- A deed poll (the document that records a change of name) can be arranged through a service provider and is “made and collected on the spot”, for about HK$500.
- Once you have the deed poll, you can update your identity card at the Immigration Department. The fee is HK$420.
- For a child under 11, the parents must apply in person at the Births and Deaths General Register Office in Hong Kong to change the name.
- The Hong Kong government only allows Chinese characters that are recorded in the Hong Kong Supplementary Character Set and in the ISO/IEC 10646 international standard.
Whether for feng shui beliefs, family tradition or a change in personal taste, changing your name is not unusual in Hong Kong. To change your name legally, the most important document is the deed poll.
This article explains the procedure for changing your surname in Hong Kong and the deed poll.
Name Changes in Chinese Culture: The Legal Meaning and Modern Role of the Deed Poll
In Chinese culture, names carry great weight. A good name is believed to shape a person’s fortune, health and success.
So many families ask a feng shui master or naming expert to choose their child’s name at birth, hoping to bring the child good luck.
Some people also change their name to change their luck after a run of bad fortune, for example:
- Career setbacks
- Health problems
- Family problems
The legal meaning of a deed poll
A deed poll is a formal legal document that records the legal process of a person changing their name. Once you decide to change your name, you need this deed to carry out the change formally.
In Hong Kong, any formal name change needs government approval and is recorded in the deed poll to ensure legal recognition.
As an important legal document in the process, the deed poll carries a good deal of cultural and legal weight.
It confirms the new name and is formal proof of identity. It has a lasting effect on your legal identity, bank accounts, academic certificates and more.
The role of the deed poll today
As society develops and becomes more international, the reasons for changing a name are more varied:
- Besides traditional feng shui and fortune, some people choose a more international name for international career needs or a personal-brand strategy.
- With more value placed on identity and freedom of expression, some people change their name to better express their gender identity or cultural identity.
Still unclear about the legal meaning of a deed poll?
If in doubt, feel free to contact our dedicated consultants.
The Deed Poll and Name Change Procedure in Hong Kong
To change your name in Hong Kong, the first step is to make a legal document called a deed poll, and then update your identity card and other documents.
-
Making a deed poll
This document can be arranged through a service provider and is “made and collected on the spot”. The cost is relatively low, about HK$500.
-
Updating your identity card
Once you have the deed poll, you can update your identity card at the Registration of Persons Office of the Immigration Department. The fee is HK$420. After this step, you can formally use your new name in all kinds of transactions and legal activities.
-
Updating other documents
After your identity card is updated, you can update your name on bank accounts and other official documents step by step.
The legal effect of a deed poll
A deed poll is essentially a legally certified document, usually just one page, which must be signed in the presence of a solicitor.
Through this document, the person declares that they give up their former name and will use the new name from now on.
Without a deed poll, the Immigration Department and other government departments will not accept any official document changes under the new name.
How a deed poll relates to other official documents
The name on a birth certificate is a permanent record that cannot be changed, but the deed poll is the key document to prove that the old and new names belong to the same person.
The following formal documents all need the deed poll to show the change of name and the continuity of identity:
- Graduation certificates
- Marriage certificate
- Any other formal document
Rules and limits on changing your name
When choosing a new name, you must follow some basic rules:
- A Chinese name may not exceed 6 characters;
- An English name may not exceed 60 letters;
- No characters other than English letters;
- No punctuation marks;
- No vulgar or indecent language.
Please note
- If there is reason to suspect an application is made for fraudulent purposes, the authorities may refuse it.
Rules for changing a child’s name and surname
The rules for changing a child’s given name or surname are as follows:
- For a child under 11, the parents must apply in person at the Births and Deaths General Register Office in Hong Kong and show the child’s birth certificate to change the name.
- If the child is 11 or over, the parent with custody may apply without the other parent’s consent.
- Changing a child’s surname needs the written consent of the parents or legal guardian.
Name changes for permanent residents overseas
Hong Kong permanent residents living overseas can submit a name change application from outside Hong Kong. This service also applies to permanent residents who are not in Hong Kong.
- Tips for couples to communicate when you do not want to divorce or break up
- How couples can keep their marriage strong and prevent divorce
Rules and Limits on Changing Your Name in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, both the surname and the given name, in Chinese or English, can be changed:
- There is no limit on how many times you can change it;
- A Chinese name can have up to six characters, and an English name is limited to 40 characters (including spaces);
- You can register both Chinese and English names, or an English name only;
- You do not have to take your parents’ surname.
Conditions for minors changing their name
For applicants under 18, a change of name needs the consent of a parent or legal guardian; changing a surname needs the joint consent of both parents.
Please note
- Once a child turns 11, the name on their birth certificate can no longer be changed or added to, but the name on their identity card can still be changed.
Taboos in choosing a name
Hong Kong does not ban particular words in names, but the names of public figures sometimes draw wide attention.
For example, some people have chosen very unusual names, which often become the focus of media reports.
So it is important to choose a suitable name that will not cause controversy.
Limits on inventing Chinese characters
Hong Kong’s policy on self-made names, especially new Chinese characters, is fairly strict.
The Hong Kong government only allows Chinese characters that are recorded in the Hong Kong Supplementary Character Set and in the ISO/IEC 10646 international standard.
If you want a special character added to the character set, you need to apply to the working group of the Chinese Language Interface Advisory Committee, which will review it.
In Hong Kong, changing your name is a fairly free right, but it is still subject to rules and limits.
Choosing the right name concerns not only how you express your identity but may also affect how you deal with others and fit into society. Whether the name is conventional or creative, it needs careful thought.
Marriage no longer working and want to change things?
Feel free to check your situation with us.
How can you make your marriage happier and prevent divorce?
Unhappiness in a marriage is sometimes down to both sides. To make your marriage happier, you can try the following:
- Communicate more: keep talking openly and honestly with your partner, share your feelings, thoughts and needs, understand theirs, and look for ways to solve problems together.
- Support each other: support your partner when they are in difficulty and congratulate them on their achievements. This builds trust and closeness.
- Create good memories together: spend good time with your partner and build shared memories. You can plan trips, join activities or hold family gatherings.
- Keep respect and gratitude: respect your partner’s views and choices, and show thanks for what they do. This helps protect each other’s dignity and self-esteem.
- Keep a balanced pace of life: arrange work and life sensibly so you both have enough time for each other. Proper rest and relaxation also matter for keeping a marriage healthy.
- Build romance and closeness: hold regular dates or create romantic moments to bring you closer. You can give gifts, write love letters or plan a special dinner.
- Seek professional help: if you are struggling to solve your marriage problems, consider asking a psychotherapist, marriage counsellor or legal professional for help.
We hope these methods help you and your partner build a happier and better life together.
Things change, and so do people.
If the person you married can no longer live with you, or you are facing domestic violence and feel you cannot cope, Sun Mood Divorce Consultancy can help you change your situation.
- Domestic violence in Hong Kong: definition, effects and where to get help
- Apply for divorce
- How do I apply for a divorce?
- Divorce mediation in Hong Kong: the process and its benefits
- Spot the common mistakes in the divorce process, and do not let emotion take over
- What to know about affairs and infidelity in divorce in Hong Kong
Finding marriage problems hard and feeling you cannot cope?
Get in touch, and a dedicated consultant will first understand your situation.
