CHANGE OF SURNAME AFTER MARRIAGE TO A FOREIGNER ✅ FAMILY ✅ SERVICES

Verification of your marriage certificate and other documents (passport, tax ID, international passport).
Determining whether documents need to be apostilled or legalized and what type of translation is required.
Consultation on legal consequences of changing the surname, double surname, or choosing the surname of a foreign spouse.

Preparation of a document package for submission to the State Migration Service and registry office: marriage certificate, passport, tax ID, other documents.
Translation of foreign documents into Ukrainian with notarization.
Legalization or apostille of foreign documents (if required).
Verification of correctness of wording in documents and compliance with Ukrainian legislation.

Submission of the application for surname change to the registry office and/or administrative service center.
Consultation and support regarding the exchange of the Ukrainian passport and international passport.
Interaction with banks, notaries, and other institutions to change the surname in documents (if required).

What is a change of surname after marriage with a foreigner and what are the legal consequences

Ukrainian law allows choosing a surname after marriage: you can take your partner’s surname, choose a double surname, or keep your own. If your partner is a foreigner, additional nuances arise: properly executed marriage documents, legalized or apostilled documents, correct translation, and coordination with consular requirements. Without this, the surname change may be considered invalid abroad or cause issues when crossing borders, obtaining visas, or certificates.

Procedure for changing a surname after marriage with a foreigner: documents, translations, and legalization

The basic package includes:

Marriage certificate issued by a competent authority (in the partner’s country or in Ukraine), legalized or apostilled if required by an international agreement.
Translation of the marriage certificate and other (foreign) documents into Ukrainian — notarized translation.
Identification documents: your Ukrainian passport (ID card or “booklet”), international passport, tax ID / taxpayer registration card.
Other documents, if available: driver’s license, contracts / bank accounts, insurance policies, etc.

We assist in preparing the entire package, carrying out the necessary legalization, translation, and verifying the correctness of wording to avoid any “hidden pitfalls.”

Term for exchanging passports and other documents when changing a surname after marriage

The law stipulates a mandatory term for exchanging a Ukrainian citizen’s passport within one month after registration of marriage. Replacing the international passport is also recommended immediately (to avoid difficulties with travel or immigration procedures). Other documents — tax ID, driver’s license, property documents, bank cards — are changed as soon as possible; the faster, the lower the risks.

Why you should contact a lawyer when changing a surname after marriage with a foreigner

To avoid errors in documents that can cost time or money.
To ensure that the foreign marriage certificate complies with Ukrainian requirements (apostille, legalization, translation).
To provide consultation on the specifics of the partner’s country if it is important for your documents or status.
To accompany the processing, submit applications, and verify when it is necessary to contact the consulate or diplomatic institution.

Procedure for carrying out a surname change after marriage with a foreigner

For proper surname change registration, the procedure established by law must be followed. The main stages supported by the lawyers of the “Consultant” marketplace are:

Analysis of your situation and documents — we will check whether everything complies with the requirements.

Preparation of a “turnkey” package — marriage certificate, translations, legalization, applications to relevant authorities.

Accompaniment in government institutions: SMS, administrative service centers, registry office, consulate — minimal involvement from you.

Optimal timing and transparent budget — you always know what you pay for and how much.

Conclusion

Changing a surname after marriage with a foreigner is not just a formality, but a step that affects all your documents, status, and even subsequent legal actions abroad. Mistakes or inaccuracies can result in unnecessary time and financial costs. Therefore, the smartest solution is to entrust this to professionals. The legal marketplace “Consultant” is a place where complex procedures become simple. We know how to coordinate Ukrainian and international requirements, process changes without bureaucracy, and make your new surname not a problem, but a symbol of a new stage in your life.