- Name changes must be processed at renewal: No CBI jurisdiction currently offers a standalone name-change amendment; your updated legal name is reflected only when a new passport is issued.
- Government fees range from USD 75 to USD 1,055: Dominica is the most cost-effective at USD 75, Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada sit at USD 100–150, St. Lucia at USD 100, Vanuatu at USD 200–300, and St. Kitts & Nevis at USD 1,055 — all before authorised agent fees of USD 500–1,500.
- Processing timelines extend with a name change: Standard renewals take 4–8 weeks; add four to eight weeks for apostilled document legalisation, sworn translations, and CIU review — meaning you should begin at least six months before your current passport expires.
- ECCIRA's biometric mandate is rolling out in 2026: The Caribbean CBI body established in December 2025 will enforce biometric e-passport standards across its five member countries (excluding Vanuatu); existing renewal rules remain in force during the transition period.
- Remote renewal is available for all six countries: No in-country visit is required; Mirabello's Dubai office specifically serves GCC-based clients, handling the full document chain without you needing to travel to the issuing jurisdiction.
- Vanuatu passport holders face a material change: Following the EU's revocation of visa-free access in December 2024, Vanuatu passport holders should reassess their travel programme; the renewal process itself is unaffected but strategic planning is strongly advised.
CBI Passport Renewal with Name Change 2026: Complete Process Guide
Updating your name on a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) passport adds complexity to what is otherwise a standard renewal. Whether you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name for other reasons, the process requires additional documentation, longer processing times, and careful coordination with the issuing country's passport office.
This guide covers the complete name change process for all six CBI programmes — Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Vanuatu — including fees, documents, and step-by-step instructions.
When Is a Name Change Required at Renewal?
A name change at passport renewal is required whenever the name on your new passport must differ from the name on your current passport. Common scenarios include:
- Marriage: Adopting a spouse's surname
- Divorce: Reverting to a maiden name or previous surname
- Legal name change: Court-ordered deed poll for personal or professional reasons
- Correction: Fixing errors in the original passport (spelling, transliteration)
Required Documents for Name Change Renewal
In addition to the standard renewal documents, name change renewals require:
| Document | Purpose | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage certificate | Proves name change via marriage | Certified, apostilled, English translation |
| Divorce decree | Proves reversion to previous name | Certified, apostilled, English translation |
| Deed poll | Legal name change court order | Original or certified copy, apostilled |
| Affidavit of name change | Sworn statement confirming new name | Notarised, some countries require this |
| Updated birth certificate | May be required in some jurisdictions | Re-issued with new name (if applicable) |
All documents must be in English. Non-English documents require certified translation by a sworn translator, plus apostille certification under the Hague Convention.
Country-by-Country Name Change Process
St. Kitts and Nevis
The CIU (Citizenship by Investment Unit) no longer processes name changes to Certificates of Registration separately. Name changes are now handled during passport renewal. Submit your marriage certificate, court order, or deed poll — translated to English, certified, and apostilled — with your renewal application.
- Processing time: 6–8 weeks (longer than standard 4–6 weeks)
- Additional fee: Document authentication fee of USD 60
- Key contact: St. Kitts CIU
Dominica
Dominica handles name changes as part of the standard renewal process. Submit the relevant legal document (marriage certificate, deed poll, or divorce decree) with your renewal application.
- Processing time: 3–5 weeks (slightly longer than standard 2–4 weeks)
- Additional fee: None beyond the standard USD 150 renewal fee
- Key contact: Dominica CBIU
Grenada
Grenada requires the name change document to be submitted alongside the renewal application. The new passport will be issued with the updated name.
- Processing time: 3–5 weeks
- Additional fee: Legal fees may apply (USD 455 if using an agent)
- E-2 visa impact: If you hold a US E-2 visa under your previous name, you must update the visa to match your new passport
Antigua and Barbuda
Submit name change documentation with your renewal application. Ensure your 5-day physical presence requirement has been completed.
- Processing time: 4–8 weeks
- Additional fee: Included in the standard USD 1,000 renewal fee
St. Lucia
Name changes are processed at renewal with supporting documentation. St. Lucia's new 10-year passport (effective August 2025) means your updated name will be valid for a decade.
- Processing time: 4–6 weeks
- Additional fee: Minimal — included in standard renewal fees
Vanuatu
Vanuatu requires name change documentation to be submitted through an authorised agent. Biometric collection (in person at Port Vila, Hong Kong, Dubai, or New Caledonia) must be completed under the new name.
- Processing time: Several weeks
- Additional fee: Standard renewal fee of USD 82 applies
Step-by-Step Name Change Renewal Process
Step 1: Gather Legal Documentation (1–2 Weeks)
Obtain the original or certified copies of your name change document. Arrange certified English translation and apostille if the document is in another language.
Step 2: Notify the CBI Unit (Optional but Recommended)
Contact the issuing country's CBI unit to inform them of the name change and confirm their specific requirements. Each country may have slightly different procedures.
Step 3: Complete the Renewal Application
Fill out the standard renewal application with your new name. Include a note explaining the name change and attach all supporting documents.
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit through the same channels as a standard renewal: directly to the passport office, through an embassy or consulate, or via an authorised agent.
Step 5: Update Other Documents
Once your new passport is issued, update the following:
- Certificate of Naturalisation (if applicable)
- US E-2 visa (for Grenada passport holders)
- Bank accounts linked to your CBI citizenship
- Property ownership records (if applicable)
- Other government records in your country of residence
Fees for Name Change Renewals
| Programme | Standard Renewal Fee | Additional Name Change Fee | Agent Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominica | USD 150 | None | USD 500–1,000 |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | USD 1,055 | USD 60 (doc auth) | USD 500–1,500 |
| Grenada | USD 250–350 | Included | USD 500–1,500 |
| Antigua and Barbuda | USD 1,000 | Included | USD 500–2,000 |
| St. Lucia | USD 48–135 | Minimal | USD 500–1,000 |
| Vanuatu | USD 82 | Included | USD 500–1,500 |
Special Considerations
Married Couples with Different CBI Programmes
If spouses hold CBI passports from different countries, the name change must be processed separately with each passport office. There is no cross-programme coordination.
Children's Passports and Parental Name Changes
A parent's name change does not automatically affect children's passports. However, if the family unit was registered under the previous name, the CBI unit may need to update their records.
ECCIRA Implications
Under the upcoming ECCIRA framework (mid-2026), name change processing may require additional biometric enrolment under the new name. Plan name change renewals before ECCIRA implementation if possible.
How Mirabello Consultancy Helps
Mirabello Consultancy manages name change passport renewals for all six CBI programmes:
- Document review and apostille coordination
- Direct liaison with CBI units and passport offices
- Translation services for non-English documents
- E-2 visa update coordination (Grenada)
- Family-wide name change management
- Service in 7 languages from offices in Zurich and Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on a CBI passport at renewal?
Yes. All six CBI programmes allow name changes at passport renewal with supporting documentation (marriage certificate, deed poll, or divorce decree).
Does a name change cost extra on a CBI passport renewal?
Most programmes include name changes within the standard renewal fee. St. Kitts and Nevis charges an additional USD 60 document authentication fee.
How long does a name change passport renewal take?
Typically 1–2 weeks longer than a standard renewal. Expect 3–8 weeks depending on the programme and submission channel.
Do I need to update my Certificate of Naturalisation?
This varies by country. St. Kitts no longer processes separate name changes to Certificates of Registration. Other countries may require an update — check with the CBI unit.
What if my name change document is not in English?
All supporting documents must be accompanied by a certified English translation by a sworn translator, plus apostille certification under the Hague Convention.
Will my E-2 visa still be valid with a new name on my Grenada passport?
No. You must update your US E-2 visa to match the new name on your Grenada passport. Contact US immigration or a qualified immigration attorney to process this update.
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