We have curated a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world for you. While we were hoping to avoid winter entirely, Portugal has a Mediterranean climate and has very mild winters. Going out and seeing the world often on your own or while starting or running a business is not always an easy task for anyone. 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. Since 2006, same-sex couples in Finland have had access to IVF and artificial insemination. Youll need to speak (or learn) Spanish to get around easily in Ecuador. 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. The gay scene extends well beyond Amsterdam, however, with bars, saunas, and cinemas in several Dutch cities, including Rotterdam, The Hague (Den Haag), Amersfoort, Enschede, and Groningen. Puerto Vallarta: An Expat Haven by the Sea. According to Wikipedia, this countrys post-apartheid constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and it was the fifth country in the world and the firstand, to date, onlyin Africa, to legalize same-sex marriage. The Gay Happiness Index (GHI) ranks Finland as the 12th happiest country for the gay community. In 2005, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jos Luis Rodrguez Zapatero, Spain legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights. Unfortunately, not all news was good news for LGBTQ+ rights in the past year. Homosexuality itself has been legal since 1991; however, local law doesnt recognize same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. In general, Belgium displays an extremely high level of homosexual acceptance. Croatia legalized same-sex adoptions in May 2021. Spain ranked 11th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019, with full equality at about 60%. As early as 1981, Norway began to pass anti-discrimination laws protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community. The LGBT community living in Afghanistan face both social and legal challenges. Nonetheless, cohabiting same-sex couples enjoy some protections under local domestic violence laws. 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. Luxembourg legalized same-sex marriage in 2014, and its prime minister, Xavier Bettel, became the first European leader to marry a same-sex partner while in office. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. The third Scandinavian nation in the top three ranks highest for fighting climate change, reducing pollution . You need to have a clean criminal record to be eligible to be interviewed for a permanent resident permit. France. The majority of the society in Iceland is in support of same-sex marriage and the protection of LGBT rights. Best countries to live for expats. Amsterdam, its capital, is a popular destination for LGBTQ tourists and was ranked among the best cities in the world for expats. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. If you move around the world by choice, consider helping those forced from their homes by conflict. Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. Foreigners may also marry in South Africa. According to the ILGA report, the countrys anti-LGBT laws are considered some of the most forward-looking legal interventions in Europe. The Netherlands is considered the most gay-friendly country in the world, according to Gallup, and it was also the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2000. Trans adults can self-identify without a doctors statement. The country is frequently noted as having one of the best gay rights records in the world and rights include protections for transgender individuals. Taiwan 4. There is a non-habitual resident program with no tax on foreign pensions and other retirement incomes. Oftentimes, countries in Southeast Asia have an interesting relationship with the issue of homosexuality: While certain aspects of the culture are quite traditional and familial, there is often more room for differences of sexuality as well as gender, which have always been seen as sort of matter of fact. With its liberal policies and relatively welcoming attitudes to immigration, Canada has long attracted LGBTQIA+ individuals from abroad. You can apply for a residence permit of at least two years if your spouse holds a permanent residential address. Homosexuality, gay marriage, adoption, and gay marriage are legal in the Netherlands. 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. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Like most Nordic countries, Norway has a liberal and tolerant population, which makes it easier for LGBTQ expats to adapt regardless of their origin and sexual orientation. People may change their gender legally without surgery. Due to a political environment that favors an equal ecosystem for all its citizens, same-sex adoptions, same-sex relationships, and marriage has been recognized and legalized in the country. The Auckland, New Zealand skyline on May 28, 2015, Aerial view of Johannesburg, South Africa, Jose Fuste Raga / JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images. 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. The country is also progressive when it comes to trans rights; Taiwan plans on introducing a third gender on government documents in 2020. Ireland. The LGBT movement in the country was sparked by the Carnation Revolution in 1974 which produced a number of major social, demographic, and economic changes. 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. Though the Irish take their "wearing of the green" tradition seriously, they've accepted the colors of the LGBT community long ago and gay nomad expats all over the world will gladly confirm it. Be prepared to learn to speak French if you dont already. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats, the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. Gay South Africa competitions. Sharing borders with Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Hungary, Slovenia is a beautiful country with many castles and caves. Maciej Luczniewski / NurPhoto via Getty Images. United Arab Emirates . Population: 25.7 million Number of expats: 7.5 million Quality of life index: 178.41 Friendliest city: Melbourne With enviable weather, endless beaches and that famous laid-back Aussie lifestyle, it's no wonder the land down under takes the top spot for friendliest country.. May is generally Pride Month across the Kingdom, with Brussels hosting the biggest parade. No. Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. The country has hate crime laws in place to protect the LGBTQ community. New Zealand. "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. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. Tied for #2 - Sweden. Dublin is one of the top cities for social life in the region with an English-speaking populace known for its sense of humor and hospitality. Each November, the city hosts a large . What do you think makes a nation truly LGBTQI+-friendly? 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. Spain was also one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2005. The government announced that people may change their legal gender without surgery; no policy is in place, however. Like other Nordic nations, Norway has been acknowledged as one of the safest countries for LGBTQ to live in. Arnaldur Halldorsson / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Its free. Subsequent polls show most Canadians agree that same-sex couples should have the equal parental rights. Help and pick the right photo for this page. LGBTQIA+ rights in Belgium are among the most progressive in the world; the country ranks second on the 2019 edition of ILGAs Rainbow Europe Index. 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. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom stands for equal rights for the LGBT community. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. Courtesy Of: Julius Silver. COVID paused that last year. 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. Dublin, Ireland. Taipei Gay Pride is the largest in Asia, with an estimated 80,000 people attending each year each October. The hotel's idyllic rooftop bar and extensive wine list are of particular note. It has also enacted laws that specifically protect the rights of intersex people. Transgender and intersex rights are amongst the strongest in the world. Digital nomad. LGBT people from across the country assemble in Copenhagen yearly to participate in the Copenhagen Pride Parade and more pride festivals. In this article, we take a look at the 10 best countries for expats. Conversion therapy a treatment that aims to change the sexual orientation of people, has been banned in the country. In 2006, South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage -- and there has yet to be a second. The country is historical, full of charm, progressive, and affordable. Civic attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people are progressive, with a 2013 Pew survey noting that 80% of Canadians accept homosexuality. Same-sex expats and tourists can also get married in Argentina; however, those marriages are not recognized where such unions remain illegal. Getty Images. We did. 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. 18 STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING YOUR PLAN B. In 2018, 27-year old LGBTQIA+ activist Angela Ponce became the firsttransgenderwoman tocompete in the Miss Universe contest, where she received a standing ovation. 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. Income requirements are a little higher with higher assets ($40,000) and proof of minimum monthly income of roughly $3,467, health insurance, and sometimes, an executed lease for accommodation. With the transition toward democracy after the death of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in 1975 came the first political generation of activists who believed in the rights and liberation of people in Spanish colonies as well as marginalized communities in Spain. LGBTQ activism ramped up in the 1990s with the Spanish Gay Rights Movement, which helped modernize world-famous cities like Barcelona. Same-sex expat couples living in Spain have a number of legal rights when they register their partnership. Home Ultimate Guides The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. Its rentista program can be converted into a passport for longer stays. On one hand, yes, countries such as Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Uganda, or elsewhere in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East can be dangerous. They wear all white and march in a gigantic parade. We wrote recently of our top recommendation for single women. 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). If work-life balance is top priority, Italy is a superb choice. New Zealand has a reasonably sized scene that extends across the country. If you would like to relocate to Portugal and acquire residency, you can apply for the Portugal D7 Visa an attractive program for non-EU citizens that gives applicants the opportunity to become permanent residents in Portugal. The country is staunchly Catholic, and believes in heterosexual relationships, just like the language has male and female. Hong Kong, China. Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. Homosexuality is still a criminal act in many countries, and there are a number of places where LGBTQIA+ rights are eroding. The Marais . While we spent most of the last 25 years based primarily in the United States, we hail from different countries. 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. We also didnt research any countries in Africa because of the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment/laws and the travel difficulties. Ecuador is another of our favorite countries. The nation has prohibited discrimination against the LGBTQ community based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Malta was one of the first nations in the world to prohibit sterilization and invasive surgery on intersex individuals. 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. Expats in Vietnam can earn $78,000 annually on average. It has been an LGBTQIA+ tourist destination since the early 2000s, with its Queer Tango festival among the major highlights. The reception of gay travelers and expats varies according to the region of Portugal. The most popular location for gay expats to live is Zona Rosa in Mexico City. Here are the top 10 countries where expats are happiest with their work and personal lives in 2021. 3. 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. This is a nation of resiliency and adaptability, its population hardy and determined. Portugal. Americas northern neighbor legalized same-sex marriage back in 2005, and the countrys new prime minister is openly LGBTQ-friendly. Portugal. Cape Town has a reputation for the best gay scene in Africa; it hosts plenty of summer events, including Mother City Queer Project and Cape Town Pride. 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. Dutch nationals may apply for gender-neutral passports. Belgium has implemented penalty enhancements for hate crimes committed due to sexual orientation. The island nation, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is also known for its beautiful cities and landscape. New Zealands constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. As LGBT rights gained societal recognition in the late 20th century, homosexuality was removed from the official list of illnesses in 1973. This statistic says a lot about the general sentiment of the Belgian public. Canada protects its LGBTQ community from discrimination based on sexual orientation. The 1996 constitution banned discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation; LGBTQIA+ people have been able to marry since 2007. Now that the real estate mogul and reality TV star is Americas president-elect, NBC OUT has compiled a handy list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for U.S. expatriates. 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. Norway has given adoption rights to married as well as committed same-sex couples. A place that was LGBTQ-friendly, relatively inexpensive, politically stable, with good medical care, and that offered retirement visas? Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Jeff Overs / BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images. Israel is known for its vibrant gay scene particularly concentrated in the urban area of Tel Aviv and has been rated by some accounts as the worlds best gay travel destination renowned for its beaches and social life (and, by some accounts, attractive people!). Same-sex couples enjoy half the rights that heterosexual couples have. Photo by Flo Karr via Unsplash. Also, Italy is the most affordable place to live out of our top 12. Malta beats out 48 other countries with a score of 90% when ranked on LGBTQIA+ friendly policies and lifestyle acceptance. Nearly 90% of the population accepting of homosexuality, according to the last Pew Research poll. The only African country on this list, for now, South Africa also has an interesting relationship with the issue of gay rights. Barcelona has also been named as one of the friendliest cities for LGBTQ people by UCityGuides. Dubai: a glamorous train station. If you are Jewish, there are some routes to retiring in Israel. "France is often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world," says Tuula Rampont, IL France Correspondent. The law is unclear on transgender rights, however. Best places for expats to live in the UAE. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 24, 2016. In addition, we address the best LGBT-friendly destinations featured in our brand-new, just-released 2015 Retire Overseas Index. Same-sex couples are eligible to apply for joint adoption. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. 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. Couples enjoy the same rights as opposite-sex couples; they can adopt, and lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Or, just have fun imagining and let your mind go on a journey. If every country followed Denmark's lead, the future would look brighter - and much less pockmarked by catastrophic natural disasters. It does not store any personal data. Hungary. Denmark was the first country in the world to recognize same-sex partnerships back in 1989, and the Scandinavian country officially legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. We'll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe. The small European nation also a great place for wine aficionados, as it is known for its white and sparkling wines. Cities like Oulu, Jyvskyl, Turku, Tampere, Rovaniemi, and Lappeenranta are also open to the LGBTQ community, and each organizes its own pride events. Local films and television productions regularly explore queer themes; several entertainers have even come out in recent years, usually to a largely positive reception. Also no. All rights reserved. France was ranked #21 on HSBC's list of best countries for expats, but Paris in particular boasts an incredibly active LGBTQ community, particularly when it comes to nightlife in Le Marais. Slovenia is part of the European Union and has decent healthcare. 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. 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. Canadian citizens have been permitted to change their gender prior to any gender reassignment surgery. Contents hide. Gay men are, however, banned from donating blood. John Powell, once a purchasing agent in New York, moved to Hanoi in 2014. If you belong to the LGBT community and are interested in relocating to an LGBTQ-friendly nation, the above list will help you to decide. Here are InterNations' best and worst places for expats to live in 2022: The Top 10. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. Spanish literature, music, and cinema frequently explore LGBTQIA+ themes. New Orleans, Louisiana. . Lesbian couples in the country have the right to opt for IVF treatment. From Principe Real and Bairro Alto to Arroios and Cascais, there is an abundance of great places for the gay community in Portugal. Portugal: the best destination for remote workers and digital nomads. This list isnt exhaustive, but it does examine the unique challenges facing LGBTQIA+ individuals considering a stint abroad. Denmark has one of the most extensive sex education curricula that includes information about sexuality, sexual relationships, gender identity, and diversity. Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. In practice, attitudes to queer communities are shaped by a complex history influenced by morals, colonialism, lingering effects of apartheid, and the human rights movement that contributed to its abolition. There have since been several out-and-proud gay and transgender members of parliament. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The U.S. and Singapore. It is also important to understand that laws for foreigners, especially those who look foreign or are differentiated by class, are often different than those applied to local people, particularly in the case of countries with Islamic law. If you are traveling to Spain, make sure to visit Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. Brimming with gay bars and clubs, Belgium has a solid gay community. New Zealand. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. Explore the new Cheapest Countries to Live Index from Where can I Live + Cheapest places to live in Europe. In major cities and certain parts of the country like Douro, Lisbon, and the Algarve, English is widely spoken. Since 1996, the country has also banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Even foreigners can get married in Argentina. A reasonably priced private health care insurance is required to access the top-notch health care system. The government banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in educational institutions in 2004; further legislation covering the rest of society in 2017. Find out more about the Portugal D7 Visa by check out our article: Portugal D7 Visa 2023. However, ILGA recommends that more work be done in terms of intersex people; Belgium has yet to ban unnecessary medical interventions such as carrying out sexual determination surgeries on babies. Wondering which countries are doing so? All of this got us thinking. Despite having an LGBTQIA+ friendly government, the LGBTQIA+ scene is not as well developed in Malta as it is other European countries, with relatively fewer dedicated bars and cafs. The 2019 Eurobarometer public opinion poll said that 74 percent of the Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage. 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. first countries in the world to legalize gay marriage. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. Uruguay and Argentina are also state donors to the Global Equality Fund. 6/27/2018 09:48 EST. Founded in Lisbon almost 40 . Amsterdam has a reputation as a very LGBT-friendly city. 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 . Ecuador offers many seniors perks, including subsidized public transport. A 2017 poll found that 67% of South Africans agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have equal rights; 17% disagreed. 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.
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best countries for lgbt expats