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Choosing a First Name

When a child is born, you, as a parent, choose one or more first names. These names are recorded on the birth certificate and used by the government.

What does this product or service mean?

What should you pay attention to?

You are free to choose one or more first names for your child. The first names must not be inappropriate. The civil registrar may refuse a first name.

Choosing a first name means that you register your child’s first name or first names when you file the birth certificate. The first names will be recorded in the official registry and appear on documents such as a passport or sédula.

How do you apply for this?

  1. You register the birth with the Civil Registry.
  2. You provide your child’s first name(s) to the civil registrar.
  3. The civil registrar determines whether the first names are permitted.
  4. If the first names are approved, they are recorded on the birth certificate.

If a first name is rejected, you may choose another first name. If you do not do so, the registrar will choose a first name for your child.

Who can you contact?

Civil Affairs
Adress: Kaya Neerlandia 40
Telephone: (+599) 715 5330
Email: info@bonairegov.com

Opening hours
Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday: Closed

How long does it take?

The first name is recorded immediately upon registration of the birth.

Do you disagree with the decision?

If you disagree with the official’s choice, you may file a request with the Court of First Instance of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba within 6 weeks to have the first name changed. You will need a lawyer for this.

Which laws and rules apply?

What do we do with your personal data?

When you submit a request or report, the Public Entity of Bonaire needs your personal data. The Public Entity of Bonaire handles your data with care.

The BES Personal Data Protection Act specifies how the Public Entity of Bonaire must do this.

The most important rules are:

  • The Public Entity of Bonaire only requests data necessary to process your request or report.
  • They record and process your data securely, confidentially, and with care.
  • Your data will only be used for the application or report, or for something directly related to it.
  • Your data will not be retained longer than necessary for the application or report.
  • Other organizations will only receive your data if required by law.
  • You may ask how your data is being used and what happens to it.
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