Lisbon has the best gay scene in the country, gay-friendly bars, cultural centers, and hotels; you name it, the city has it. You'll pay about 3 for a bottle of beer. Paris is one of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly cities. The small European nation also a great place for wine aficionados, as it is known for its white and sparkling wines. LGBT History & Rights in Portugal. The Dutch capital, often dubbed the gayway to Europe, has a vibrant LGBTQIA+ culture and caters to all appetites and fetishes. We have curated a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world for you. COVID paused that last year. Ecuador is another of our favorite countries. Jeff Overs / BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images. Single individuals and couples, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy adoption rights, and lesbians may access in vitro fertilization treatment. Conversion therapy a treatment that aims to change the sexual orientation of people, has been banned in the country. Spain has since transformed itself into one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in the world. The Belgian passport is one of the best in the world and the country is also one of the fastest places in the world to become a citizen, allowing dual citizenship as well. Theyll also enjoy equal social and tax benefits, including those relating to pensions, old age security, and bankruptcy protection. Contents hide. Its also possible for non-EU/EEA nationals who are authorized to stay in Belgium to sponsor their partners on a Belgian family reunification visa. United Arab Emirates . Its rentista program can be converted into a passport for longer stays. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The city is also very welcoming to expats and has a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. Taiwan 4. Pride Amsterdam, with its canal parade, is the largest, and attracts some 350,000 people each August. Also, Italy is the most affordable place to live out of our top 12. Founded in Lisbon almost 40 . There is also a wide variety of bars, clubs, and gay saunas; this is possibly because of social pressures to conform to traditional heteronormative models. Heres what we found: We love Portugal and were happy to see it pop up on the list. If you decide to stay for a while, an Argentine passport is one of the best passports in the world. If you are traveling to Spain, make sure to visit Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. Bahrain: laidback lifestyle, best for wage growth. Same-sex couples are eligible to apply for joint adoption. Its free. Gay men are, however, banned from donating blood. Religious solemnizations of same-sex marriages have been performed since the 1960s. Netherlands. Civil servants may refuse to solemnize civil unions if they object on grounds of conscience, religion, or belief. It is one of the least welcoming parts of Europe for LGBTQ+ people; by 2020, around 100 Polish towns and regions had declared themselves free from "LGBT ideology.". Malta has consistently ranked number one on the ILGA-Europe listing of countries promoting LGBT rights legislation since 2015. LGBT people have access to a variety of rights such as gay marriage and adoption. New Zealands anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage do not extend to its realm, however. Nearly 90 percent of Spain's citizens believe lesbian and gay people should be accepted, according to Pew Research Center, and Gallup has Spain tied with the Netherlands as the number one country for gay people. Activists say more must be done regarding intersex rights. Since 2007, people have been able to change their gender in Spain, and the country is one of the worlds most supportive of trans rights. France. A few years ago, we started spending winters in Singapore. France does not have a retirement visa, so this knocked it off the list. The Fitting-in category of IL's 2022 Annual Global Retirement Index considers the character of the expat community, how easy it is for a single or LGBT person to adapt, how welcoming the locals . Countries like Russia have had their share of publicized issues around crime or blackmailing of LGBT individuals. # Countries : WCIL RANK: Cost of Living vs USA: Cost of Living vs . Dublin, Ireland. In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We wrote recently of our top recommendation for single women. 74% of the population has a positive attitude towards homosexuality and bisexuality. People may change their gender on their driving license or passport with a statutory declaration; however, doing the same on a birth certificate requires proof of medical treatment towards transition. 2. In Croatia, an 18-point jump took place in those who feel their area is a good place for gay people to live in 2014. 1. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. We'll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe. Malta has been called the gold standard of LGBT reform by the United Nations, which is highly promising even compared to European neighbors. Their liberal attitudes mean that each country has instituted its own anti-discrimination laws, equal age of consent, right to same sex marriage, equal adoption rights and the right to openly . Civic attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people are progressive, with a 2013 Pew survey noting that 80% of Canadians accept homosexuality. Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: Krunja) Being known as one of the most welcoming countries in Asia, Thailand has long been a favorite destination for LGBTQ travelers, and lately, has been a popular place for expats as well. This country is no stranger to conflict in the region both on a religious and political basis and its society general seeks to uphold the rights of LGBT individuals even despite some tensions that might be felt with more orthodox/conservative religious influences. Arnaldur Halldorsson / Bloomberg via Getty Images. It's listed among Gallup's best countries for gays and lesbians, and Cond Nast Traveler included Dublin on its list of "Best Cities in the World.". In 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote, and it also has stringent protections against LGBTQ discrimination. According to Numbeo, Croatia's crime score is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. If you can demonstrate income earned from outside of the country, you can obtain residence in Argentina. Public health care is ranked fifth in the world by WHO, and if desired, private health insurance is very economical. Same-sex couples in Portugal can adopt children owing to the legalization of adoption for gay marriage in 2016. The country is historical, full of charm, progressive, and affordable. We also had concerns about Chinas relationship with Taiwan and its implications. 75% are happy with their job. Consequently, Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly places in South America. Malta beats out 48 other countries with a score of 90% when ranked on LGBTQIA+ friendly policies and lifestyle acceptance. After three years, you can apply for permanent residency. Taiwan was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. Three of the main cities in the country still do make the top 100 LGBT city list according to NestPick, albeit lower than most European counterparts. While we spent most of the last 25 years based primarily in the United States, we hail from different countries. Malta Digital Nomad Visa [sc name="year" ][/sc] Everything You Need to Know, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Citizenship by Investment, ST KITTS AND NEVIS Citizenship by Investment. The Pensionado program allows you to live in Costa Rica for three years as long as you can show that you have $12,000 in yearly income for the rest of your life (social security or a pension satisfies this requirement). LGBTQIA+ people have been able to serve openly in the military since 2002. Skip to table start. Scandinavia is the most liberal region in the world - by far. Ireland is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. With its good track record on gay rights, Ireland is a welcoming place for LGBT nomads looking to set up a base. The country is also progressive when it comes to trans rights; Taiwan plans on introducing a third gender on government documents in 2020. Ireland is one of the most well-regarded and well-loved countries in Europe and offers incentives not only on the entrepreneurial side but also for a friendly and welcoming gay scene. Unmarried couples of any gender may adopt children jointly. Anti-discrimination laws are also fairly weak. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Johannesburg, its largest city, is also the country's gay epicenter: It's home to the annual Jo'Burg Pride event, the Out in Africa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and most of the annual Mr. Prior to this weeks stunning presidential election results, a number of LGBTQ advocates and celebrities threatened to leave the U.S. should Donald Trump be elected. Here are some of the most gay-friendly countries you can live, work and invest in if you belong to the LGBT community. Photo by Flo Karr via Unsplash. In addition, we address the best LGBT-friendly destinations featured in our brand-new, just-released 2015 Retire Overseas Index. Barcelona has also been named as one of the friendliest cities for LGBTQ people by UCityGuides. These include adoption, automatic parenthood recognition on birth certificates, inheritance tax, rights to survivor pensions, recognition for immigration purposes, equal treatment for tax purposes including inheritance tax and protection from domestic violence. Argentina is as pro-immigration as it is gay-friendly. Other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Scheveningen have multiple gay-friendly clubs, bars, and restaurants. You can skip our detailed analysis of the expat community and go directly to the 10 Best Countries for Expats. The government announced that people may change their legal gender without surgery; no policy is in place, however. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. Spain 6. Even with the new president, the country has huge marches against homosexuality. Here are ten countries where LGBT rights are most threatened. In major cities and certain parts of the country like Douro, Lisbon, and the Algarve, English is widely spoken. Over the past decade, various countries around the globe have been working steadily to implement laws that protect the LGBTQI+ community against discrimination in learning institutions, workplaces, and societies. Find out more about the Portugal D7 Visa by check out our article: Portugal D7 Visa 2023. Afghanistan . Even foreigners can get married in Argentina. Buenos Aires is Argentinas gay capital. The government in Spain allows lesbian couples and single women to opt for IVF treatment. These groups not only accepted the third gender, but also treated male, female, transgender, and intersex people as equal. If you are looking for a beach community, the Coronado beaches area is one of the most popular in Panama. Besides having a rich culture and history, Spain has also been hailed as one of the most LGBT-safe countries in the world because of its anti-discrimination laws and policies for LGBT people. The third Scandinavian nation in the top three ranks highest for fighting climate change, reducing pollution . The Netherlands is a new entrant on our 2022 list, reflecting its progressive attitude and rapid economic recovery from a pandemic-induced turndown. Denmark, Belgium, Norway and Luxembourg completed the top five most LGBT-friendly countries, with Sweden, France, Montenegro, Iceland and Portugal rounding out the top 10. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The entry requirements are simple: a pensioner visa showing just $10,000 in income and being in possession of private health insurance. 3. Ireland is a great place to move if you're looking for a reasonable cost of living and a welcoming . In addition, abortion is extremely restricted in Poland. Additionally, 72% agreed that they should have protection from workplace discrimination. This article was written by Nomad Capitalist contributor Brian Greco, an experienced gay traveler, cultural explorer, and free-market advocate. The rules for marriage visas are the same for same-sex married couples as for heterosexual couples in the country. Discrimination on grounds of gender identity isnt explicitly outlawed. Are you someone who belongs to the LGBT community and are planning to relocate? You need to have a clean criminal record to be eligible to be interviewed for a permanent resident permit. In 2006, Sitges unveiled the countrys first LGBTQIA+ monument to commemorate a 1996 police crackdown on gay men at the beach at night. There was, however, widespread agreement that those who live together should enjoy legal protections. Like Spain, Malta requires a net worth of between $40,000-$45,000 and an annual income of over $27,000. "France is often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world," says Tuula Rampont, IL France Correspondent. You will need to pay taxes if you live in Buenos Aires full-time, but you can also come and go as you please. Here are eight of the safest countries for Black LGBTQIA+ travelers. Portugal: the best destination for remote workers and digital nomads. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asiaideal for vacation or retirement. Auckland, New Zealand. Amsterdam, its capital, is a popular destination for LGBTQ tourists and was ranked among the best cities in the world for expats. Brimming with gay bars and clubs, Belgium has a solid gay community. Antwerp (Antwerpen) had the edgier and more forward-thinking community, but Brussels has shed its bourgeois image in recent years. Since 2017, people with non-binary gender identities can note this on their passports. Expats can marry in Belgium if one partner has been living there for at least three months. Prisons permit conjugal visits for gay prisoners. Nearby Thailand also exemplifies this with the inclusion of transgender people and/or ladyboys in the society as a normal thing, thus conjuring less animosity towards the idea of gender-nonconforming people and different forms of sexuality. 10. Canada has the most progressive and comprehensive rights for the LGBTQ community in North America. With more than 90 percent of the Dutch population supporting same-sex marriage, the Netherlands has emerged as one of the gayest countries in the world in 2023. Like neighboring Spain, there is a thriving gay life in this Western European nation (as well as being known for particularly beautiful and fun-loving people). As per a survey in 2021 by Ipsos, 84 percent of Belgian citizens were in support of same-sex marriage. He told International Living that he budgeted $2,700 a month and liked the city because of . Thats the main reason we didnt go in 2020. Homosexuality itself has been legal since 1991; however, local law doesnt recognize same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Since 2006, the government in Belgium has given the same adoption rights to same-sex couples as heterosexual couples. Belgium is at the heart of the European Union and is a friendly, multilingual country that comes with all the perks of European lifestyle and openness. Since 2006, the Spanish government has ensured transgender rights by allowing people from the community to enter their preferred sex in government documents without undergoing surgical transformation. Las Palmas, Canary Islands. Since same-sex marriage in Canada was legalised in 2005, Quebec moved one step ahead in this regard. Luckily for the aspiring expat, theres a wealth of countries where its safe to work and live out in the open, as youll see from Expaticas list of the top 10 LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats. Argentina had the most positive attitudes of all Latin American countries in Pew Research Centers 2013 Global Attitudes Survey, with 74%of those surveyed saying homosexuality should be accepted. Robert B. Fishman / ullstein bild via Getty Images. The Amerika Club and bar km Zero are among the best places to go for a night out in Buenos Aires. Adoption by same-sex couples has been legalized in the country. fastest places in the world to become a citizen, residency in Malta with the Global Resident Programme, top most livable cities in Southeast Asia, The Best Nomadic Lifestyle Jobs (and How to Land Them), Digital Nomad Lifestyle: All Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind, St Kitts Travel Guide for Families and Couples, 44 Digital Nomad Visas to Get: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Visa List, Traveling to Antigua: Our Favorite Luxury Hotels. However, the scene extends to Rosario, Crdoba, Mar del Plata, and Mendoza in the center of the Argentine wine country. Expat-friendly neighborhoods such as Palermo Viejo and San Telmo boast several gay-friendly establishments. Some of the most well-known bars to check out are G-Bar and Oscar. With Taiwan becoming the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in early 2019, LGBTQIA+ interest in the island has skyrocketed. Since 2010, the government in Iceland has allowed same-sex marriage. 10. To protect the rights of the LGBT people in the country, Spain has declared that discrimination against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity is a criminal act. Not only are certain financial decisions complicated (e.g., marriage, taxes, partnerships, medical choices), but there can be social pressures not experienced by non-LGBT people that need to be addressed. Same-sex couples cannot apply for public housing or enjoy their partners pension benefits. As a result, their sexual orientation or gender identity might open them up to harassment or persecution. The Nordic island nation was also the first country in the world with an openly gay head of government -- Jhanna Sigurardttir, who served as prime minister from 2009-2013. The country decriminalized homosexuality between men in 1986; lesbian activity was never a crime in New Zealand. Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. The country has a non-lucrative visa and initial one-year residence permit also known as the retirement visa. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. Photo by Diego Gennaro on Unsplash. According to the ILGA report, the countrys anti-LGBT laws are considered some of the most forward-looking legal interventions in Europe. Mexico 2. They also offer a Rentista program, which requires that you deposit $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank or show $30,000 yearly income for two years. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. 12 - Italy. Subsequent polls show most Canadians agree that same-sex couples should have the equal parental rights. In 2015, Bettel became the first European Union leader to wed a same-sex partner. "In 2013, it became the thirteenth country to legalize gay marriage and several laws have been passed in recent years which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Americas northern neighbor legalized same-sex marriage back in 2005, and the countrys new prime minister is openly LGBTQ-friendly. Information about same-sex relationships is included in sex education in the country. It ranked #4 on Gallups 2015 list of Top Places for Gay People to Live," #23 on HSBCs ranking of best countries for expats and is known for its delicious cuisine. Lisbon is without a doubt the best city for an LGBTQ+ person to live in. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Denmark has one of the most extensive sex education curricula that includes information about sexuality, sexual relationships, gender identity, and diversity. For gay nomads visiting Argentina, the capital city of Buenos Aires has a bustling gay scene with plenty of friendly bars and hotels. All taxpayers are covered by the countrys mandatory health insurance scheme, though you may choose to purchase private insurance to see your own physician and pay for prescriptions. Gay South Africa competitions. 12. Since 1996, the country has also banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Sweden comes in at #8 on both Gallup's list of "Top Places for Gay People to Live" and HSBC's list of best countries for expats. Portugal is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. Around 86 percent of Spaniards were also in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage. Is it worth trying to push and test them in the wrong situation or with the wrong person? Dubai: a glamorous train station. France: the good life, for families and retirees. New Zealand's constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. There are many expat cities out there, so we can't list them all here - but we will give you a good starting point: these are the 15 best expat cities out there and countries for single guys. Andrew Henderson wrote the #1 best-selling book that redefines life as a diversified, global citizen in the 21st century and how you can join the movement. Although an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbors regarding hate crime and speech and conversion therapy remains legal. As per the Gay Travel Index (2018), the country has been recognized as the number one gay-friendly country in the world. Singapore does not recognize dual citizenship, so Reggie has permanent residency which allows her to stay in the U.S. At the same time, the mood in the U.S. around immigrants and the Asian community has been less than welcoming. Portugal makes it easy to apply for a resident visa. In numbers, the survey shows that 74% of expatriates answered are generally satisfied with their jobs and 71% of them are content about their work-life balance in Vietnam. No. Same-sex couples can adopt or use surrogacy services. The rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ political parties notwithstanding, Spain is one of the most culturally liberal places for gay people. France legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 and was the first country in the world to de-list transgender identification as a mental illness. Most gay travel blogs will warn travelers and nomads to steer clear of certain regions as the worst countries in the world for gay people. LGBT people from across the country assemble in Copenhagen yearly to participate in the Copenhagen Pride Parade and more pride festivals. Puerto Vallarta has been an expat haven for over 60 years. Between them they've traveled to all seven continents (including Sue's dream trip to Antarctica) and more than 50 countries. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. Belgian citizens have the right to change their legal gender. LGBTQ culture has influenced much of Spain's art, whether through the writing of Federico Garca Lorca or the films of Pedro Almodvar. It's true that Poland is not among the best countries for expats who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. According to a report in 2021 by the Williams Institute that surveyed people from across 175 countries, it was observed that the average acceptance level for the LGBTQ community has significantly increased since the 1980s. The Coronado beaches area. French Polynesia. The LGBT community living in Afghanistan face both social and legal challenges. The only African country on this list, for now, South Africa also has an interesting relationship with the issue of gay rights. Even the most pro-gay countries can have the off person with the off remark or look, and even the most anti-gay countries may be filled with people who would totally surprise you. We have written earlier about residency in Malta with the Global Resident Programme which is one of the many strategies Malta is using to attract investors and nomads from around the world to spend time in this beautiful destination and enjoy its culture and business opportunities. Being a Muslim country, homosexuality is widely considered a taboo and often linked with prostitution. It's a place where you can live the fullest expression of who you are without fear of persecution or discrimination. Since 1982, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has guaranteed fundamental human rights to the LGBTQIA+ community. Or, just have fun imagining and let your mind go on a journey. Answer (1 of 25): In many nations, homosexuality remains a criminal act, and there are a number of locations where LGBT+ rights are being eroded. The concern is real, and in parts of the world even not as extreme as the middle of Afghanistansuch as former USSR countries, Central Asia, parts of Southeast Asia, and so on, the issue will be swept under the rug or entirely silencedand most gay nomads will not find anything in the way of a gay scene with bars or clubs. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017 and there are no minimum residency requirements; Malta is ideal for a destination wedding as a result. Argentina has sought to position itself as one of the most gay-friendly countries in Latin America. Before taking the big step, make sure you have reviewed the rights that people of the LGBT community have in the country you choose to relocate to. Sharing borders with Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Hungary, Slovenia is a beautiful country with many castles and caves. It has also been a leader in enacting laws expanding transgender rights, including one passed in 2009 that allows trans people to change official documents to match their gender identity. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom stands for equal rights for the LGBT community. The government in Finland recognized homosexuality in 1971, and ten years later, it was removed as a registered illness from government records. Furthermore, in 2021, an executive order was passed in the country, providing access to free IVF treatment procedures to single women and women in same-sex relationships across the entire nation. From strategic citizenship planning to real estate overseas, Nomad Capitalist has helped 1,000+ high-net-worth clients double their personal and financial freedom. Best places for expats to live in the UAE. The Other Foundation reported that 51% of respondents in a survey on attitudes and gender non-conformity felt gay people should have the same human rights; 72% thought same-sex activity was morally wrong. While Buenos Aires tops the list of gay-friendly cities, Uruguay has been ranked as the most gay-friendly country in South America several years in a row by Americas Quarterly. In May 2019, a local pastor also moved the High Court, arguing that the ban hinders his congregations freedom to worship. Definitely not one to miss! Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. As a gay traveler myself, I have enjoyed many experiences meeting either fellow gay individuals or simply loving, accepting straight people who could care less about issues of sexual orientation or even wholeheartedly understand you and would advocate for you. The entire world is not downtown Amsterdam or a gay bar in Madrid or Tel Aviv. Indonesia 3. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The spaces mentioned above embody one of the secrets of LGBTQ life in not-so-friendly places the communities are usually quite bonded and highly supportive of one another, making Georgia, at least in safe bubbles, one of the most gay friendly places in Eastern Europe.