Switzerland overturns double-barreled surname ban for married couples starting 2027

The Swiss government has announced that from January 1, 2027, married couples or those getting married will again have the legal option to choose a double-barreled surname, reversing a decision which banned the practice in 2013.

What changes for couples and children in 2027

Choosing whether to take a spouse’s surname, keep one's own or combine the two can be a big decision when getting married. Since 2013, Swiss civil law has prohibited couples from combining their surnames into a single legal double-barreled name. Now, the government will reinstate the option in 2027, according to a recent announcement.

Going forward, spouses can choose to use a double-barreled surname with or without a hyphen. Double-barreled surnames for children will remain prohibited, and parents must choose one surname. 

In the new year, already married couples can go to their local civil registry office (Regionales Zivilstandsamt) to register a double-barreled surname. Anyone getting married in Switzerland will have the same option when filling in the legal paperwork prior to or on the big day.

Why did Switzerland ban double-barreled surnames for married couples?

Over 10 years ago, Swiss lawmakers introduced changes to civil law that were intended to encourage gender equality. Prior to 2013, married couples had to agree on a common family name, either a single surname or a double-barreled surname combining both names, which often defaulted to the husband's surname.

While the updated law removed the need for a common family name, it also prevented couples from combining surnames into a double-barreled surname. In doing so, the government hoped to reduce bias toward taking the husband’s name.

However, a 2019 report from the Federal Statistical Office found that almost 70 percent of women still opted to take their husband’s name, rather than the husband taking the wife’s name. Removing the option to combine surnames often left women with fewer choices.

While couples have been able to informally use an alliance name (Allianzname) in everyday life and on identity documents since 2013, from 2027 the law will once again recognise double-barrelled surnames officially.