Single individuals and couples, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy adoption rights, and lesbians may access in vitro fertilization treatment. Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland tend to top any poll of LGBT-friendly nations, occasionally swapping places but rarely giving way to any other nation. 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. After three years, you can apply for permanent residency. Johannesburg, too, has a wide and inclusive scene; several smaller towns also have gay bars or events. From literature, cinema and television, to politics and sports, you will come across LGBTQI+ references in all of them. Pro Tip: Unfortunately, a downside to retiring in Slovenia is that residents are taxed globally. Homosexuals also serve openly in the military. All of this got us thinking. Here are eight of the safest countries for Black LGBTQIA+ travelers. Its also the home to more than 30 national parks, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and tango. There is a limited awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity in the country. However, the scene extends to Rosario, Crdoba, Mar del Plata, and Mendoza in the center of the Argentine wine country. You can apply for a residence permit of at least two years if your spouse holds a permanent residential address. France. 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. Crimes recorded in this country are not usually violent. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Canada has the most progressive and comprehensive rights for the LGBTQ community in North America. Brighton, UK. Montreal, like Toronto, hosts a very active gay . Are you someone who belongs to the LGBT community and are planning to relocate? In this article, we take a look at the 25 best countries for expats. Ireland. Here's the top ten cities in Europe where you get the most from your money. A place that was LGBTQ-friendly, relatively inexpensive, politically stable, with good medical care, and that offered retirement visas? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 9. If you are looking for a beach community, the Coronado beaches area is one of the most popular in Panama. Nonetheless, cohabiting same-sex couples enjoy some protections under local domestic violence laws. Even given the empowerment of a Nomad Capitalist lifestyle, the journey can be complicated. However, people who want to change their gender legally must undergo medical treatment, surgical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy. Residents believe more conversations about LGBTQIA+ issues are necessary. New Orleans, Louisiana. While most of the African culture is associated with more traditional anti-gay sentiments in regards to family or lack of legal protections, South Africa has stood out as a leader in recent years. Contents hide. Hanoi, Vietnam. Founded in Lisbon almost 40 . Since we were interested in being somewhere between Singapore and the East Coast of the U.S., we first began looking at European locations. Same-sex couples are eligible to apply for joint adoption. Although LGBTQIA+ people may not be legally hindered in their access to government services, campaigners say discrimination is widespread. In 2018, 27-year old LGBTQIA+ activist Angela Ponce became the firsttransgenderwoman tocompete in the Miss Universe contest, where she received a standing ovation. You are eligible for Portuguese citizenship after three years of marriage to a Portuguese permanent resident. 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. In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asiaideal for vacation or retirement. Subsequent polls show most Canadians agree that same-sex couples should have the equal parental rights. In 2005, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jos Luis Rodrguez Zapatero, Spain legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights. Portugal offers certain perks that make it more accessible to entrepreneurial people rather than its more bureaucratic neighbors, and its gay rights record and gay life in major cities like Lisbon and Porto is likewise vibrant. Maciej Luczniewski / NurPhoto via Getty Images. Cities outside of the major ones will have lower cost of living. The pride parade in Valletta every September is a major tourist draw, often with local politicians in attendance. 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. Unmarried couples of any gender may adopt children jointly. 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. This was followed by the legalization of adoption rights for same-sex couples. Learn from our R&D playbook and meet like-minded people at our annual event. It has been an LGBTQIA+ tourist destination since the early 2000s, with its Queer Tango festival among the major highlights. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. Malta was one of the first nations in the world to prohibit sterilization and invasive surgery on intersex individuals. 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. In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Local films and television productions regularly explore queer themes; several entertainers have even come out in recent years, usually to a largely positive reception. One person may face social harassment in a country with no anti-gay laws on the books, while another person may face unexpected welcome in a country whose customs are traditionally anti-gay but rarely or never enforced. Note that Spain was among the. The country is historical, full of charm, progressive, and affordable. Expats find everything they need in close proximity in Portugal. 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. Same-sex couples in Portugal can adopt children owing to the legalization of adoption for gay marriage in 2016. No. Here are the top 10 countries where expats are happiest with their work and personal lives in 2021. We wrote recently of our top recommendation for single women. Dutch nationals may apply for gender-neutral passports. As LGBT rights gained societal recognition in the late 20th century, homosexuality was removed from the official list of illnesses in 1973. 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. Was there another place in the world where we could both live? Homosexuality is still a criminal act in many countries, and there are a number of places where LGBTQIA+ rights are eroding. Norway legalized same-sex marriage in 2009, became the first country to enact anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation in 1981 and is ranked #6 on HSBC's best countries for expats. There are many possibilities in Latin and South America. The 2019 Eurobarometer public opinion poll said that 74 percent of the Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage. Since 1996, the country has also banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Being a Muslim country, homosexuality is widely considered a taboo and often linked with prostitution. But the eventual winner was Costa Rica. Transgender rights include permission for people to change their gender on the basis of self-determination. These countries are less subject to the machismo ideals found in the Americas and even parts of Europe. Brimming with gay bars and clubs, Belgium has a solid gay community. 3. The Iberian Peninsula also ranked highly in . Its free. Around 86 percent of Spaniards were also in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage. Owing to its liberal culture and acceptance of the LGBTQ community, Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is often called one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. From Madrid to Gran Canaria, the country has a diverse and welcoming scene for all members of the queer community. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Oslo Pride is the largest pride festival in the country and runs over nine days during June and July. The reception of gay travelers and expats varies according to the region of Portugal. If you are traveling to Spain, make sure to visit Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. Despite having a tiny population, Iceland is culturally liberal and has one of the liveliest gay scenes. Check out the cheapest places in the world to live for Expats. Auckland, New Zealand. Here are ten countries where LGBT rights are most threatened. Norway is said to be among the most trans-friendly countries and has one of the best gay scenes in the world. Costa Rica is an excellent place for LGBTQ+ retirees. A picturesque landscape coupled with progressive LGBTQI+ rights makes Finland one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries. In addition to this, the country has also given lesbian couples access to artificial insemination. 74% of the population has a positive attitude towards homosexuality and bisexuality. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. As an expat or digital nomad, there are certainly many places in Europe that stand out. Be it UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the gantija Temples, picturesque coastlines, architectural marvels, or the incredible night scene, this small island offers a range of options for LGBTQ people to travel, explore and enjoy. Is it worth trying to push and test them in the wrong situation or with the wrong person? The Belgian military allows individuals from the LGBTQ community to serve openly in the armed forces. The country has many cities that champion the cause of LGBT people. With progressive anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ community, Belgium has been hailed as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in 2023. Other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Scheveningen have multiple gay-friendly clubs, bars, and restaurants. New Zealands anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage do not extend to its realm, however. In May 1974, the "Diario de Lisboa" published a manifesto for the Liberation of sexual minorities, which lead to the establishment of the Portuguese LGBT movement. And the countries that have successfully managed to do both are today considered LGBTQ-friendly countries. Besides bars, clubs, and cafs, Taiwan hosts a gay beach, two popular gay hot springs, and even a cruisy gay bookshop. The safest countries in the world for LGBTQ are Portugal, Finland, Spain, Norway, Iceland, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and Malta. Costa Rica has affordable private healthcare, and the cost of living is much lower than in the U.S. and most of Europe. You only need to show proof of $18,000 annual income which reflects its low cost of living. 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. Also, the nightlife in this French neighborhood is vibrant. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. Between them they've traveled to all seven continents (including Sue's dream trip to Antarctica) and more than 50 countries. For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. Paris is one of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly cities. Besides the usual decisions such as career impact or healthcare quality, gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex, and transgender individuals often have to consider more severe consequences. first countries in the world to legalize gay marriage. This list isnt exhaustive, but it does examine the unique challenges facing LGBTQIA+ individuals considering a stint abroad. 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.". 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. Netherlands. Also, cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege are a few places that you shouldnt miss. Hate crime legislation for transsexual and intersex people has yet to be passed. Although it does not have a highly sophisticated legal framework, the country markets itself as a welcoming destination for both Western foreigners and Asian travelers alike. Malta. A reasonably priced private health care insurance is required to access the top-notch health care system. Thus, the fear-mongering is overblown and usually in a way that unnecessarily puts down those countries. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. Canada was also listed as number three of the top 10 most gay-friendly countries worldwide in a 2014 Gallup survey. . Las Palmas, Canary Islands. Did you know that Lonely Planet an Australian travel guide and book publisher included Iceland in its rank of the Top Ten Gay Wedding Destinations? No wonder the country is placed on lists of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Panama, for example, made same-sex adoption illegal in March 2021. Being the very first country in the world to legalize same-sex unions through registered partnerships back in 1989, Denmark truly has evolved into being a progressive and LGBTQ-friendly nation. Same-sex marriage isnt possible in Aruba, Curaao, and Sint Maarten, however. You can also take a tour of the LGBTQI+-friendly gay village neighborhood of Montreal, Canada. 75% are happy with their job. Civic attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people are progressive, with a 2013 Pew survey noting that 80% of Canadians accept homosexuality. Travelers experiences will vary heavily. Homophobia remains a major challenge. By 2017, the survey found that 50.4% of respondents supported same-sex marriage. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. In a 2013 poll by the University of Hong Kong, 33.3% of respondents supported same-sex marriage, with 43% opposed. 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. A few years ago, we started spending winters in Singapore. France was ranked #21 on HSBC's list of best countries for expats, but Paris in particular boasts an incredibly active LGBTQ community, particularly . Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. Since 2006, same-sex couples in Finland have had access to IVF and artificial insemination. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005 (although the worlds first gay marriages took place in Toronto in 2001). 74% are happy with their work-life . In May 2019, a local pastor also moved the High Court, arguing that the ban hinders his congregations freedom to worship. Heres what we found: We love Portugal and were happy to see it pop up on the list. Couple that with a low cost of living, averaging at $1,500 per month for a small family even in highly urbanized cities like Hanoi, and you . 3. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The country decriminalized homosexuality between men in 1986; lesbian activity was never a crime in New Zealand. It is ranked first in Europe and allows not only same-sex marriage (as of 2017) but open military service and protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Denmark has one of the most extensive sex education curricula that includes information about sexuality, sexual relationships, gender identity, and diversity. The Netherlands has legalized same-sex activity, same-sex marriage, and adoption in the country. You can find more videos, talks, and other content related to Expat on our YouTube channel. All rights reserved. New Zealand. 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. Spanish literature, music, and cinema frequently explore LGBTQIA+ themes. We have curated a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world for you. Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock. Dublin, Ireland. 6/27/2018 09:48 EST. The cost of living is low in much of the country (Lisbon is more expensive) and you can live comfortably on less than $1,500 a month. 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. The gay scene in Denmark is thriving. The country that invented K-Pop, K-barbeque, K-beauty, and 24-hour jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses) draws expats wanting to take part in this living and breathing epicenter of popular culture. Argentina is socially liberal compared to most of its neighbors - it was the first country in South America to legalize gay marriage in July 2010, and the ruling also included full adoption rights. Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. Expats in Vietnam can earn $78,000 annually on average. We'll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe. We have written before on cities to check out and not ignore if doing business here and gay and straight travelers alike may choose to take advantage of the opportunities in these growing Brazilian urban centers. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. The Amerika Club and bar km Zero are among the best places to go for a night out in Buenos Aires. The country is frequently noted as having one of the best gay rights records in the world and rights include protections for transgender individuals. More than 544,000 expats of 196 different . Our flagship service for entrepreneurs and investors, Use our decades of experience to invest in foreign real estate, Work exclusively with Mr. Andrew Henderson, Click here to see all our products and services. 3. As per the Gay Travel Index (2018), the country has been recognized as the number one gay-friendly country in the world. Consequently, Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly places in South America. If we were a married straight couple, we could have entered Singapore after quarantining. Taipei has one of Asias most dynamic LGBTQIA+ scenes, with a wide range of options for lesbians and gay men. 1. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. Malta is a small island nation that is also part of the European Union and is still off the map for most nomads but has an increasingly vibrant expat community, including a gay scene. 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.". Discrimination on grounds of gender identity isnt explicitly outlawed. Singapore doesnt recognize gay marriage. 2. Cities like Oulu, Jyvskyl, Turku, Tampere, Rovaniemi, and Lappeenranta are also open to the LGBTQ community, and each organizes its own pride events. Thailand. Follow NBC OUT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Same-sex marriage in Spain has been legal since 2005. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In 2021, the reputed data research platform, Statista, ranked Canada as the safest country for LGBTQ to travel to. You need to have a clean criminal record to be eligible to be interviewed for a permanent resident permit. 12. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". France. Digital nomad. Look no further than Madrid's Pride Festival to understand the city's legacy status within the LGBTQ community. 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. Foreigners may also marry in South Africa. Public attitudes to the LGBTQIA+ community have changed radically over the past decade. According to Numbeo, Croatia's crime score is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. Envision yourself knocking back cava with your husband on a terrace in Madrid? The country ranks highly for sunshine hours (2250 per year), and how simple it is to pop back to the UK (or, more likely to have your friends and family come to see you!) Other possibilities in South America include Mexico, Chile, and Peru. Consistently hailed as the most gay-friendly country on the planet, The Netherlands takes its reputation with stride. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Belgian citizens have the right to change their legal gender. Iceland, which legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, was recently ranked as the happiest country for gay men. We have curated a list of the ten most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. French Polynesia is a group of six archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean, located in Oceania about halfway between South America and Australia. We recommend consulting with your tax accountants about the implications before making any plans. The Marais . If every country followed Denmark's lead, the future would look brighter - and much less pockmarked by catastrophic natural disasters. Antwerp (Antwerpen) had the edgier and more forward-thinking community, but Brussels has shed its bourgeois image in recent years. But as an LGBTQ+ couple, we could not. Now, workers and Antigua and Barbuda is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean Sea. The Dutch capital, often dubbed the gayway to Europe, has a vibrant LGBTQIA+ culture and caters to all appetites and fetishes. 4. From its Adriatic shores to the mountains and cities, this central European country is fast becoming a retirement destination. Famed for its tulips, windmills, and revolutionary football - plus its 23 million bicycles, which outnumber people - the Netherlands is the second-best place in the world for women. Since 2006, the government in Belgium has given the same adoption rights to same-sex couples as heterosexual couples. Wondering which countries are doing so? Please note that you have to apply for residency before this procedure. 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. Information about same-sex relationships is included in sex education in the country. In 2005, Canada also legalized same-sex marriage. This is a nation of resiliency and adaptability, its population hardy and determined. With its good track record on gay rights, Ireland is a welcoming place for LGBT nomads looking to set up a base. Pride parades occur across the country each summer with participation from regional and national politicians; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became the countrys first head of government to take part in Pride Toronto in 2016. The friendliest countries in the world for expats 1/ Australia. Unfortunately, Taiwan does not offer retirement visas and the cost of living is like the U.S. On one hand, yes, countries such as Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Uganda, or elsewhere in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East can be dangerous. Most of the world still has a long way to go regarding acceptance for all kinds of differences, not limited only to LGBT people. In 2006, South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage -- and there has yet to be a second. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. Buenos Aires is Argentinas gay capital. Canada. This was the same year in which Croatian lawmakers passed "life partners" legislation, which gave same-sex couples similar rights to married . The region is very easily reached from the U.S. Hurricane season was one drawback in this area. As is the case elsewhere, LGBTQIA+ life tends to be concentrated around the major cities, particularly Toronto, Vancouver (often rated among the worlds best cities for expats), and Montreal. Gay travelers will find extensive gay clubs, bars, hotels, and other institutions around gay culture in Ireland and can also enjoy the numerous tax benefits and EU residency that Ireland and the Irish passport confer if one chooses to seek that route. Additionally, 72% agreed that they should have protection from workplace discrimination. Filled with LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more, the capital city of Helsinki has an incredible gay scene. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. It's true that Poland is not among the best countries for expats who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. So, retirement as an option in Singapore doesnt work. Valletta, the capital city, is a must if you are looking to witness the gay scene in the country. However, most nomads do not find themselves in these countries anyway for reasons unrelated to this issue, and most (particularly Western expat) nomads would not be subject to those conditions anyway. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Donate to the UN Refugee Agencytoday. The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 77% of Belgians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% disagreed. Valletta doesnt immediately spring to mind when you think of the worlds gay capitals, but tiny Malta has topped the Europe Rainbow Index for four years in a row. Anti-discrimination laws are also fairly weak. Berlin, Germany. In 1981, the country was the first to introduce anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation. The country is largely Roman Catholic. These groups not only accepted the third gender, but also treated male, female, transgender, and intersex people as equal. Whats more, travelers whose identities do not match with the mainstream often face extra challenges when adjusting to the social, legal, and political frameworks in different countries across the globe. If you are planning to visit Canada and want to witness the vibe of its gay scene, make sure to be part of exciting events like the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, Vancouver Pride, and Tremblant Gay Ski Week, amongst others. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 57% are positive about transgender people and gender diversity, according to a 2017 study by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research. The Coronado beaches area. Courtesy Of: Julius Silver. Charming, Old World capital-city Ljubljana is the heart of the country, both literally and figuratively. Scandinavia is the most liberal region in the world - by far. The country has a non-lucrative visa and initial one-year residence permit also known as the retirement visa. Very recently, the ILGA-Europe listed Belgium as the number two leading country for the protection of LGBT rights in the European Union, right after Malta. A 2016 Eurobarometer reported that 65% of Maltese were in favor of same-sex marriage; this was a significant jump from just 18% in 2006. Eventually, the country progressed to decriminalizing homosexuality in the year 1982. Sue Reddel & Diana Laskaris 1. There are a number of LGBTQ+-friendly countries and best places to retire that did not make this list mainly due to the lack of retirement visas or recognition of gay marriage. 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. 1. Crammed with beautiful architecture, incredible eateries, gay bars, pubs, and friendly locals these cities are LGBTQ tourism-friendly. Nonetheless, a majority of nightlife venues and beaches are LGBTQIA+ friendly and welcome the community. On the other hand, many Caribbean islands still have anti-gay laws on paper, yet thousands if not millions of gay travelers enjoy that region every year without any issue.