In Montenegro spouses agree on their surname at the wedding: each may keep their own, both may take the surname of one of them or both surnames, or only one may add the other's surname. Anyone who changed their surname can keep it after a final divorce or take back their former surname by a statement to the registrar. An adult can also change their full name, first name only or surname only on request, which the Ministry of the Interior decides by decision, and since August 2026 the same rules also apply to same-sex life partnerships.
This guide explains the choices at the wedding, divorce, a change on request, the rules for children and the fines.
Which surname can you choose at the wedding?
| Choice | Example |
| Each keeps their own surname | Ana Petrović and Marko Jovanović |
| Both take the surname of one of them | Ana and Marko Jovanović |
| Both take both surnames | Ana and Marko Petrović Jovanović |
| Only one adds the other's surname | Ana Petrović Jovanović and Marko Jovanović |
- When both take both surnames, the spouses decide which surname comes first.
- The registrar recommends that future spouses agree on the surname by the wedding day.
How do you take back your surname after divorce?
- A spouse who changed their surname at the wedding can keep it after a final divorce judgment.
- Anyone who wants their former surname gives the registrar a statement that they are taking back the surname they had before the marriage.
- Since August 2026 a partner who changed their surname in a same-sex life partnership has the same right after a final decision dissolving the partnership.
How is a name changed on request?
- An adult applies to change their full name, first name only or surname only, and for a minor the legal representative applies.
- The Ministry of the Interior decides on the application by decision, and an appeal can be lodged against it.
- The change is not approved for a person convicted of a criminal offence prosecuted ex officio until they have served the sentence or while the legal consequences of the conviction last, and the Ministry checks the criminal record and court proceedings ex officio.
- A change on request is entered in the civil register on the basis of the final decision.
What applies to children?
- When one parent requests a change of a child's name, the other parent's consent is attached to the application.
- If the parents do not agree even with the help of the guardianship authority, a court decides in non-contentious proceedings.
- A child who has turned ten must consent to a change of their name, if able to express a view.
- A guardian needs the guardianship authority's approval to change a child's name.
What rules apply to using a name?
- In legal dealings you use the name entered in the birth register.
- Anyone whose name has more than three words gives the registrar a statement on which name they will use.
- Anyone who does not use their registered name in legal dealings pays a fine of 50 to 1,000 euros.
- After the change is entered in the civil register, a new application is filed for an ID card and passport with the new surname.
Documents for marrying a foreigner are covered in our guide to getting married, and new documents in our guide to the passport and ID card. The civil register extract is covered in our guide to the birth certificate, and property after divorce in our guide to dividing property. What a certified translation of a foreign marriage or divorce document costs is shown in a price overview on Glatko.
Frequently asked questions
Does a wife have to take her husband's surname? No, each spouse can keep their own surname, and it is also possible to take both surnames or only add the other spouse's surname.
How do I get my maiden name back after divorce? After a final divorce judgment you give the registrar a statement that you are taking back the surname you had before the marriage.
Who decides on a name change on request? The Ministry of the Interior by decision, and an appeal can be lodged against the decision.
Can a child's name be changed? Yes, at a parent's request with the other parent's consent, and a child over ten must agree if able to express a view.
What is new since August 2026? The surname rules for entering and dissolving a union now also apply to same-sex life partnerships.
What is the fine for not using my registered name? The fine is 50 to 1,000 euros for using a name that is not entered in the civil register.
Sources
The rules on changing a personal name, a change on request, children and fines come from the Law on Personal Name, Official Gazette 47/2008 (Articles 4, 9, 12 to 18 and 20), the amendments of 2016, Official Gazette 55/2016, and the amendments of August 2026, Official Gazette 119/2026. The four surname choices at the wedding come from the Family Law (Articles 29 and 41). The information was checked on 27 September 2026. Fijaka is a classifieds platform; this text is not legal advice.