 and 2023.

More information on the registration process is available on the Dutch government’s website.

Additional considerations

Double surnames come with a few restrictions:

• Length limit: A double surname cannot exceed two components. If one parent already has a double-barrelled surname, only one component can be combined with the other parent’s name.
• Cultural significance: This update aligns Dutch naming customs with practices in other countries, such as Spain, where double surnames are common.
• Legal implications: Once registered, a double surname applies universally to the child and cannot be arbitrarily changed.

Final thoughts

The option to choose a double surname marks a progressive step for Dutch families. It recognizes the complexity of modern family identities and offers a meaningful way to honor both parents’ names. Whether you’re welcoming a newborn or updating an older child’s surname, this new law provides flexibility and fairness.