Changing a personal name or surname is a personal right of every citizen in the Republic of North Macedonia. Although it is most often associated with divorce, this right can also be exercised for personal, family, cultural or other justified reasons.
In practice, many citizens are not fully informed about the conditions, procedure and obligations that follow the change of name or surname. In this text, in a simple and understandable way, we explain all the key aspects - from the legal conditions, through the necessary documentation, to the possible penalties.
What constitutes a personal name under the law
According to the Personal Name Law, a personal name consists of a first and last name. This is the basic identification data of every citizen and is recorded in the birth register.
The law allows changing both the first and last name, and even multiple changes, as long as the chosen name does not offend other people, is not against morality and does not contradict public order.
Who has the right to change the name or surname
The right to change a personal name belongs to every Macedonian citizen over 15 years of age who is capable of reasoning, has not been convicted and against whom no criminal proceedings are being conducted for a crime that is being prosecuted ex officio.
For minors, the request is submitted by the parents, adoptive parents or the guardian, with the consent of the competent guardianship authority. If the child is older than 10 years, his express consent is also required.
No person has the right to change who has not regulated the property-legal and other legal obligations arising from marriage or from the parent-child relationship towards persons living in Macedonia.
The most common reasons for changing a surname
In practice, the most common reason for changing a surname is divorce. Women who took their husband's last name or added his last name when they got married often ask to return to their previous last name after the divorce.
It is important to know that the ex-husband has no right, even through court, to force the ex-wife to change her surname if she does not want it.
Other reasons for change can be a change of religion, nationality, desire for easier integration in the environment, as well as family reasons related to establishing or contesting motherhood or paternity, or adoption.
What is the procedure for changing a personal name?
The request to change a personal name is submitted to the regional unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), according to the applicant's place of residence.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs is obliged to make a decision within 30 days from the day of receipt of the request. If this does not happen, the citizen has the right within three days to submit a request to the minister's office, who is obliged to make a decision within five working days.
The procedure can be carried out in person or through a proxy.
Required documentation
The following documents must be submitted with the request for personal name change: proof of personal identification (identity card or passport), birth certificate, certificate from a competent court that no criminal proceedings are being conducted, as well as a certificate from the Center for Social Affairs that the obligations of the marital relationship are regulated.
In addition, a receipt for the paid administrative fee in the amount of 300 denars is submitted. In the case of a change based on divorce, the final judgment must be previously recorded in the registry office.
Obligations after the change and possible penalties
After changing the surname, the citizen is obliged to replace the personal documents within 30 days. The passport must be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior for cancellation and must not be used if the personal data has changed.
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, in the first half of the year, 108 fines were issued and two misdemeanor charges were filed for using or not returning a passport after changing personal data.
Fines range from 50 to 250 euros in Denar equivalents. If the fine is paid within eight days, half of the amount is paid. Otherwise, misdemeanor proceedings are initiated before a competent authority.
Changing a name or surname in Macedonia is a legally permitted, relatively simple and financially affordable procedure. However, it is important for citizens to be informed about all conditions, terms and obligations arising from this right.
Timely replacement of personal documents and compliance with legal deadlines will protect you from unnecessary fines and problems. If you have a dilemma or a more complex situation, it is always advisable to seek professional legal assistance.
