Advice on surname change before citizenship application

Hi there,

I’m currently holding ILR and I’m eligible to apply for citizenship. I’m married but I’m still using my maiden surname only. I would like to add my husband’s surname as well, so my plan is holding both surnames. However I’m unsure about when to make this change.

I’m aware that name on my passport and BRP must match for all applications. I would like to ask what would be the best route to follow in this case. Would you recommend changing my surname before application and start the naturalisation process with the updated surname? I’m hesitant to go through this route as it will take longer time and it seems like updating name and waiting for a new BRP could be a hassle.

Or ,would it make more sense to keep my current surname and apply for adding second surname after getting British citizenship? Would I need to do deed poll for this, what would be the process?

I would appreciate if you can advise which way would be easier for this change.

Thank you in advance for your help!

I would suggest to wait till you become British first. You will have to start the process then. First you will have to get the name changed on your non-British passport to get the same name on the British Passport.

Many thanks for your reply CULLINAN !