Name changes are dealt with by two different authorities, PRV and the Swedish Tax Agency.

Before you send in your application to PRV, we recommend that you check whether your name change should be processed at PRV or the Swedish Tax Agency. PRV starts processing your application when you have paid the filing fee. Filing fees are non-refundable as they cover the costs of processing.

You should apply to PRV when you want to:

• change all your first names
• change the spelling of your surname
• create a completely new surname (newly formed)
• create a surname by taking your father's or mother's first name and the suffix -son or -dotter
• change to an old family name
• change to a newly formed surname from within the family
• take back a previous surname
• change to the surname you had before adoption (if you are over 18 years old)
• change to your foster parents' surname (if you are over 18 years old)

You should apply to the Swedish Tax Agency when you want to:

• register the first name of a newborn child
• register the surname of a newborn child
• replace, remove or add one or more first names at one time
• change the order of your first names
• change the spelling of a first name without changing the pronunciation
• add or remove a middle name
• change surname in connection with marriage or registered partnership. Please note that the Names Act does not allow name changes to the surname of an unregistered partner who you live with.
• take back a maiden name
• change to your parents' surname
• change to your adoptive parents' surname (if you are under 18 years old)
• change to your foster parents' surname (if you are under 18 years old)

More information

The Swedish Tax Agency