Two Years of Partnership in Latvia: 925 Registered, 84 Ended

On July 1, Latvia marked two years since the Partnership Institute came into effect, allowing two adults regardless of gender to legally formalize their relationship with a notary. As of that date, the Population Register contained 925 registered partnerships.

Of these, 314 were same-sex couples and 611 were different-sex couples. 30 partnerships were registered based on a court decision. A total of 84 partnerships have ended: 26 due to the death of a partner, 42 due to one or both partners marrying, and 16 due to mutual consent expressed before a notary.

Aigars Kaupe, Chairman of the Latvian Council of Sworn Notaries, noted that partnership has become a real legal instrument used by nearly 1,000 couples. He highlighted that the number of different-sex couples in the second year increased by almost half compared to the first year, showing that partnership is not only a solution for one social group but a practical choice for many.

Partnership can be entered by two adults who are not married, not direct relatives, siblings, half-siblings, or already in another partnership or marriage. They must have a close personal relationship, a common household, and intend to care for each other. Registration is done with any notary, and remote notary sessions are possible.

Partnership provides rights to personal income tax relief for gifts and loans, decision-making regarding a partner's medical treatment, social guarantees, and some protection in other EU countries. However, it is not equivalent to marriage: it does not regulate property relations or provide inheritance rights. A partnership ends upon death, marriage, mutual consent, or a court ruling.