Last updated on November 7, 2025
Yes. Since March 20, 2023, Bolivia legally recognizes same-sex civil unions nationwide following a ruling by the Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal. Couples can register their union through the Civil Registry Service (SERECI) under the same conditions as heterosexual couples.
A Historic Legal Turn
Bolivia’s recognition of same-sex civil unions marks a significant milestone in its legal and social evolution. For years, the country’s Constitution defined marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman, leaving LGBTQ couples without formal recognition. This changed after a landmark decision by the Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal, which interpreted constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination in line with international human rights obligations.
The ruling, issued on June 22, 2022, mandated the Civil Registry Service (SERECI) to register same-sex civil unions. It took effect on March 20, 2023, making Bolivia the seventh country in South America to grant this recognition. The decision was influenced by Advisory Opinion OC-24/17 from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which requires signatory states to ensure equal rights for same-sex couples under the American Convention on Human Rights.
From Court Battles to National Policy
This legal breakthrough was not sudden. It followed years of advocacy and litigation, notably the case of David Aruquipa and Guido Montaño, who fought for their union to be recognized in 2018. Their persistence led to a local court ruling in 2020, which became the foundation for broader reforms. The Constitutional Tribunal later confirmed that civil unions for same-sex couples must be treated equally under Bolivian law, reinforcing constitutional guarantees against discrimination.
What the Law Provides Today
While Bolivia’s Constitution still reserves the term “marriage” for opposite-sex couples, civil unions—known as “unión libre”—now offer nearly identical rights. These include inheritance, property rights, and access to social security benefits. Adoption rights, however, remain restricted. The recognition of civil unions reflects Bolivia’s commitment to equality and its obligations under international treaties.
Filing Your Civil Union Request: The Official Process
Registering a civil union in Bolivia is managed by SERECI, an entity under the Tribunal Supremo Electoral. The process is straightforward but requires compliance with official documentation standards:
- Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid identification: Bolivian ID cards or passports for foreigners.
- Updated birth certificates.
- Certification of civil status confirming neither partner is currently married or in another union.
- For foreign nationals: apostilled and translated documents if issued in a language other than Spanish.
The cost for the procedure is approximately 206 Bs. for registration and 47 Bs. for issuing the certification. Once documents are verified, the registry schedules an appointment for signing the union certificate. The registration is immediate upon completion of these steps.
Cultural and Social Dimensions
Legal recognition does not erase cultural complexities. Bolivia remains a country where traditional and religious values influence public attitudes. While the law affirms equality, advocacy groups report ongoing discrimination and push for broader reforms, including adoption rights and stronger anti-discrimination enforcement. Nonetheless, the recognition of civil unions is a landmark achievement for LGBTQ rights in Bolivia.
Closing Thought
Bolivia’s decision to recognize same-sex civil unions demonstrates how constitutional principles and international human rights standards can reshape national policy. For couples seeking legal recognition, the path is now clear—anchored in law and supported by official institutions.
See more on BOLIVIA
Sources
Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal ruling on civil unions
https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/bolivia
March 2023
Registro de la unión libre – SERECI
https://www.tramitesenbolivia.com/tramites/1128_registro-de-la-union-libre
Ongoing