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. The Best And Worst Countries To Move To For LGBT+ Expats The law allows same-sex couples to adopt, and lesbian couples have equal access to in vitro fertilization treatment. New Zealand's constitution is LGBT friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. Denmark is one of the most LGBTQ-Friendly Study - Study In Denmark 8 of the Best Countries in the World for LGBTQ+ People Whether it is ensuring equal access to adoption and IVF treatment for same-sex couples, legalizing same-sex marriage, or voting in power an openly gay head of a government in 2009, the country has shown the world what it means to give legal and comprehensive recognition to the LGBTQ locals. So far this year, the Human Rights Campaign, the largest gay political lobbying organization in the country, has tracked 24 anti-LGBT bills that have passed into law in 13 states. 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. 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. People may change their gender legally without surgery. Spain ranked 11th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019, with full equality at about 60%. Make sure to consult immigration lawyers and tax accountants before making any moves to retire internationally. Taiwan. As per a survey in 2021 by Ipsos, 84 percent of Belgian citizens were in support of same-sex marriage. Puerto Vallarta: An Expat Haven by the Sea. The country is largely Roman Catholic. 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. Like Portugal, Spain has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters throughout most of the country. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. Robert B. Fishman / ullstein bild via Getty Images. 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. Here's the top ten cities in Europe where you get the most from your money. Gay Madrid. Belgium has a large and well-developed LGBTQIA+ scene that caters to a diverse range of orientations and preferences. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. There is a limited awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity in the country. 10 Best Countries for Expats - Travel + Leisure Budapest, Hungary. 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. 2. Best countries to live for expats. New Zealand's constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. From literature, cinema and television, to politics and sports, you will come across LGBTQI+ references in all of them. Former Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen also participated in the pride events held in the country. Bruges (Brugge), Ghent (Gent), Lige, and Ostend (Oostende) all have an active gay nightlife. Portugal is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. Thats the main reason we didnt go in 2020. We also had concerns about Chinas relationship with Taiwan and its implications. The Secret Best Countries for Expats - International Citizens Where is the best country to move as a single person? The New York Times called Buenos Aires South Americas gay capital, with the city being ranked the worlds fifth in the world for gay tourism, or perhaps expats looking to settle in. Heres what we found: We love Portugal and were happy to see it pop up on the list. Paris is one of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly cities. Expats in Vietnam can earn $78,000 annually on average. The only African country on this list, for now, South Africa also has an interesting relationship with the issue of gay rights. The Marais . In addition, abortion is extremely restricted in Poland. According to the ILGA report, the countrys anti-LGBT laws are considered some of the most forward-looking legal interventions in Europe. Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 24, 2016. Slovenia is part of the European Union and has decent healthcare. As one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in, Canada has multiple bars, venues, and events for the LGBTQ community to explore. So, retirement as an option in Singapore doesnt work. "France is often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world," says Tuula Rampont, IL France Correspondent. You only need to show proof of $18,000 annual income which reflects its low cost of living. Portugal. The 15 Best Countries for Expats in 2022 - Appjobs Blog Here are ten countries where LGBT rights are most threatened. Photo by Flo Karr via Unsplash. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. 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. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. But Paris' Le Marais boasts the biggest LGBTQ community. Cities outside of the major ones will have lower cost of living. A 2017 poll found that 67% of South Africans agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have equal rights; 17% disagreed. There are many possibilities in Latin and South America. Also, Italy is the most affordable place to live out of our top 12. Lisbon and Porto, as they are areas with the greatest diversity, are the ones where you will feel most comfortable expressing yourself. Transgender people enjoy similar protections. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been outlawed since 2003, the year Belgium legalized same-sex marriage. If you and your partner are in a relationship, marriage, or civil union, Portugal can be one of the most LGBTQI+-friendly countries in the world to live in. What was once a small village on Mexico's Pacific Coast is now a major international resort, with an urban area that runs for nearly 30 miles along the shore of Banderas Bay. Although an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbors regarding hate crime and speech and conversion therapy remains legal. Brighton, UK. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBT+ rights. Around 86 percent of Spaniards were also in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. In 2001, the Netherlands became one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Bahrain: laidback lifestyle, best for wage growth. Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. There are NO gay communities. Progressive laws, policies, and interventions coupled with a liberal public and political outlook guarantee the rights and freedom of the LGBTQI+ community. LGBT people have access to a variety of rights such as gay marriage and adoption. 10 Best Places to Live as an Expat | WorldRemit The government in Iceland has included sexual orientation in the nations anti-discrimination laws. And while the country had long been a socialist mess, it is improving these days, hopefully for good. You can skip our detailed analysis of the expat community and go directly to the 10 Best Countries for Expats. Gallup ranked Denmark among the Top Places for Gay People to Live in the world, and Copenhagen, its capital, was listed among the top cities for expats. The capital city of Reykjavk hosts the biggest pride events in the country and has gay bars, cafes, and other venues welcoming the LGBTQ community. Indonesia 3. 10. 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. 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. The friendliest countries in the world for expats 1/ Australia. The Most Dangerous (And Safest) Countries For LGBTQ Tourists John Powell, once a purchasing agent in New York, moved to Hanoi in 2014. The third Scandinavian nation in the top three ranks highest for fighting climate change, reducing pollution . Apart from married couples and civil partners, single individuals (including single LGBT people) also have the right to adopt children. 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. The Coronado beaches are located just an hour's drive from Panama City on the Pacific coast. Burn says that it is among their most popular destinations at the agency. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. Norway has given adoption rights to married as well as committed same-sex couples. If you move around the world by choice, consider helping those forced from their homes by conflict. Uruguay legalized gay marriage in 2013 and has also focused on transgender rights. 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. This is Europe's most LGBT+-friendly country | The Independent In May 2019, a local pastor also moved the High Court, arguing that the ban hinders his congregations freedom to worship. Las Palmas, Canary Islands. 1. 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. Unmarried couples of any gender may adopt children jointly. Pro Tip: Unfortunately, a downside to retiring in Slovenia is that residents are taxed globally. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Since 2006, same-sex couples in Finland have had access to IVF and artificial insemination. One that as an LGBT expat, you will be welcomed into with open arms. The country legalized same-sex sexual activity in 1969. In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asiaideal for vacation or retirement. 9. Costa Rica has affordable private healthcare, and the cost of living is much lower than in the U.S. and most of Europe. Consequently, Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly places in South America. The country is historical, full of charm, progressive, and affordable. 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 safest countries in the world for LGBTQ are Portugal, Finland, Spain, Norway, Iceland, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and Malta. The Amerika Club and bar km Zero are among the best places to go for a night out in Buenos Aires. The pride parade in Valletta every September is a major tourist draw, often with local politicians in attendance. Follow NBC OUT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. In 2015, Bettel became the first European Union leader to wed a same-sex partner. Many aspects of the country including its friendly people and English competency make it easy to do business, get urban amenities, and live a high standard of living for much lower costs than someone might be used to in the Western world. Even given the empowerment of a Nomad Capitalist lifestyle, the journey can be complicated. While we were hoping to avoid winter entirely, Portugal has a Mediterranean climate and has very mild winters. Rents outside of major cities are even lower. The 10 Best Places To Live In Panama For Expats | Expatra For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The Auckland, New Zealand skyline on May 28, 2015, Aerial view of Johannesburg, South Africa, Jose Fuste Raga / JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images. Sue Reddel & Diana Laskaris 1. Setting an example to the world, former Prime Minister Jhanna Sigurardttir married novelist and playwright Jnna Lesdttir on the same day the law came into effect. Other possibilities in South America include Mexico, Chile, and Peru. The world's best countries for LGBT expats The rules for marriage visas are the same for same-sex married couples as for heterosexual couples in the country. Whether you prefer the city streets of Dublin or rocky cliffs of Donegal, Ireland ranks as one of the best countries for expats this year. Dubai: a glamorous train station. Expat Guide: 10 Best Places To Live In Europe - A Broken Backpack Its free. 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. Filled with LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more, the capital city of Helsinki has an incredible gay scene. French Polynesia. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. Thus, the fear-mongering is overblown and usually in a way that unnecessarily puts down those countries. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1795, when the country was a French territory. Ecuador is another of our favorite countries. Singapore, Singapore. 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. 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. 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. 3. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Back in 2001, The Netherlands became the first country to legalize gay marriage, as well as adoption rights. We also didnt research any countries in Africa because of the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment/laws and the travel difficulties. Also no. Charming, Old World capital-city Ljubljana is the heart of the country, both literally and figuratively. All of this got us thinking. Same-sex couples enjoy half the rights that heterosexual couples have. Hong Kong Pride is held each November and attracts an estimated 10,000 people. Conversion therapy a treatment that aims to change the sexual orientation of people, has been banned in the country. Hate crime legislation for transsexual and intersex people has yet to be passed. 10 Best Countries for Expats - Insider Monkey Wellington and Auckland boast the largest number of gay bars and clubs, but LGBTQIA+ residents in Tauranga, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hamilton are also guaranteed a good night out. 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. There is a non-habitual resident program with no tax on foreign pensions and other retirement incomes. . Portugal is a favorite of ours here at Nomad Capitalist for its friendliness towards investors and relative ease of achieving EU residence and potential for zero tax through non-habitual residence. Contents hide. The gay scene in Denmark is thriving. The region is very easily reached from the U.S. Hurricane season was one drawback in this area. Working overseas brings many rewards, from the chance to experience new cultures to career advances. Home Ultimate Guides The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. 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. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005 (although the worlds first gay marriages took place in Toronto in 2001). 8 Best LGBTQ+ Places To Retire Internationally | TravelAwaits Gay pride in Spain is unparalleled by any other country in Europe. To ensure the same rights for the LGBT community as heterosexual couples, the Icelandic government decriminalized same-sex sexual activity in 1940. Like other Nordic nations, Norway has been acknowledged as one of the safest countries for LGBTQ to live in. The Best Countries to Move to in 2022 | MoveHub While healthcare is ranked amongst the best in Asia, it does not come cheap to ex-pats. You'll pay about 3 for a bottle of beer. Among these individuals are many LGBT lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender travelers whose sexual orientation or gender identity is often not accepted by the society around them. Taiwan was placed first out of 59 countries for the third year in a row and has consistently ranked in the top five over the years. We recommend consulting with your tax accountants about the implications before making any plans. It is important to be oneself but also to remember to stay aware of all the goings-on in whatever country your nomadic lifestyle brings you to, and aim to look for the positive wherever one goes. Definitely not one to miss! If every country followed Denmark's lead, the future would look brighter - and much less pockmarked by catastrophic natural disasters. If work-life balance is top priority, Italy is a superb choice. The island nation, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is also known for its beautiful cities and landscape. 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. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling . Best and worst countries for expats. 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. 74% are happy with their work-life . Homosexuality, gay marriage, adoption, and gay marriage are legal in the Netherlands. This could change following the Hong Kong High Courts January 2019 agreement to hear two separate challenges to the territorys ban on same-sex marriage. Portugal: the best destination for remote workers and digital nomads. The country has many cities that champion the cause of LGBT people. Same-sex couples in Portugal have the same access to IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment as heterosexual couples living in the country. To make the decision easier, Expatica shortlisted the top LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats. Expats can marry in Belgium if one partner has been living there for at least three months. Five of the best . You can find more videos, talks, and other content related to Expat on our YouTube channel. Wondering which countries are doing so? It's a place where you can live the fullest expression of who you are without fear of persecution or discrimination. Same-sex marriages account for 2.5% of all weddings in Belgium. Trans adults can self-identify without a doctors statement. 9 Most Gay-Friendly Countries In Europe | TravelAwaits Anti-discrimination laws are also fairly weak. Public attitudes to the LGBTQIA+ community have changed radically over the past decade. 10 Best Countries for Expats - Insider Monkey At first, we focused on five countries Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Belize, and Portugal. This article was written by Nomad Capitalist contributor Brian Greco, an experienced gay traveler, cultural explorer, and free-market advocate. Argentina legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, becoming the first country in Latin America to do so. LGBT Friendly Places in Germany - Nomad List 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 may adopt children and arrange IVF or surrogacy. Lisbon has the best gay scene in the country, gay-friendly bars, cultural centers, and hotels; you name it, the city has it. LGBT Friendly Countries | Get Golden Visa Name(Required) Email(Required) The cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City are very gay friendly. Here are some of the most gay-friendly countries you can live, work and invest in if you belong to the LGBT community. We also liked the idea of ease of travel within Europe. Despite having a tiny population, Iceland is culturally liberal and has one of the liveliest gay scenes. But the eventual winner was Costa Rica. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. This was followed by the legalization of adoption rights for same-sex couples. You need to have a clean criminal record to be eligible to be interviewed for a permanent resident permit. Belgium has implemented penalty enhancements for hate crimes committed due to sexual orientation. IE 11 is not supported. He told International Living that he budgeted $2,700 a month and liked the city because of . This statistic says a lot about the general sentiment of the Belgian public. 5 Black American Expats Share Their Experiences Living Overseas Pride parades have been organized since the early seventies, and today there are at least six different major events each year. Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. France does not have a retirement visa, so this knocked it off the list. We have curated a list of the ten most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. In particular, Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2009 and is still the only place in the country to do so. Couples enjoy the same rights as opposite-sex couples; they can adopt, and lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization. Brazil has had gay marriage since 2013 and hosts some of the worlds foremost gay pride parades, in addition to offering other opportunities of interest to nomads who are doing business in Latin America or want to work towards Brazilian residency and citizenship. Canada. Since same-sex marriage in Canada was legalised in 2005, Quebec moved one step ahead in this regard. As the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, the Netherlands has an emotional connection with LGBTQIA+ people. 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. But making the decision can be a greater challenge for LGBTQIA+ expats than it is for heterosexuals. LGBTQ culture is also very visible in the Scandinavian country -- Pride in Oslo is one of Norway's largest events, and the city is also home to one of the world's best gay choirs. In 2022, the . Best places for expats to live in the UAE. There are tons of historical and cultural attractions to keep you busy. Even foreigners can get married in Argentina. In major cities and certain parts of the country like Douro, Lisbon, and the Algarve, English is widely spoken. High quality of life and healthcare services are a bonus. 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. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. Brooke Sopelsa is the editorial director of NBC Out, NBC News' LGBTQ digital destination. 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. The most popular location for gay expats to live is Zona Rosa in Mexico City. Since 2017, people with non-binary gender identities can note this on their passports. The residence permit may be renewed for 2 years twice after which you will be eligible for the long duration residence.