Civil partnership in Latvia

Legal background

The path to recognition began with early attempts in the late 1990s and 2010s, which failed due to lack of parliamentary support. A pivotal moment occurred in November 2020 when the Constitutional Court ruled that denying parental leave to non-biological parents in same-sex relationships violated constitutional protections. The court mandated that the legislature provide legal safeguards for these couples by June 2022. When Parliament failed to act before the deadline, courts began recognizing individual relationships directly under constitutional provisions.

Legislative passage

In October 2023, following a change in government, the New Unity alliance proposed a new bill. Prime Minister Evika Siliņa supported the measure, securing backing from coalition partners and one independent MP. The Saeima passed the legislation in November 2023 with 53 votes in favor. Opposition MPs attempted to trigger a referendum by collecting signatures, but fell short of the required threshold. President Edgars Rinkēvičs signed the bill into law in January 2024, setting its implementation date for July.

Rights and limitations

Civil partners receive similar rights and obligations as married opposite-sex couples. These include access to health information for hospitalized partners, emergency decision-making authority, and survivor benefits. Couples can also register their relationship through administrative procedures akin to civil marriage. However, the law explicitly prohibits adoption and does not grant automatic inheritance rights. Partners must use wills or contracts to manage property division upon separation or death.

How Civil partnership in Latvia is kept

Couples apply for registration through administrative channels similar to civil marriage. Once registered, they gain legal standing recognized by state institutions. The first partnership was performed in Riga on the effective date between Maksims Ringo and Jānis Lo.

When and where

The law took effect on 1 July 2024. It applies to adult citizens, non-residents, refugees, and stateless persons who are not already married or in another civil union.

This custom is specific to Latvia. The first ceremony took place in Riga.

What Civil partnership in Latvia means

The partnership symbolizes state recognition of diverse family structures. It reflects a move toward equality in legal protections while maintaining traditional definitions of marriage in the constitution.

Who takes part

• The couple: Register their relationship and assume mutual rights and duties
• The state: Grant legal recognition and enforce contractual obligations

Then and now

The law represents a modern adaptation of family recognition. It continues to evolve as courts interpret constitutional requirements for ongoing protection of same-sex families.

Questions people ask about Civil partnership in Latvia

See also

Recognition of same-sex unions in ItalyThe legal framework that grants same-sex couples rights and protections in Italy.Unregistered cohabitation in IsraelLegal recognition for same-sex couples living together without a formal religious or civil wedding ceremony.Recognition of same-sex unions in VanuatuThe legal status and history of marriage equality for same-sex couples in the Pacific nation of Vanuatu.Polygamy in UzbekistanThe practice of men taking multiple wives in a country where the law strictly forbids it.

Good reading and sources

• BBC NEWS | EuropeBBC, Article
• Same-sex spouses have EU residence rights, top court rulesBBC, Article
• BBC NEWS | EuropeBBC, Article
• Same-sex spouses have EU residence rights, top court rulesBBC, Article

• Recognition of same-sex unions in Latvia on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.