Does a registered partnership give the same rights as marriage?
It does not — and that difference is the most important thing to understand. Since 1 July 2024 two adults may register a partnership before a sworn notary, by way of a notarial act. What it gives: the right to take decisions about your partner's medical treatment where they cannot do so themselves; the right to receive an unpaid pension; certain personal income tax reliefs, for example for a partner's medical or education expenses; and a reduction in state fees on real-estate transactions. And what it does not give: the institution of partnership does not regulate property relations and confers no inheritance rights — unlike marriage. So partners who want to protect each other financially still do it by will or by contract.
📋 The rules
- Registered before a sworn notary
- Gives the right to decide on medical treatment
- Tax reliefs for a partner's expenses
- No inheritance rights
- Does not regulate property relations
🔓 Exceptions
- Inheritance can still be arranged by will or inheritance contract
- Property relations can be settled by a separate civil-law agreement
- A partner is entitled to receive the deceased partner's unpaid pension
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The biggest mistake is assuming a partnership replaces a will. It does not regulate — which means that when one partner dies, the other does not inherit by law: the estate passes to the statutory heirs — children, parents, siblings. If you want your partner to inherit, you still need a will or an inheritance contract. The second thing it leaves untouched is property: the flat bought together, the loan, the savings — all of it falls under the general rules, so a written agreement about contributions and ownership is as important as it ever was. But do not undervalue what it does give: the right to decide on medical treatment at the moment your partner cannot decide for themselves is, in practice, one of the most important rights there is.
📎 Official sources
- Ministry of Justice · Partnership →
- LV portāls · Registering a partnership →
- Latvian Council of Sworn Notaries →
❓ Frequently asked
Where is a partnership registered?
Two adults may register a partnership before a sworn notary, by way of a notarial act. Registration has been possible since 1 July 2024 and requires both people to be present.
What rights does it give?
The right to take decisions on a partner's medical treatment where they cannot, to receive an unpaid pension, certain personal income tax reliefs, and reduced state fees on real-estate transactions.
Does a partner inherit?
Not by law. The institution of partnership confers no inheritance rights, so for a partner to inherit you still need a will or an inheritance contract drawn up separately.
Does it regulate property?
It does not. Partnership provides no framework for property relations, so jointly bought assets, loans and savings must be settled by a separate civil-law contract or agreement.
Is it the same as marriage?
It is not. It grants part of the rights — medical decisions, tax reliefs, fee reductions — but it does not regulate property relations and gives no inheritance rights, as marriage does.
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