IE 11 is not supported. With Taiwan becoming the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in early 2019, LGBTQIA+ interest in the island has skyrocketed. There are many possibilities in Latin and South America. If you are Jewish, there are some routes to retiring in Israel. Social acceptance grew as the territory has become more LGBTQIA+ friendly in recent years. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats, the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. Maciej Luczniewski / NurPhoto via Getty Images. 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. From Principe Real and Bairro Alto to Arroios and Cascais, there is an abundance of great places for the gay community in Portugal. 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. Both Rio and Sao Paulo are in the top 50 LGBT cities list and, despite certain complications one may experience with more conservative individuals or outdated laws, the future-oriented Brazil is generally one that is attractive to a gay Nomad Capitalist. Lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization treatments. Oslo, the capital of Norway, has various gay bars and venues and organizes a host of pride events. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. 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. Courtesy Of: Julius Silver. Croatia legalized same-sex adoptions in May 2021. Transgender and intersex rights are amongst the strongest in the world. France. New Zealand's constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. As the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, the Netherlands has an emotional connection with LGBTQIA+ people. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. Progressive laws, policies, and interventions coupled with a liberal public and political outlook guarantee the rights and freedom of the LGBTQI+ community. Burn says that it is among their most popular destinations at the agency. The following year, the same poll threw up similar results, though 74% of respondents agreed that same-sex couples should have the same or some rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples. And in 2003, it became the second country to permit same-sex marriages. According to Numbeo, Croatia's crime score is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. While the gay scene in this country may be more concentrated in the main cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa has done work to change the narrative on LGBT protections on the continent and travelers who are doing business in this region or seek to invest in frontier markets might choose to be in South Africa as a base. 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. Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. The most progressive country when it comes to liberation and freedom, France, is one of the best countries for gay expats. In 2018, 27-year old LGBTQIA+ activist Angela Ponce became the firsttransgenderwoman tocompete in the Miss Universe contest, where she received a standing ovation. Since we were interested in being somewhere between Singapore and the East Coast of the U.S., we first began looking at European locations. And stay tuned for tomorrow's issue, when we'll reveal one of our top picks for where a gay couple or single might consider launching a new life overseas. The Auckland, New Zealand skyline on May 28, 2015, Aerial view of Johannesburg, South Africa, Jose Fuste Raga / JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Pride Amsterdam, with its canal parade, is the largest, and attracts some 350,000 people each August. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. 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. 10. COVID paused that last year. Nonetheless, cohabiting same-sex couples enjoy some protections under local domestic violence laws. 3. Information about same-sex relationships is included in sex education in the country. Same-sex couples enjoy half the rights that heterosexual couples have. Foreigners may also marry in South Africa. Spain ranked 11th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019, with full equality at about 60%. These groups not only accepted the third gender, but also treated male, female, transgender, and intersex people as equal. This list isnt exhaustive, but it does examine the unique challenges facing LGBTQIA+ individuals considering a stint abroad. Expats report that contrary to expectations, local residents warmly accept LGBTQIA+ people; social attitudes vary, however. Hungary. Robert B. Fishman / ullstein bild via Getty Images. The results are in and, according to the 12,000 people who took the survey, Portugal ranks top of all European countries when it comes to friendliness. Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. Netherlands. Belgium has a large and well-developed LGBTQIA+ scene that caters to a diverse range of orientations and preferences. Name(Required) Email(Required) The cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City are very gay friendly. Although an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbors regarding hate crime and speech and conversion therapy remains legal. Over 75% of New Zealanders accept homosexuality. 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. The region is very easily reached from the U.S. Hurricane season was one drawback in this area. 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 . Civic attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people are progressive, with a 2013 Pew survey noting that 80% of Canadians accept homosexuality. Like Portugal, Spain has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters throughout most of the country. Dubai is the best place for UK expats to live. In addition to this, the country has also given lesbian couples access to artificial insemination. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The LGBTQ Rights and Opinion. The island nation, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is also known for its beautiful cities and landscape. Many cities also hold their own pride events, complete with participation from local politicians. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1795, when the country was a French territory. Wondering which countries are doing so? Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Yes, there are still as many as a dozen nations for which someone can get the death penalty for homosexuality. 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. 10. As the only African country to legalize same-sex marriage, the Rainbow Nation is an inspiration. There are tons of historical and cultural attractions to keep you busy. Portugal. In 2022, the . 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. With progressive anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ community, Belgium has been hailed as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in 2023. Even given the empowerment of a Nomad Capitalist lifestyle, the journey can be complicated. Not only was Argentina the first South American country to legalize gay marriage, theyve long had a law allowing civil unions. 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. Each November, the city hosts a large . 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. Paris. 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. Homosexuals also serve openly in the military. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. 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. Subsequent polls show most Canadians agree that same-sex couples should have the equal parental rights. High-quality affordable private health care, a low crime rate, and a temperate climate round out the other criteria. To achieve that, its important to know where in the world to look for the best lifestyle and best options for gay expats. Thats the main reason we didnt go in 2020. Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. In 2010, it became the first country in Latin America and the tenth in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, a milestone for a Catholic country anywhere. 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. Homosexuality has never actually been illegal in Taiwan. In terms of protecting LGBTQ rights, several countries in the world now work tirelessly to bring about a fundamental transformation. Best and worst countries for expats. Since 2006, the government in Belgium has given the same adoption rights to same-sex couples as heterosexual couples. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. Residents believe more conversations about LGBTQIA+ issues are necessary. Singapore doesnt recognize gay marriage. The Iberian Peninsula also ranked highly in . 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. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Are these laws always enforced? At first, we focused on five countries Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Belize, and Portugal. If you can demonstrate income earned from outside of the country, you can obtain residence in Argentina. The city skyline and Coal Harbour is viewed in this photo taken from Stanley Park on June 30, 2016, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Even with the new president, the country has huge marches against homosexuality. New Zealands constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. Antwerp (Antwerpen) had the edgier and more forward-thinking community, but Brussels has shed its bourgeois image in recent years. Definitely not one to miss! If you are traveling to Spain, make sure to visit Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. Gay pride in Spain is unparalleled by any other country in Europe. Since 2017, people with non-binary gender identities can note this on their passports. In 2013, for example, 80% of Canadians (compared with just 60% of Americans) said that society should accept homosexuality. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been outlawed since 2003, the year Belgium legalized same-sex marriage. In 2001, the Netherlands became one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The 2019 Eurobarometer public opinion poll said that 74 percent of the Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage. Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. 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. Other possibilities in South America include Mexico, Chile, and Peru. Ecuador offers many seniors perks, including subsidized public transport. Ireland. The government banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in educational institutions in 2004; further legislation covering the rest of society in 2017. Retirees can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit renewable annually for 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence. Uruguay is one of South America's most LGBTQ-friendly countries, and it is ranked among Gallup's best countries in the world for gays and lesbians. 2nd. Its rentista program can be converted into a passport for longer stays. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. Berlin, Germany. Dublin, Ireland. Trumps is the best-known LGBT club in Portugal. New Zealands history of tolerance goes back to pre-colonial Mori times, although British colonization resulted in anti-sodomy laws. Johan Jeppsson / Bloomberg via Getty Images, de-list transgender identification as a mental illness, Gallup's best countries for gays and lesbians, second best country in the world for expats, best countries in the world for gays and lesbians. Berlin is on the rise, but remains surprisingly affordable for a major European capital. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. 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. Las Lajas beach in the Coronado beaches area in Panama. The UK came in at number . Though the country doesn't legally recognize same-sex couples, Thailand is extremely accepting. Jeff Overs / BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images. The flatlands ranked 12th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019. Cities outside of the major ones will have lower cost of living. Check out the cheapest places in the world to live for Expats. Tied for #2 - Sweden. Portugal 5. Ireland. In 2015, Bettel became the first European Union leader to wed a same-sex partner. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the Scandinavian country since 2009, and anti-LGBTQ discrimination has been banned since the 80s. This article was written by Nomad Capitalist contributor Brian Greco, an experienced gay traveler, cultural explorer, and free-market advocate. Canada is also home to Vancouver and Toronto, two of the worlds best cities for expats, according to a recent report. 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. English is widely spoken, and Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe. Panama, for example, made same-sex adoption illegal in March 2021. The third Scandinavian nation in the top three ranks highest for fighting climate change, reducing pollution . Spanish literature, music, and cinema frequently explore LGBTQIA+ themes. Like other Nordic nations, Norway has been acknowledged as one of the safest countries for LGBTQ to live in. 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. Eventually, the country progressed to decriminalizing homosexuality in the year 1982. By criminalizing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace, educational institutions, and healthcare services, the Government of Finland does its utmost to protect its LGBTQ+ communities. We have curated a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world for you. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the expat community, go directly to the 25 Best . In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Ecuador is another of our favorite countries. The law is unclear on transgender rights, however. InterNations recently revealed its Expat Insider . According to the ILGA report, the countrys anti-LGBT laws are considered some of the most forward-looking legal interventions in Europe. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In general, Belgium displays an extremely high level of homosexual acceptance. Portugal. You'll pay about 3 for a bottle of beer. Hong Kong Pride is held each November and attracts an estimated 10,000 people. 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. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling . 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. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. Serving as a major contrast to its regional neighbors, at least on a legal level, gay nomads looking for a base in the Middle East might look to Israel. They must prove an exclusive relationship, sufficient income, and pass the integration exam. Prisons permit conjugal visits for gay prisoners. Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock. It is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, with everything from beaches to volcanos to wildlife and other adventures. Spain has since transformed itself into one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in the world. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Sweden is tied with the Netherlands because of their long history of sexual toleration and current openness for LGBTQ rights. 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. Trans adults can self-identify without a doctors statement. Its capital, Montevideo, is the countrys most gay-friendly city and is listed as one of the top gay destinations in the Spartacus International Gay Guide. Bruges (Brugge), Ghent (Gent), Lige, and Ostend (Oostende) all have an active gay nightlife. It's a place where you can live the fullest expression of who you are without fear of persecution or discrimination. The government in Finland recognized homosexuality in 1971, and ten years later, it was removed as a registered illness from government records. 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. You can also take a tour of the LGBTQI+-friendly gay village neighborhood of Montreal, Canada. A few years ago, we started spending winters in Singapore. Located between Brazil and Argentina, this modern, progressive yet laid-back country is very LGBTQ+ retiree friendly. Its free. Also, the nightlife in this French neighborhood is vibrant. People from the LGBTQ+ community are allowed to serve openly in the Danish armed forces. Hong Kong, China. As gay nomads, it is important to respect those nuances. In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asiaideal for vacation or retirement. Portugal: the best destination for remote workers and digital nomads. Budapest, Hungary. This was the same year in which Croatian lawmakers passed "life partners" legislation, which gave same-sex couples similar rights to married . But as an LGBTQ+ couple, we could not. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBT+ rights. While the rest of the country is a bit more conservative, few incidents have been reported, and the warmth of the countrys Latin culture makes public affection widely acceptable. Former Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen also participated in the pride events held in the country. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. While we spent most of the last 25 years based primarily in the United States, we hail from different countries. Hundreds of couples have since tied the knot, although same-sex marriage is restricted to couples where at least one partner is Taiwanese. In 2005, Canada also legalized same-sex marriage. Are you someone who belongs to the LGBT community and are planning to relocate? Transgender people enjoy similar protections. 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. If every country followed Denmark's lead, the future would look brighter - and much less pockmarked by catastrophic natural disasters. 10 Best Countries for Expats. 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).