{"id":26378,"date":"2024-09-21T14:33:11","date_gmt":"2024-09-21T13:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/first-name-change\/costs-first-name-change\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T20:50:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T19:50:03","slug":"costs-first-name-change","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Costs for changing a first name"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"s-section\">\n<div class=\"s-section-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-grid-toc_main gb-element-94926826\">\n<div class=\"s-section-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"s-sidebar-block-toc gb-element-bf14a539\">\n<p class=\"gb-text\">On this page<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#What_does_a_first_name_change_cost_in_2026\" >What does a first name change cost in 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#How_are_the_costs_structured\" >How are the costs structured?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#Is_it_true_that_costs_differ_per_letter\" >Is it true that costs differ per letter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#What_are_the_costs_if_a_court_hearing_takes_place\" >What are the costs if a court hearing takes place?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#Are_you_eligible_for_subsidized_legal_aid\" >Are you eligible for subsidized legal aid?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#What_does_a_first_name_change_cost_for_a_minor_child\" >What does a first name change cost for a minor child?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#Costs_for_adding_a_middle_name_or_registering_a_common_name\" >Costs for adding a middle name or registering a common name<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#Costs_in_international_situations_or_foreign_birth\" >Costs in international situations or foreign birth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#Our_Attorneys_at_Law\" >Our Attorneys at Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#What_Clients_Say_about_Simmelink_Advocaten\" >What Clients Say about Simmelink Advocaten<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#Trust_and_quality\" >Trust and quality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/#Would_you_like_to_know_what_a_first_name_change_means_in_your_situation\" >Would you like to know what a first name change means in your situation?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-section-main s-stack-2xl gb-element-6c76d265\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block s-content-block--filled gb-element-15683c21 block-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block-narrow\">\n<p class=\"gb-text gb-text-91da06c0\">In brief<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The costs of a first name change consist of legal fees, Court fee, and some administrative costs. The total costs for 2026 are EUR 899, excluding any new identity documents after the request is granted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The fixed lawyer&#8217;s fee of Simmelink Lawyers is EUR 558 including VAT for the entire procedure up to and including submission to the court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Court fee for a first name change in 2026 is EUR 341 and is the same for all courts in the Netherlands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The costs do not depend on the number of letters being changed; a single rate applies to every change, regardless of size or content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subsidized legal aid (an &#8216;addition&#8217;) is rarely available in practice for first name changes, as the Legal Aid Board often considers the financial interest to be too limited.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After the request is granted, you pay the costs for a new passport, driver&#8217;s license, or identity card yourself at the municipality; these are not covered by the lawyer&#8217;s fee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_a_first_name_change_cost_in_2026\"><\/span>What does a first name change cost in 2026?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The total costs of a first name change at Simmelink Lawyers amount to EUR 899 including VAT. This amount consists of the fixed lawyer&#8217;s fee and the statutory Court fee charged by the court. For administrative documents such as an extract from the birth certificate, small additional amounts apply, depending on the municipality.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Cost item<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amount 2026<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Explanation<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legal fees (fixed rate, incl. VAT)<\/td><td>EUR 558<\/td><td>Drafting and filing the petition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Court fee<\/td><td>EUR 341<\/td><td>To the court, indexed annually<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Birth certificate extract (if required)<\/td><td>Max. EUR 20 <\/td><td>Rate varies per municipality<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total including VAT<\/td><td>EUR 899<\/td><td>Excluding any new identity documents<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The lawyer&#8217;s fee of EUR 558 covers the entire process up to and including submission to the court: the intake interview, file construction, the legal substantiation of the compelling reason, and the filing of the petition. In most first name changes, the case is handled in writing and there are no extra costs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_are_the_costs_structured\"><\/span>How are the costs structured?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The lawyer&#8217;s fee covers the entire petition procedure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Legal representation is mandatory for a first name change: the procedure is conducted on the basis of <a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0002656\/2024-01-01#Boek1_Titeldeel2_Artikel4\">Article 1:4 of the Dutch Civil Code<\/a>, under which only a lawyer can file a petition. Simmelink Lawyers charges a fixed rate of EUR 558 including VAT, which covers the entire procedure up to and including filing. For that amount, we build the legal file, substantiate the compelling reason that must convince the judge, and submit the petition to the court in your place of residence.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Court fee is a statutory rate that is indexed annually<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Court fee for a petition to change a first name is EUR 341 in 2026. This is the amount you pay to the court for the processing of your request. The Court fee is the same for all courts in the Netherlands and is determined annually by the Ministry of Justice and Security. See the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rechtspraak.nl\/Onderwerpen\/Griffierechten\/Paginas\/Griffierechten-civiel.aspx\">civil court fees<\/a> for the current rate. The Court fee must be paid within four weeks of filing.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional administrative costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A recent extract from the birth certificate is required for the petition. Those born in the Netherlands request this from their municipality of birth; the costs are between EUR 13 and EUR 20, depending on the municipality. Those born abroad require a legalized and translated copy; these costs vary significantly per country.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New identity documents after approval<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After the first name change is granted, your passport, driver&#8217;s license, and identity card only become valid in the new name once you have them replaced. The rates are set by the municipality and in 2026 are approximately EUR 85 for a passport, EUR 52 for a driver&#8217;s license, and EUR 77 for an identity card. These amounts are not part of the lawyer&#8217;s fee.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_true_that_costs_differ_per_letter\"><\/span>Is it true that costs differ per letter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The costs of a first name change do not depend on the number of letters you change. A single rate applies regardless of whether you adjust one letter, replace an entire first name, or add a middle name. This misunderstanding is widespread because some firms use a discount scale for small adjustments; at Simmelink Lawyers, a single fixed rate of EUR 558 applies.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The underlying reason is that the work for the lawyer is virtually the same: in all cases, a legally substantiated petition must be drafted in which the compelling reason is argued, regardless of whether it concerns a spelling error, a common name, or a complete name change. The court treats the request as a single procedural unit. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_costs_if_a_court_hearing_takes_place\"><\/span>What are the costs if a court hearing takes place?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Requests for a first name change are handled in writing in most cases, without an oral hearing. Each court has its own policy regarding this, and the assessment depends on the nature of the request and the substantiation. In practice, a hearing occurs in only a minority of cases.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the court does consider an oral hearing necessary, this is in principle not part of the fixed lawyer&#8217;s fee. Simmelink Lawyers discusses in advance which situations may give rise to a hearing, so that you are not faced with unexpected costs afterwards. We record this risk assessment during the intake interview.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_you_eligible_for_subsidized_legal_aid\"><\/span>Are you eligible for subsidized legal aid?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Subsidized legal aid (an &#8216;addition&#8217;) is rarely available in practice for first name changes. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rvr.org\/\">Legal Aid Board<\/a> assesses whether the financial or legal interest of the case outweighs the costs of government support. In the case of a first name change, this interest is usually considered too limited, unless there is demonstrable psychological burden that hinders social functioning.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In exceptional cases (for example, in the case of a serious history of bullying with medical consequences or a gender transition with psychological reporting), an &#8216;addition&#8217; can be applied for. This requires extra documentation and extends the application procedure. If you are in doubt about your situation, a consultation is the fastest way to gain clarity.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_a_first_name_change_cost_for_a_minor_child\"><\/span>What does a first name change cost for a minor child?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The same costs apply for a first name change of a minor child as for adults: EUR 558 in legal fees plus EUR 341 Court fee, totaling EUR 899. For substantive conditions, the position of the other parent, and the role of substitute consent, please refer to the page <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/kind\/\">changing a child&#8217;s first name<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If both parents submit the request jointly, the costs remain a single rate. If one parent does not consent and a request for substitute consent is required first, this follows a separate procedure with its own Court fee. In those cases, Simmelink Lawyers will provide a separate cost estimate in advance.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Costs_for_adding_a_middle_name_or_registering_a_common_name\"><\/span>Costs for adding a middle name or registering a common name<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The same rate applies for adding a middle name or officially registering a common name as for a full first name change. The procedure is identical: one petition, one Court fee, one lawyer&#8217;s fee. On the pages <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/middle-name\/\">adding a middle name<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/roepnaam-toevoegen\/\">adding a common name<\/a>, you will find the substantive explanation of when each path is appropriate.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Costs_in_international_situations_or_foreign_birth\"><\/span>Costs in international situations or foreign birth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For clients born outside the Netherlands, there are additional legalization and translation costs for the foreign birth certificate. These costs vary by country and average between EUR 50 and EUR 200. The lawyer&#8217;s fee and Court fee themselves remain EUR 558 and EUR 341. See the page <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/buitenland\/\">changing a first name from abroad<\/a> for the full procedural explanation.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dutch nationality remains the starting point: even if you live abroad, you can apply for a first name change through the Dutch court. The procedure then takes place via the court in The Hague, with the same rates. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-advocaten-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\" id=\"advocaten\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_Attorneys_at_Law\"><\/span>Our Attorneys at Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Simmelink Lawyers team specializes in family law, International family law, and inheritance law.<br \/>The lawyers combine legal expertise with international experience.<br \/>Clients are guided by one dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire process and communicates discreetly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In complex financial matters or an international component, a specialized lawyer is important.<br \/>We strive for legally correct, practically feasible agreements that give you predictability and peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3bd256ba\">\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-5dcdaabb gb-query-loop-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23938 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Carla Simmelink\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\">Carla Simmelink &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-29865 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Valerie Lingg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\">Valerie Lingg &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23939 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Eva Zaunbrecher\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\">Eva Zaunbrecher-Boschloo &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Lawyer at Law (International) Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-36349 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Sophia Sips\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\">Sophia Sips &#8211; Family Law Attorney<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-quotes-block gb-element-b0365a51 testimonial-block\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"s-quote-card-icon gb-media-5cab658b testimonial-icon\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/quote.svg\" title=\"quote\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-text testimonial-text\"><em><em>Clients are guided by a dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire file and communicates discreetly.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-author testimonial-author\">Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-ab3cc839 wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio s-content-block\" id=\"reviews\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-518c8e52\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-6fecf6ed gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Clients_Say_about_Simmelink_Advocaten\"><\/span><em>What Clients Say about Simmelink Advocaten<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-18fd49c3\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-bc24c0f8\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-bc24c0f8\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-0c8a4522\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"204\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-0c8a4522\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Reviews-advocatenkantoor-simmelink-300x204.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Reviews-advocatenkantoor-simmelink-300x204.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Reviews-advocatenkantoor-simmelink-768x523.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Reviews-advocatenkantoor-simmelink.jpg 792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-button gb-button-d05b80ab gb-button-text s-btn-secondary sim-button sim-button-secondary\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/reviews\/\">Read more reviews<\/a>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b12a701a\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b12a701a\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-521c0523\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-4cdc1c7e\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4cdc1c7e\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-df20da60\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"47\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-df20da60\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/5-star-review.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"5-star review\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-8eb6adcb gb-headline-text\">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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-8a0cef77\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-8a0cef77\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-5b2138a6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"47\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-5b2138a6\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/5-star-review.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"5-star review\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-666e558c gb-headline-text\">Excellent law firm! The team is very friendly, communication is clear, and commitments are always kept. I highly recommend this firm for legal support.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-e61d5556\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-e61d5556\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-4ebb8e4c\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"47\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-4ebb8e4c\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/5-star-review.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"5-star review\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bd5779cc gb-headline-text\">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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-7cf5e2ec\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7cf5e2ec\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-bfe9d8c3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"47\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-bfe9d8c3\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/5-star-review.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"5-star review\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-6a59a6cd gb-headline-text\">Law firm Simmelink is very professional and client-oriented. They understand the client&#8217;s needs and go above and beyond to assist. Rarely do you see a company where the customer is as central as at Simmelink.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-be249d49 s-margin-vert-xl s-content-block\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bfdf1120 gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1e85dbd5 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d1310856 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-19f7b745 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-19f7b745\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>How much does it cost to change your first name in 2026?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-52e77243\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-52e77243\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b299caa3 gb-headline-text\">A first name change at Simmelink Lawyers costs a total of EUR 899 including VAT in 2026. This amount consists of EUR 558 in legal fees and EUR 341 Court fee. A small additional amount applies for an extract from the birth certificate.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3600de9f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-ba8b12fe gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-ba8b12fe\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>Does a first name change cost more if you want to change multiple letters?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-54bea308\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-54bea308\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-784447a0 gb-headline-text\">No. The costs do not depend on the number of letters changed. A single rate applies regardless of whether you adjust one letter, replace your entire first name, or add a middle name. The court treats each request as a single procedural unit.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d7e7a6c6 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-361ea87d gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-361ea87d\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>Can I change my first name pro bono?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-c5948222\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c5948222\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-51ced355 gb-headline-text\">Subsidized legal aid is rarely available for first name changes. The Legal Aid Board considers the financial interest to be too limited in most cases. In exceptional situations with demonstrable psychological burden (for example, in the case of a serious history of bullying or gender transition with medical substantiation), an &#8216;addition&#8217; can be applied for.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fc394c18 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-8dd43315 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-8dd43315\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>What does a first name change cost for a minor child?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-d545942c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d545942c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-c9e904f9 gb-headline-text\">The same costs apply for a minor child as for adults: EUR 899 including VAT. If one parent does not consent and substitute consent is required, this follows a separate procedure with its own Court fee. <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-6a91efb1 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-3fa10d16 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-3fa10d16\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong>What does it cost to add a middle name?<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-badb14f3\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-badb14f3\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bafe289d gb-headline-text\">The same rate applies for adding a middle name: EUR 558 in legal fees and EUR 341 Court fee, totaling EUR 899. The work is legally comparable to a full first name change. <br><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text s-content-block\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trust_and_quality\"><\/span>Trust and quality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simmelink Lawyers is affiliated with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.advocatenorde.nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Dutch Bar Association<\/a>.<br \/>Read more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/reviews\/\">reviews<\/a> or see how we work via our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/\">working method<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-element-348ed23b\">\n<div class=\"s-btn-group gb-element-ddb2e6ae\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Would_you_like_to_know_what_a_first_name_change_means_in_your_situation\"><\/span>Would you like to know what a first name change means in your situation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Simmelink Lawyers will assess whether your request is feasible within one working day and provide you with a clear cost estimate. Schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-text s-btn-primary s-btn--small\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Schedule an appointment<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text\">Or contact us by phone via: <a href=\"tel:+31303078732\">030 &#8211; 30 787 32<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ac26a6\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ce7bbc\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-7a1d0082\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"93\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-7a1d0082\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png\" alt=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" title=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo.png 340w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7b78af02\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-cae6833a\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-cae6833a\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/RaadvRechtspraak.svg\" alt=\"\" title=\"RaadvJustice\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-07670684\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"340\" height=\"105\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-07670684\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png\" alt=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" title=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png 340w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo-300x93.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On this page In brief The costs of a first name change consist of legal fees, Court fee, and some administrative costs. The total costs for 2026 are EUR 899, excluding any new identity documents after the request is granted. What does a first name change cost in 2026? The total costs of a first &#8230; <a title=\"Costs for changing a first name\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/firstname-change\/costs-first-name-change\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Costs for changing a first name\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":27868,"parent":24912,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-26378","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"infinite-scroll-item","7":"resize-featured-image"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26378","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26378"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37227,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26378\/revisions\/37227"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24912"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27868"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}