Changing Your Name as a Foreign National in the UK

You can legally change your name by deed poll in the United Kingdom without being a British citizen. The process is the same regardless of your nationality.

Eligibility

To change your name by deed poll in England or Wales, you must:

  • Be 16 years old or over
  • Live in England or Wales
  • Have mental capacity to understand what you are doing



You do not need to be a British citizen. Your nationality, citizenship or immigration status does not affect your eligibility.

How it Works

The process for foreign nationals is the same as for British citizens changing their name.


You will need to:

  • Apply for your deed poll with your current legal name and your chosen new name
  • Sign the deed poll in front of two witnesses
  • Use the deed poll to update your UK documents


For full details on the application process and requirements, see our guide on how to change your name by deed poll.

What Your Deed Poll Changes

UK Documents

Your UK deed poll changes your name within the United Kingdom only. You can use it to update all UK-issued documents and records.



This includes your eVisa, UK driving licence, bank accounts, HMRC records, NHS records, and UK employer records.

Home Country Documents

Your deed poll does not change documents issued by your home country, such as your passport, birth certificate, or educational qualifications.



If you want to legally change your name in your home country, you must follow that country's legal process. Each country has its own laws and requirements for name changes.

Changing Your eVisa

If you have an eVisa (which replaced biometric residence permits), you can update your name on it using your deed poll.


Update your name in your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. You will need to provide your deed poll as proof of your name change.

Impact on Visa Applications

You cannot change your name while you are waiting for a visa application decision. Complete any pending visa applications before applying for a deed poll.


Once your visa has been granted, changing your name should not affect your visa status or future visa applications.


However, you must inform UK Visas and Immigration of your name change. Keep records of both your old name and new name for visa purposes.



When applying for future visas:

  • Use your new name on applications
  • Provide your deed poll as proof of name change
  • Include any documents in your old name with explanation

If you are unsure how a name change affects your specific visa situation, consult an immigration advisor before applying for your deed poll.

Applying for British Citizenship

If you are applying for British citizenship, the Home Office will normally issue your citizenship certificate in the name shown on your current passport, travel document or eVisa.



Your foreign passport or national identity card takes priority over other documents such as a deed poll when the Home Office decides which name to use.

If Your Home Country Cannot Change Your Passport

If your home country will not or cannot change the name on your passport, the Home Office may consider issuing documents in the name you use in the UK. This is treated as an exceptional case.


You will need to provide evidence that you cannot change your foreign documents, plus proof that you use your new name for all official purposes in the UK. This typically includes your deed poll and multiple documents such as bank statements, tax records, utility bills and employment records.

Aligning Your Documents

The Home Office expects names to be aligned across your foreign documents and UK documents before issuing citizenship certificates. If possible, update your passport with your home country before applying for British citizenship.



If you cannot align your documents, seek advice from an immigration advisor about the exceptions process.

Updating Your Records

After changing your name, you need to update your UK documents and records with various organisations.


Find out who to inform after changing your name and the order to update them.

If You Leave the UK

If you leave the UK after changing your name, your deed poll remains valid.


You can use it to prove your name change to organizations while you lived in the UK. However, authorities in other countries may not accept it.



Keep your deed poll safe even after leaving the UK. You may need it for future reference.

Legal Advice

If you have complex immigration circumstances or concerns about how a name change affects your status, seek legal advice before proceeding.

An immigration lawyer can advise on:

  • Whether changing your name affects your specific visa
  • How to update documents from your home country
  • Potential complications with immigration applications

Apply for Your Deed Poll

If you live in England or Wales, you can change your name by deed poll regardless of your nationality.



Apply online with Deedly. You do not need British citizenship to change your name by deed poll.