There are still laws on the books in more countries that restrict the freedomssexual, marital, and otherwiseof LGBT individuals. Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. You will only need to prove income equal to Slovenias basic monthly income of $1,000. Local films and television productions regularly explore queer themes; several entertainers have even come out in recent years, usually to a largely positive reception. According to the Eurobarometer (2019), 91 percent of Spanish citizens were of the opinion that gay and bisexual people should have all rights and freedoms as that of their heterosexual counterparts. 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. Best places for expats to live in the UAE. Of those, Seattle, Portland, and Oakland have the best le. This is a nation of resiliency and adaptability, its population hardy and determined. Even with the new president, the country has huge marches against homosexuality. In our research, we found many expats had successfully moved out of the U.S. and were thriving in their new homes. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The law allows same-sex couples to adopt, and lesbian couples have equal access to in vitro fertilization treatment. The country is also progressive when it comes to trans rights; Taiwan plans on introducing a third gender on government documents in 2020. You can skip our detailed analysis of the expat community and go directly to the 10 Best Countries for Expats. Consistently hailed as the most gay-friendly country on the planet, The Netherlands takes its reputation with stride. 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. Portugal 5. New Zealand and France banned conversion therapy in early 2022. The Belgian military allows individuals from the LGBTQ community to serve openly in the armed forces. So, retirement as an option in Singapore doesnt work. 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. 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. There is a non-habitual resident program with no tax on foreign pensions and other retirement incomes. Norway has given adoption rights to married as well as committed same-sex couples. If every country followed Denmark's lead, the future would look brighter - and much less pockmarked by catastrophic natural disasters. Amsterdam has a reputation as a very LGBT-friendly city. In 2006, Sitges unveiled the countrys first LGBTQIA+ monument to commemorate a 1996 police crackdown on gay men at the beach at night. Since 2009, the country has recognized and legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights for LGBT people. Croatia legalized same-sex adoptions in May 2021. Charming, Old World capital-city Ljubljana is the heart of the country, both literally and figuratively. As LGBT rights gained societal recognition in the late 20th century, homosexuality was removed from the official list of illnesses in 1973. Further to registered partnerships, the country legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. Nonetheless, a majority of nightlife venues and beaches are LGBTQIA+ friendly and welcome the community. Like Portugal, Spain has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters throughout most of the country. Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. However, people who want to change their gender legally must undergo medical treatment, surgical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy. 10. Spain has since transformed itself into one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in the world. Cities outside of the major ones will have lower cost of living. Berlin is on the rise, but remains surprisingly affordable for a major European capital. 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. Portugal is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. The Belgian passport is one of the best in the world and the country is also one of the fastest places in the world to become a citizen, allowing dual citizenship as well. In major cities and certain parts of the country like Douro, Lisbon, and the Algarve, English is widely spoken. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. Dubai is the best place for UK expats to live. Other cities like Stavanger and Troms also have large LGBT communities. Anti-discrimination laws are also fairly weak. Pride parades have been organized since the early seventies, and today there are at least six different major events each year. In 2013, for example, 80% of Canadians (compared with just 60% of Americans) said that society should accept homosexuality. Are you someone who belongs to the LGBT community and are planning to relocate? Since 2010, the government in Iceland has allowed same-sex marriage. Puerto Vallarta has been an expat haven for over 60 years. We did. We also didnt research any countries in Africa because of the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment/laws and the travel difficulties. New Zealands constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. French Polynesia. Travelers experiences will vary heavily. In terms of protecting LGBTQ rights, several countries in the world now work tirelessly to bring about a fundamental transformation. 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. While Buenos Aires tops the list of gay-friendly cities, Uruguay has been ranked as the most gay-friendly country in South America several years in a row by Americas Quarterly. For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. 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 rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ political parties notwithstanding, Spain is one of the most culturally liberal places for gay people. Gay Madrid. Ireland is a great place to move if you're looking for a reasonable cost of living and a welcoming . Between them they've traveled to all seven continents (including Sue's dream trip to Antarctica) and more than 50 countries. The most popular location for gay expats to live is Zona Rosa in Mexico City. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The Philippines is one of the more open countries for LGBT nomads, and its capital Manila is one of our top most livable cities in Southeast Asia. IE 11 is not supported. Denmark has one of the most extensive sex education curricula that includes information about sexuality, sexual relationships, gender identity, and diversity. Homosexuality is still a criminal act in many countries, and there are a number of places where LGBTQIA+ rights are eroding. The country has a non-lucrative visa and initial one-year residence permit also known as the retirement visa. John Powell, once a purchasing agent in New York, moved to Hanoi in 2014. 3. Berlin, Germany. If you are Jewish, there are some routes to retiring in Israel. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. Nearly 90% of the population accepting of homosexuality, according to the last Pew Research poll. With its good track record on gay rights, Ireland is a welcoming place for LGBT nomads looking to set up a base. 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. In May 2019, a local pastor also moved the High Court, arguing that the ban hinders his congregations freedom to worship. The pride parade in Valletta every September is a major tourist draw, often with local politicians in attendance. 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 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. Located between Brazil and Argentina, this modern, progressive yet laid-back country is very LGBTQ+ retiree friendly. Australian citizens or permanent residents may be able to sponsor a partners visa. The gay scene in Denmark is thriving. Canada is also home to Vancouver and Toronto, two of the worlds best cities for expats, according to a recent report. But Paris' Le Marais boasts the biggest LGBTQ community. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. On one hand, yes, countries such as Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Uganda, or elsewhere in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East can be dangerous. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Brimming with gay bars and clubs, Belgium has a solid gay community. Definitely not one to miss! Prisons permit conjugal visits for gay prisoners. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. We recommend consulting with your tax accountants about the implications before making any plans. Digital nomad. Most gay travel blogs will warn travelers and nomads to steer clear of certain regions as the worst countries in the world for gay people. 10. In 2018, 27-year old LGBTQIA+ activist Angela Ponce became the firsttransgenderwoman tocompete in the Miss Universe contest, where she received a standing ovation. A place that was LGBTQ-friendly, relatively inexpensive, politically stable, with good medical care, and that offered retirement visas? In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asiaideal for vacation or retirement. 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. Also no. In 2006, South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage -- and there has yet to be a second. 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. Home Ultimate Guides The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. Taipei has one of Asias most dynamic LGBTQIA+ scenes, with a wide range of options for lesbians and gay men. Information about same-sex relationships is included in sex education in the country. Public health care is ranked fifth in the world by WHO, and if desired, private health insurance is very economical. Only gays in the community. Berlin, Germany. It is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, with everything from beaches to volcanos to wildlife and other adventures. Look no further than Madrid's Pride Festival to understand the city's legacy status within the LGBTQ community. There are 24 LGBT Friendly Places in Germany like Berlin, Dresden and Munich with an average cost of living of $3,921/month, internet speeds up to 80 Mbps and temperatures ranging from -1C to 5C. 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. Same-sex couples enjoy half the rights that heterosexual couples have. Speaking of safety, you can tag Croatia as the best European country to live in because of its low crime rate. 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. Taiwan is increasingly LGBTQIA+ friendly; however, same-sex couples cannot adopt. Transgender people may not change legal documents to reflect their identities without gender-confirmation surgery, according to a February 2019 ruling. In addition, abortion is extremely restricted in Poland. Youll need to speak (or learn) Spanish to get around easily in Ecuador. French Polynesia is a group of six archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean, located in Oceania about halfway between South America and Australia. Expats report that contrary to expectations, local residents warmly accept LGBTQIA+ people; social attitudes vary, however. Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. Same-sex couples can adopt or use surrogacy services. Edmonton and Winnipeg also boast LGBTQIA+ scenes. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The government announced that people may change their legal gender without surgery; no policy is in place, however. They must prove an exclusive relationship, sufficient income, and pass the integration exam. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Robert B. Fishman / ullstein bild via Getty Images. They also offer a Rentista program, which requires that you deposit $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank or show $30,000 yearly income for two years. Homosexuals also serve openly in the military. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. France was ranked #21 on HSBC's list of best countries for expats, but Paris in particular boasts an incredibly active LGBTQ community, particularly . Retirees can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit renewable annually for 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence. 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. Same-sex couples can adopt children and have access to altruistic surrogacy. And the countries that have successfully managed to do both are today considered LGBTQ-friendly countries. Here's the top ten cities in Europe where you get the most from your money. Subsequent polls show most Canadians agree that same-sex couples should have the equal parental rights. Progressive laws, policies, and interventions coupled with a liberal public and political outlook guarantee the rights and freedom of the LGBTQI+ community. Despite having a tiny population, Iceland is culturally liberal and has one of the liveliest gay scenes. Although the countrys 2012 and 2015 Social Change Surveys found a slight majority in favor of legalization, a 2018 referendum won only 25% of all votes. 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. Johannesburg, too, has a wide and inclusive scene; several smaller towns also have gay bars or events. Whether you are seeking to move from a less-accepting family life back home to somewhere new, you are looking for adventure and social life at bars and clubs, or you are simply an LGBT individualin a relationship or notwho wants to go where youre treated best and live somewhere where it is easy to be yourself, this list can give you some places to start. 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. 10. 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. 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. 57% are positive about transgender people and gender diversity, according to a 2017 study by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research. Five of the best . Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. Malta. Vietnam. If you are traveling or relocating to Belgium, do visit the Dolores and La Demence bars and Le Bruit Qui Court restaurant, and make sure to get yourself checked in to the Floris Arlequin hotel. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Now for Madridthe beating heart of gay Spain and arguably one of the world's most gay-friendly cities. Most expats were also satisfied with the state of the local economy (85% vs. 62% globally). Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. People may change their gender legally without surgery. 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.