In brief
The costs for a first name change are legally regulated regarding the court fee portion and are supplemented by the lawyer’s fixed rate. Depending on the situation, additional costs may apply.
- A first name change through the court costs a total of €960: €619 in legal fees (incl. VAT) and a €341 court fee
- The court fee for a name change is €341 and is the same for all courts in the Netherlands.
- Simmelink Lawyers applies a fixed legal fee of €619 including VAT for drafting and filing the petition.
- In most cases, the legal proceedings are conducted in writing; you do not need to attend court.
- Free or pro-bono services are almost never applicable for a first name change. As a rule, legal aid is not granted by the Legal Aid Board.
- A first name change for a child requires the consent of both parents with parental authority and follows the same cost structure.
What are the costs for changing a first name?
The costs for a first name change consist of two parts: the legal fees and the court fee. Together, these amount to €960.
| Component | Amount |
| Simmelink legal fees (incl. VAT) | €619 |
| Court fee | €341 |
| Total | €960 |
The legal fees cover full legal guidance: from drafting and filing the petition to receiving the court order. The court fee is a legally established amount paid to the court, which is separate from the legal fees.
This is general information and does not constitute individual legal advice. The amount of the court fee may be adjusted annually by the government.
What is included in the fixed rate?
The fixed rate of €619 (incl. VAT) includes:
- Assessment of your situation and the legal basis for the change
- Drafting the petition with all required legal substantiation
- Filing with the competent court
- Communication with the court during the legal proceedings
- Receipt and forwarding of the court order
There are no hidden costs. Additional costs may arise if the court orders an oral hearing (session) — however, in practice, this is rare for a first name change.
How much does it cost to change a first name per letter?
The costs do not depend on the number of letters being changed. Whether you adjust one letter or request a completely new first name: the legal fees are €619 (incl. VAT) in both cases, and the court fee is €341. The total remains €960.
This distinction is relevant because courts assess the change on substantive grounds—compelling interest—not on the extent of the name change.
How do the legal proceedings work and what does each step cost?
The legal proceedings for a first name change consist of the following steps:
- Consultation: assessment of whether there is a compelling interest
- Collecting required documents (e.g., birth certificate, BRP extract)
- Drafting and filing the petition with the court
- Assessment by the judge: in most cases in writing
- Issuance of the court order
- Registration of the name change in the BRP via the municipality
Steps 1 through 5 are included in the fixed rate. Step 6 (registration with the municipality) proceeds independently and usually does not involve extra costs.
When do you pay more and when do you pay less?
Changing a first name for a child
For a minor, the same rates apply: €619 in legal fees and a €341 court fee. However, the legal substantiation is more extensive: both parents with parental authority must consent, or the judge must rule that the change is in the child’s best interest. In some cases, an additional hearing may be necessary, which can lead to extra costs. Depending on the circumstances, the lawyer will discuss this in advance.
Legal proceedings with a hearing
If the court orders an oral hearing, additional legal fees may be charged for the preparation and attendance of the hearing. This will be discussed in advance. In most cases of a first name change, the written legal proceedings are sufficient.
Pro-bono for a first name change
Legal aid (pro-bono legal assistance) is almost never granted by the Legal Aid Board for a first name change. The legal proceedings are generally considered a personal choice, not an enforceable right. If you have limited financial means, you can inquire with your municipality whether special assistance is available for court fees.
What does a lawyer do when changing your first name?
A first name change requires a petition to the court. In most cases, this is not possible without a lawyer: the legal proceedings are subject to legal requirements, and the judge assesses whether there is a compelling interest.
The lawyer assesses which legal grounds apply to your situation, drafts the petition, and handles correspondence with the court. After approval, the lawyer ensures the court order is forwarded so you can have the change registered in the Personal Records Database.
Based on Real Cases
In one case, Simmelink Lawyers assisted a client who wanted to change his first name due to years of using a different name in his social and professional environment. The question was how the compelling interest could be most strongly substantiated. By carefully formulating the reasoning and providing additional statements, the court assessed the request in writing. No hearing was necessary. The client received the court order within four months of filing.
Written by the specialists in family law and name law at Simmelink Lawyers.
Would you like to know what the costs are in your situation?
The costs for a first name change are fixed and transparent in standard situations. If you have a situation that differs, you can discuss this in a consultation. Schedule a consultation to present your situation and get a clear picture of the costs and feasibility.
Our Attorneys at Law
The Simmelink Lawyers team specializes in family law, International family law, and inheritance law.
The lawyers combine legal expertise with international experience.
Clients are guided by one dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire process and communicates discreetly.
A specialized lawyer is essential in complex financial situations or international components.
Our goal: legally correct, enforceable agreements that bring peace and clarity.
Carla Simmelink – Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law
Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law
Valerie Lingg – Family Law Attorney, International Family Law
Family Law Attorney, International Family Law
Eva Zaunbrecher-Boschloo – Family Law Attorney, International Family Law
Lawyer at Law (International) Family Law
Our lawyers are approachable, respond quickly, and keep you continuously informed about the progress of your case.
What Clients Say about Simmelink Advocaten
Simmelink Advocaten distinguishes itself through expertise and thorough knowledge. My case was handled correctly without any unexpected costs, which they had accurately estimated in advance.
Excellent law firm! The team is very friendly, communication is clear, and commitments are always kept. I highly recommend this firm for legal support.
The resolution of my alimony calculation by Simmelink was swift and efficient, and I am very pleased with the result. They are approachable and have extensive knowledge.
Law firm Simmelink is very professional and client-oriented. They understand the client’s needs and go above and beyond to assist. Rarely do you see a company where the customer is as central as at Simmelink.
Frequently Asked Questions
In a standard situation, the total costs are €960. This consists of €619 in legal fees (fixed rate, incl. VAT) and a €341 court fee to the court. Depending on the circumstances, such as legal proceedings with a hearing or a request for a minor child, additional costs may apply.
No. The costs do not depend on the number of letters or the extent of the change. Whether you want to adjust one letter or change your entire first name, the legal fee and the court fee remain the same.
In practice, legal aid is almost never granted for a first name change. The Legal Aid Board excludes this type of legal proceedings from funded legal aid in most cases. Depending on the circumstances, it can be investigated in special situations whether an exception applies. You can discuss this in a consultation.
The court fee is a legally established amount that you pay to the court for the processing of your request. The amount is €341 and is the same for all courts in the Netherlands. This amount is separate from the legal fees and is paid upon submission of the petition.
In most cases, no. The legal proceedings are conducted in writing: the lawyer files the petition and the judge assesses it based on the documents. In some cases, the judge may still order an oral hearing, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
Court fees and legal fees are generally not deductible from income tax in private situations. In business situations, costs may be assessed differently. Consult your tax advisor for your specific situation. This is general information and not tax advice.
Legal aid via the Legal Aid Board is almost never granted for a first name change. If you have limited financial means, you can inquire with your municipality whether special assistance is available for court fees. We will discuss your situation in a consultation.
Trust and quality
Simmelink Lawyers is affiliated with the Dutch Bar Association.
Read more about our reviews or see how we work via our working method.
Schedule an appointment
During an appointment, we will discuss your situation, legal position, and possible next steps.
The conversation is confidential and focused on providing an overview and careful guidance.
Or contact us by phone via: 030 – 30 787 32
