Record numbers of Belgians changed name or gender registration in 2025
In 2025, thousands of Belgians changed their surname, and hundreds changed their registered gender, according to figures from the Federal Public Service (FPS) Justice.
A total of 6,668 Belgians changed their surname last year, a slight decrease compared with 2024. However, the figures remain high following the introduction of a simplified procedure in mid-2024. Since 1 July 2024, every adult has been entitled to change their surname once in their lifetime, provided the new name is that of their father, mother or a combination of both. The application can be submitted via the local municipality and is usually processed within a month.
In 2025, 4,772 people made use of this simplified local procedure. As a result, the number of applications handled directly by the FPS Justice has fallen sharply. Last year, the federal service received just 807 surname change applications, the lowest figure in six years. These applications are subject to stricter conditions, requiring serious reasons and assurances that the change will not cause confusion or harm. Processing times for such cases range from six to twelve months, although they have been decreasing.
The FPS Justice notes that application numbers cannot be directly compared with the number of approvals in a given year, as decisions may be issued months later. Surname changes may also occur through other routes, such as a court order.
Alongside surname changes, 6,534 people changed their first name in 2025, the highest number recorded to date. Responsibility for first name changes has rested with local authorities since 2018.
Increase in gender registration changes
Figures also show a continued rise in the number of people changing their civil registration gender. In 2025, 734 individuals amended the gender marker on their civil status certificates and in the population register, up from 644 in 2024. The number has increased steadily in recent years.
The FPS Justice states that these figures relate solely to administrative changes. The procedure allows people whose registered gender does not correspond with their gender identity to amend their civil status, without any requirement for medical or physical intervention.
Of the gender registration changes recorded last year, 349 were from male to female, while 385 were from female to male.
© BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS
Related news
