New simplified civil registry procedure for changing gender and first name

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With a view to creating a more inclusive society, the City of Geneva has long been committed to combating discrimination with regard to sexual and emotional orientation as well as gender identity and expression.

The Civil Registry Office of the City has therefore quickly adapted to legislative changes and now offers the possibility of changing gender and first name via a simplified procedure for a modest fee. Surnames can also be changed when these are gender-related, as is the case in Slavic languages.

What to do

This new procedure concerns those people who have the deep-seated and unwavering conviction of not belonging to the gender indicated in the civil register. It can be carried out at any time, albeit solely by appointment with the Civil Registry Office of the City of Geneva. It is first necessary to download and complete a form, available on the Changing gender and first name web page, which provides all the details concerning the procedure to be followed.

No prior conditions are stipulated with regard to this procedure, which requires no medical examination or lawyer. The person wishing to change their gender and first name is received by an officer of the City’s Civil Registry Office, trained by the Equality-Diversity department of the Agenda 21-Sustainable City service. A fee of CHF 75 is charged for the procedure of changing gender and first name.

Anyone requiring more detailed information concerning this procedure can refer to the dedicated web page or contact the Civil Registry Office directly using the contact details below.