Is it a good idea for the non-Bulgarian wife to change her surname if she marries a Bulgarian citizen?
In recent years, we have observed a clear trend of an increasing number of Bulgarian men marrying women from countries outside the European Union. Most often, these women are from the Philippines, Indonesia, Ukraine, and Russia.
Today we want to draw attention to a common “mistake” that newlyweds make when entering into such mixed marriages. Namely, the change of the foreign wife’s surname. We put “mistake” in quotes because in some cases, the change of the wife’s surname is entirely justified and even necessary.
However, a foreign woman taking her Bulgarian husband’s surname often leads to serious complications in subsequent immigration procedures. In practice, this can result in significant delays, the need to obtain new documents, and other administrative difficulties when applying for a visa D.
author: Alexander Dobrinov
Change of family name upon marriage in Bulgaria
Bulgarian law, and specifically the Family Code, provides for the possibility for spouses to change their last names upon marriage.
When the civil marriage certificate is drawn up, each spouse must state whether they will retain their own surname, take their spouse’s surname, or add their spouse’s surname to their own. The surname of the other spouse, by which he or she is known in society, may be adopted or added.
art. 12 of the Family Code
Many Bulgarians who marry a foreign woman believe that changing her last name – most often by taking or adding her husband’s surname – offers certain advantages. Some believe that a Bulgarian surname will make it easier to obtain a visa or create a more favourable impression with the authorities. Others believe it will help their wife integrate more easily and quickly into Bulgarian society. There are also those who, out of traditional beliefs or personal preference, insist that their wife take their surname. They view this as a symbol of her family ties and devotion.
Issues arising from a foreign wife changing her family name
Unfortunately, changing one’s family name after marriage often leads to serious administrative difficulties.
New passport
Once she has adopted her new family name, the female foreigner can no longer apply for a visa D using her maiden name. Before submitting her visa application, she must obtain a new passport with her updated information.
In order for the new passport to be issued, the marriage must generally first be registered in the country of which she is a citizen (if the marriage took place in Bulgaria).
Problems with changing the name
In some countries, the process of changing one’s name is slow and complicated. For citizens of countries such as Indonesia, it can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Delay in applying for a visa D
As a result of the name change, newlyweds often lose between two and six months. Instead of the foreign national applying for a visa D almost immediately after the marriage, she must first register the marriage in her country of origin. She must then obtain a new passport with her updated name.
Is this delay justified? In our opinion, in most cases—NO!
If changing your family name is really necessary, there are legal options for doing so even after the marriage has taken place. This way, the process of obtaining a visa D can begin much sooner.
For more information and assistance
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