This is a nation of resiliency and adaptability, its population hardy and determined. One that as an LGBT expat, you will be welcomed into with open arms. 3. The government in Finland recognized homosexuality in 1971, and ten years later, it was removed as a registered illness from government records. 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. Same-sex couples have the joint right to adopt children. Spain was also one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2005. 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. 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. Located on the west coast of South America, this country known for its eternal spring climate, has the Andes Mountain ranges, tropical rainforests, and beaches to offer. Unfortunately, Taiwan does not offer retirement visas and the cost of living is like the U.S. 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. Taipei Gay Pride is the largest in Asia, with an estimated 80,000 people attending each year each October. According to the Anholt-GMI "National Brands Index . From Principe Real and Bairro Alto to Arroios and Cascais, there is an abundance of great places for the gay community in Portugal. As the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, the Netherlands has an emotional connection with LGBTQIA+ people. 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. Later in 1999, the capital city of Lisbon witnessed the countrys very first pride parade. Also no. Discrimination on grounds of gender identity isnt explicitly outlawed. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Andrew Henderson wrote the #1 best-selling book that redefines life as a diversified, global citizen in the 21st century and how you can join the movement. 10 countries where expats are most satisfied with work and life - CNBC All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. 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. Leave The US: Best Places For Expats To Live - Forbes This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. South America's 4 most LGBTIQ+ friendly cities - Lonely Planet Expats can marry in Belgium if one partner has been living there for at least three months. 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. 75% are happy with their job. Like neighboring Spain, there is a thriving gay life in this Western European nation (as well as being known for particularly beautiful and fun-loving people). Nonetheless, a majority of nightlife venues and beaches are LGBTQIA+ friendly and welcome the community. As an expat or digital nomad, there are certainly many places in Europe that stand out. New Zealands constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats | Expatica Between them they've traveled to all seven continents (including Sue's dream trip to Antarctica) and more than 50 countries. As per the Gay Travel Index (2018), the country has been recognized as the number one gay-friendly country in the world. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. Top Choices For Gay Retirement Overseas - Live And Invest Overseas Ireland is a great place to move if you're looking for a reasonable cost of living and a welcoming . Lisbon has the best gay scene in the country, gay-friendly bars, cultural centers, and hotels; you name it, the city has it. Bahrain: laidback lifestyle, best for wage growth. Ireland. In major cities and certain parts of the country like Douro, Lisbon, and the Algarve, English is widely spoken. Furthermore, in 2021, an executive order was passed in the country, providing access to free IVF treatment procedures to single women and women in same-sex relationships across the entire nation. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. As the only African country to legalize same-sex marriage, the Rainbow Nation is an inspiration. Its free. But as an LGBTQ+ couple, we could not. Get The Big To-Do 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. Since we were interested in being somewhere between Singapore and the East Coast of the U.S., we first began looking at European locations. Hong Kong Pride is held each November and attracts an estimated 10,000 people. The 10 Best Places To Live In Panama For Expats | Expatra But Paris' Le Marais boasts the biggest LGBTQ community. Thats the main reason we didnt go in 2020. Each November, the city hosts a large . 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. Even with all the struggle the community put in, homosexuality wasn't decriminalized until eight years later. 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. 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. Same-sex couples may adopt children and arrange IVF or surrogacy. In 2015, Bettel became the first European Union leader to wed a same-sex partner. 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. The country has hate crime laws in place to protect the LGBTQ community. Under the Equal Treatment Act, LGBT people are protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 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. Theyll also enjoy equal social and tax benefits, including those relating to pensions, old age security, and bankruptcy protection. It has been an LGBTQIA+ tourist destination since the early 2000s, with its Queer Tango festival among the major highlights. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. People may change their gender on their driving license or passport with a statutory declaration; however, doing the same on a birth certificate requires proof of medical treatment towards transition. Mexico 2. Rents outside of major cities are even lower. Ireland is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. Explore the new Cheapest Countries to Live Index from Where can I Live + Cheapest places to live in Europe. And the countries that have successfully managed to do both are today considered LGBTQ-friendly countries. The country legalized same-sex sexual activity in 1969. You are only required to pay taxes on capital gains and any income derived from Maltese sources. 2nd. 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. 74% are happy with their work-life . As one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in, Canada has multiple bars, venues, and events for the LGBTQ community to explore. Also, cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege are a few places that you shouldnt miss. Like Spain, Malta requires a net worth of between $40,000-$45,000 and an annual income of over $27,000. Conversion therapy a treatment that aims to change the sexual orientation of people, has been banned in the country. In terms of protecting LGBTQ rights, several countries in the world now work tirelessly to bring about a fundamental transformation. In this article, we take a look at the 10 best countries for expats. These groups not only accepted the third gender, but also treated male, female, transgender, and intersex people as equal. The Coronado beaches area. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 10. Local films and television productions regularly explore queer themes; several entertainers have even come out in recent years, usually to a largely positive reception. IE 11 is not supported. Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock. Valletta doesnt immediately spring to mind when you think of the worlds gay capitals, but tiny Malta has topped the Europe Rainbow Index for four years in a row. Besides having a rich culture and history, Spain has also been hailed as one of the most LGBT-safe countries in the world because of its anti-discrimination laws and policies for LGBT people. Donate to the UN Refugee Agencytoday. Barcelona has also been named as one of the friendliest cities for LGBTQ people by UCityGuides. Many cities also hold their own pride events, complete with participation from local politicians. The rules for marriage visas are the same for same-sex married couples as for heterosexual couples in the country. 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. The country is also progressive when it comes to trans rights; Taiwan plans on introducing a third gender on government documents in 2020. Foreigners may also marry in South Africa. Robert B. Fishman / ullstein bild via Getty Images. Dubai: a glamorous train station. Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. The country decriminalized homosexuality between men in 1986; lesbian activity was never a crime in New Zealand. Costa Rica is an excellent place for LGBTQ+ retirees. High quality of life and healthcare services are a bonus. If you are looking for a beach community, the Coronado beaches area is one of the most popular in Panama. 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. Portugal is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. Taiwan is increasingly LGBTQIA+ friendly; however, same-sex couples cannot adopt. Gay pride in Spain is unparalleled by any other country in Europe. Buenos Aires is Argentinas gay capital. 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. Hong Kong, China. Spain is another of our favorite countries. 8 of the Best Countries in the World for LGBTQ+ People Nonetheless, cohabiting same-sex couples enjoy some protections under local domestic violence laws. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. Homosexuality has never actually been illegal in Taiwan. Belgian citizens have the right to change their legal gender. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1795, when the country was a French territory. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. On one hand, yes, countries such as Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Uganda, or elsewhere in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East can be dangerous. Slovenia is part of the European Union and has decent healthcare. Pro Tip: Unfortunately, a downside to retiring in Slovenia is that residents are taxed globally. At first, we focused on five countries Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Belize, and Portugal. In a 2013 poll by the University of Hong Kong, 33.3% of respondents supported same-sex marriage, with 43% opposed. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. Like Portugal, Spain has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters throughout most of the country. 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. Argentina's thriving LGBT scene attracts over 445,000 LGBT tourists every year and the Queer Tango Festival is a highlight for many. Back in 2001, The Netherlands became the first country to legalize gay marriage, as well as adoption rights. According to the ILGA report, the countrys anti-LGBT laws are considered some of the most forward-looking legal interventions in Europe. Johannesburg, too, has a wide and inclusive scene; several smaller towns also have gay bars or events. Afghanistan . Thailand. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. Americas northern neighbor legalized same-sex marriage back in 2005, and the countrys new prime minister is openly LGBTQ-friendly. Expats in Vietnam can earn $78,000 annually on average. Now for Madridthe beating heart of gay Spain and arguably one of the world's most gay-friendly cities. In 2022, the . 12 Best Countries To Live In For Expats (2023 Update) That said, here's a list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for expats. Expat-friendly neighborhoods such as Palermo Viejo and San Telmo boast several gay-friendly establishments. Envision yourself knocking back cava with your husband on a terrace in Madrid? Its also the home to more than 30 national parks, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and tango. Madrid has seen the third-highest attendance in history for a pride festival after New York and So Paulo, with 3,500,000 visitors attending in 2017. According to Numbeo, Croatia's crime score is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. If you can demonstrate income earned from outside of the country, you can obtain residence in Argentina. 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. Expats find everything they need in close proximity in Portugal. Berlin is on the rise, but remains surprisingly affordable for a major European capital. Religious solemnizations of same-sex marriages have been performed since the 1960s. Wondering which countries are doing so? The beautiful city of Lisbon has some of the most attractive, fun, and gay-friendly neighborhoods for LGBT people. 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. Its important to vacation in places where locals are welcoming and friendly: Sue Davies and Regina Ang live in both the New York area and Singapore. France. Spain ranked 11th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019, with full equality at about 60%. The entry requirements are simple: a pensioner visa showing just $10,000 in income and being in possession of private health insurance. 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. The entire world is not downtown Amsterdam or a gay bar in Madrid or Tel Aviv. With its liberal policies and relatively welcoming attitudes to immigration, Canada has long attracted LGBTQIA+ individuals from abroad. The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic. Find out more about the Portugal D7 Visa by check out our article: Portugal D7 Visa 2023. Friendliest Countries In The World For Expats | William Russell 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. We have curated a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world for you. Besides bars, clubs, and cafs, Taiwan hosts a gay beach, two popular gay hot springs, and even a cruisy gay bookshop. This prompted our search for the best LGBTQ+ places to retire internationally. To achieve that, its important to know where in the world to look for the best lifestyle and best options for gay expats. The government banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in educational institutions in 2004; further legislation covering the rest of society in 2017. Definitely not one to miss! Spain 6. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The flatlands ranked 12th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019. Denmark is one of the most LGBTQ-Friendly Study - Study In Denmark Netherlands. From being the first country in the European Union to prohibit conversion therapy and guarantee equal rights and freedom to LGBTQI+ citizens, to ensuring a safe environment for the LGBTQ community, Malta has been leading in building a fair, safe, and secure society for the LGBTQ community. 2. Also, the nightlife in this French neighborhood is vibrant. 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. Answer (1 of 6): The U.S. can be a good country for trans people, but it depends heavily on where you live. Although an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbors regarding hate crime and speech and conversion therapy remains legal. We have curated a list of the ten most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Amsterdam has a reputation as a very LGBT-friendly city. Homosexuals also serve openly in the military. Hanoi, Vietnam. Costa Rica Expat Forum: Gay Community| Expat Exchange Portugal. Dutch LGBTQIA+ support groups have a countrywide network; there are also specific organizations that support refugees. Speaking of safety, you can tag Croatia as the best European country to live in because of its low crime rate. LGBT Friendly Places in Germany - Nomad List Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been outlawed since 2003, the year Belgium legalized same-sex marriage. Owing to its progressive outlook and policies that protect the LGBTQI+ community against discrimination, this north-European nation is definitely a gay-friendly country. Canada has the most progressive and comprehensive rights for the LGBTQ community in North America. 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. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. Are you someone who belongs to the LGBT community and are planning to relocate? It does not store any personal data. 74% of the population has a positive attitude towards homosexuality and bisexuality.