Switzerland to reintroduce official double surnames for spouses

The Swiss Federal Council has announced that spouses will once again be permitted to carry official double surnames starting January 1, 2027. This decision marks a change to the Civil Code, reversing a 2013 regulation that restricted married couples to a single surname of affinity.

Under the new rules, engaged couples can choose various name combinations, and those already married will have the opportunity to declare their preference for an official double surname at the civil registry office. While the double surname can be used with or without a hyphen, the option remains unavailable for children.

To allow for necessary technical adjustments, the Federal Council has established a transitional period. During this time, identity documents may still be issued with a non-official surname of affinity that differs from the official surname.