Is changing one's first name and father's name to obtain residency in a European country considered a forbidden act?

It is permissible to change one's personal name to a good or better name if there is a need or necessity, provided that it does not lead to a Sharia-forbidden act, such as claiming lineage to other than one's father, which falls under severe warnings, as in the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Whoever knowingly claims lineage to other than his father, Paradise is forbidden for him," and his saying: "Indeed, among the greatest fabrications is for a man to claim lineage to other than his father," and his saying: "Do not renounce your fathers, for whoever renounces his father has committed disbelief."

It is not permissible to change from the father's or family's name to another name, because it involves claiming lineage to other than the true father, unless the name being adopted belongs to another grandfather of the family.

Also among the forbidden acts is forging official documents due to the lying and deception involved, as Allah Almighty says: {So shun the abomination of idols, and shun false speech} (Quran 22:30). An exception to this forgery is if the intention is to obtain a legitimate right for which all avenues have been blocked for its owner, and they are in a compelling necessity. However, if one intends to obtain something to which they have no right, then it is not permissible.

If the matter is ambiguous for a person, it is better to stay away from doubtful matters, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The lawful is clear, and the unlawful is clear, and between them are doubtful matters... So whoever avoids doubtful matters has cleared himself for his religion and honor."