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British citizenship application before or after name change (married to a British National)?
Posted: Tue May 28, 2019 3:29 pm
by sma524
Hello all
Summarising: I have already my Permanent residence issued with my maiden name and now I would like to apply for the full British citizenship, however, a couple of months ago I got married to a British Citizen whose name I would like to change mine to at some point.
My question is: would it be OK if I changed it firstly and then apply for the British Citizenship or is it best to change it after I obtain it? What's the quickest and easiest process?
Thanks for your time and help in advance.
S
Re: British citizenship application before or after name change (married to a British National)?
Posted: Tue May 28, 2019 3:46 pm
by guru1s
You can change your name in your passport now and apply for citizenship under your married name, however, do not forget to include your marriage certificate, as you will be asked to provide your previous names and supporting documents.
Dual nationality/citizenship & name change - Greek-British
Posted: Tue May 28, 2019 4:02 pm
by sma524
Hi there
I am a Greek citizen but I have been living in the UK since 2011. I have obtained the Permanent Residence, recently got married to a British citizen and I am also in the process of applying for the British citizenship as well. I am aware that Greece is one of the countries that allow you to have a second nationality on top.
At some point, I haven't decided yet if I do it before or after the British citizenship application, I would like to change my name to my husband's one but I am not sure if I will be able to keep my Greek passport with my maiden name at the same time with the British passport with my marriage name?
In other words, having two nationalities does it mean that I will also have two surnames or will I have to register my English new surname to the Greek authorities as well and change my Greek passport and ID card?
Thanks
S
Re: British citizenship application before or after name change (married to a British National)?
Posted: Tue May 28, 2019 4:05 pm
by sma524
Thanks for your reply. If I may ask: how can I verify whether your information is valid or not? Where did you read this or do you just know it from past experience? In case I have further similar questions in the future, I am not sure who do I contact from the official gov.co.uk side of things?
Re: British citizenship application before or after name change (married to a British National)?
Posted: Wed May 29, 2019 3:58 pm
by Springie
The UK passport people do not allow you to have two passports in two different names. They will ask you to change your Greek passport to your married name before they'll issue you with a UK passport in your married name (you'll have to send your Greek passport to them when applying for first British passport).
See these threads:
british-citizenship/new-policy-regardin ... 16754.html
british-citizenship/passport-refused-un ... 83170.html
Re: British citizenship application before or after name change (married to a British National)?
Posted: Wed May 29, 2019 4:02 pm
by sma524
Thank you. So I can keep both nationalities but with one name.