Immigrants Simplifying/Anglicising Names: UK Legal Steps & Risks

For many immigrants in the UK, simplifying or "Anglicising" a name is a practical choice. Perhaps your birth name is difficult for English speakers to pronounce, leading to constant spelling errors. Or perhaps you simply want a name that feels more aligned with your new life in Britain.

While you have the same right to change your name as any British-born citizen, your status as a foreign national or dual citizen adds a layer of complexity. If you get the order of operations wrong, you could end up with a British Passport application that is rejected.

At UK Name Change, we help thousands of new citizens navigate this specific hurdle. Here is the legal reality of Anglicising your name in the UK.

1. The "Ellis Island" Myth

First, a clarification: There is no special government form for "Anglicising" a name. You cannot simply tick a box on a visa application to shorten your surname.

To change your name legally in the UK—whether you are changing "Zbigniew" to "Ben" or shortening a long family name—you must use the standard Deed Poll process. This document legally separates you from your old name and links you to your new one.

2. The "One Name Policy" (Crucial for Dual Nationals)

This is where most people get stuck. HM Passport Office operates a strict One Name Policy.

The Rule: Your British Passport must match your foreign passport. You cannot be John Smith in the UK and Janusz Kowalski in Poland.

The Trap: If you execute a Deed Poll in the UK and change your driving licence and bank accounts to your new Anglicised name, but you do not (or cannot) change your foreign passport, HM Passport Office will refuse to issue you a British passport in your new name. They will insist you use the name on your foreign passport.

The Solution (Order of Operations): If you hold dual nationality, you must usually change your name in this order:

1. Step 1: Change your name in your country of origin (update your foreign passport first).
2. Step 2: Execute a UK Deed Poll (to create the legal link for UK organisations).
3. Step 3: Update your UK documents (Passport, DVLA, Bank).

Note: If your country of origin (e.g., Egypt) generally does not allow name changes, you may be able to apply for a British passport in your new name by proving "administrative fairness," but this is complex and requires significant evidence that you cannot change your foreign document.

3. Visas and Biometric Residence Permits (BRP)

If you are not yet a British citizen, you can still change your name, but the clock starts ticking immediately.

• The 3-Month Rule: You must apply for a new BRP within 3 months of changing your name by Deed Poll.
• The Fine: Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1,000 or a shortening of your stay.
• The Process: You must execute your Deed Poll, then fill out the "Report a change of circumstances" form with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

4. The "Professional Name" Alternative

If changing your foreign passport is impossible or too expensive, you have a powerful alternative: The "Known As" Name.

You do not have to legally change your name to use an English name at work.

• Legal Name: Remains your birth name (on your Passport, Payroll, and Bank Account).
• Professional Name: You can ask your employer to set your email display name and ID badge to your Anglicised name (e.g., "Ben" instead of "Zbigniew").

This is perfectly legal. You simply tell your colleagues, "Please call me Ben," and use that name for everything except official government business.

5. Pronunciation and Spelling Fixes

Sometimes, you don't want a new name—you just want to drop a special character (like ł or ñ) that breaks UK computer systems.

You generally do not need a Deed Poll for this. HM Passport Office has a list of "transliteration" rules (e.g., changing Müller to Mueller). However, if you want to change the spelling entirely (e.g., Müller to Miller), that is a name change and requires a Deed Poll.

How We Help You Navigate the Borders

Immigration paperwork is stressful enough without name change errors. Our Complete Package (£29.99) helps you get it right.

We provide a professionally drafted Deed Poll that is accepted by UKVI and the Home Office. More importantly, we provide the guidance you need to ensure you don't accidentally create a conflict between your two nationalities.

Simplify your name today. Start your legal application.