In 2015, Bettel became the first European Union leader to wed a same-sex partner. After upholding the countrys first transgender marriage in 2013 albeit of a couple who had both had gender-reaffirming surgery the country appointed its first transgender minister, Audrey Tang, in 2016. Lisbon is without a doubt the best city for an LGBTQ+ person to live in. At first, we focused on five countries Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Belize, and Portugal. However, 24% of South Africans believe that people in same-sex relationships are criminals. 10. Social acceptance grew as the territory has become more LGBTQIA+ friendly in recent years. Scandinavia is the most liberal region in the world - by far. It is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, with everything from beaches to volcanos to wildlife and other adventures. Jeff Overs / BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images. 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. 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. 4. It's a place where you can live the fullest expression of who you are without fear of persecution or discrimination. Between them they've traveled to all seven continents (including Sue's dream trip to Antarctica) and more than 50 countries. Although an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbors regarding hate crime and speech and conversion therapy remains legal. Panama, for example, made same-sex adoption illegal in March 2021. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the expat community, go directly to the 25 Best . Johannesburg, its largest city, is also the country's gay epicenter: It's home to the annual Jo'Burg Pride event, the Out in Africa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and most of the annual Mr. Ireland is a great place to move if you're looking for a reasonable cost of living and a welcoming . The Gay Happiness Index (GHI) ranks Finland as the 12th happiest country for the gay community. If you move around the world by choice, consider helping those forced from their homes by conflict. You can find more videos, talks, and other content related to Expat on our YouTube channel. Las Palmas, Canary Islands. Civil servants may refuse to solemnize civil unions if they object on grounds of conscience, religion, or belief. Sweden is tied with the Netherlands because of their long history of sexual toleration and current openness for LGBTQ rights. Filled with LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more, the capital city of Helsinki has an incredible gay scene. 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. Countries like Russia have had their share of publicized issues around crime or blackmailing of LGBT individuals. The Netherlands. United Arab Emirates . People may change their gender legally without surgery. Same-sex couples can adopt children and have access to altruistic surrogacy. Best and worst countries for expats. The pride parade in Valletta every September is a major tourist draw, often with local politicians in attendance. One can focus their efforts on where they are treated best and be aware in their travels when a country or culture is not always welcoming. Photo: Milan Gonda /Shutterstock. 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!). Famed for its tulips, windmills, and revolutionary football - plus its 23 million bicycles, which outnumber people - the Netherlands is the second-best place in the world for women. Partners of expats may apply for either a spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. Berlin, Germany. You are eligible for Portuguese citizenship after three years of marriage to a Portuguese permanent resident. Since 1982, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has guaranteed fundamental human rights to the LGBTQIA+ community. Spain was also one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2005. It's a small city of 272,000 people, but, with easy access to both beaches and ski resorts, it offers the best of all worlds in terms of lifestyle . Thats the main reason we didnt go in 2020. Yet, not everyone here is LGBTQIA+ friendly. 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. Now for Madridthe beating heart of gay Spain and arguably one of the world's most gay-friendly cities. Foreigners may also marry in South Africa. He told International Living that he budgeted $2,700 a month and liked the city because of . 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. Although LGBTQIA+ people may not be legally hindered in their access to government services, campaigners say discrimination is widespread. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. In numbers, the survey shows that 74% of expatriates answered are generally satisfied with their jobs and 71% of them are content about their work-life balance in Vietnam. 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. You will need to pay taxes if you live in Buenos Aires full-time, but you can also come and go as you please. Here are the top 10 cities for LGBT people to retire. Same-sex marriage isnt possible in Aruba, Curaao, and Sint Maarten, however. 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. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. 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. New Zealand. New Zealands anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage do not extend to its realm, however. France does not have a retirement visa, so this knocked it off the list. Later in 1999, the capital city of Lisbon witnessed the countrys very first pride parade. 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. CareersPartner With UsBecome A VendorBook Us For SpeakingRequest An InterviewSocial Responsibility, ExpatFinanceOffshoreGlobal CitizenEntrepreneurCryptocurrency, ABOUT CONTACT +1 (979) 966-6623. 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. This expat guide is all about pros and cons of living in Belize. Gay men are, however, banned from donating blood. Gay-friendly areas in Lisbon. Another issue in Singapore is that Sue is regarded as a tourist and subject to a maximum stay of 90 days in the country. Over 75% of New Zealanders accept homosexuality. A number of LGBTQ advocates threatened to leave the US should Donald Trump be elected. While most of the African culture is associated with more traditional anti-gay sentiments in regards to family or lack of legal protections, South Africa has stood out as a leader in recent years. Their liberal attitudes mean that each country has instituted its own anti-discrimination laws, equal age of consent, right to same sex marriage, equal adoption rights and the right to openly . We recommend consulting with your tax accountants about the implications before making any plans. 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. The country ranks highly for sunshine hours (2250 per year), and how simple it is to pop back to the UK (or, more likely to have your friends and family come to see you!) The entire world is not downtown Amsterdam or a gay bar in Madrid or Tel Aviv. Our, The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. The dollar goes a long way with prices being at least 20 percent lower than in the U.S. From literature, cinema and television, to politics and sports, you will come across LGBTQI+ references in all of them. Like Portugal, Spain has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters throughout most of the country. Singapore, Singapore. Fortunately for the aspiring expat, there's a wealth of countries where it's safe to work and live out, as you'll see from Expatiation's list of the to. Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. Couple that with a low cost of living, averaging at $1,500 per month for a small family even in highly urbanized cities like Hanoi, and you . Johannesburg, too, has a wide and inclusive scene; several smaller towns also have gay bars or events. Contents hide. Travelers experiences will vary heavily. 10. In 1981, the country was the first to introduce anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation. Same-sex expat couples living in Spain have a number of legal rights when they register their partnership. The country has hate crime laws in place to protect the LGBTQ community. Portugal makes it easy to apply for a resident visa. Courtesy Of: Julius Silver. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBT+ rights. Taiwan 4. This article is just to get you thinking and imagining. Transgender people enjoy similar protections. Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. The entry requirements are simple: a pensioner visa showing just $10,000 in income and being in possession of private health insurance. Canada has the most progressive and comprehensive rights for the LGBTQ community in North America. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. The gay scene in Denmark is thriving. As an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, Argentina has had a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene since its return to democracy in 1983. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Sharing borders with Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Hungary, Slovenia is a beautiful country with many castles and caves. 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. Today, children of same-sex couples enjoy all the rights and freedoms that all children of heterosexual couples generally possess. In May 1974, the "Diario de Lisboa" published a manifesto for the Liberation of sexual minorities, which lead to the establishment of the Portuguese LGBT movement. 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. Sue Reddel & Diana Laskaris 1. Also, Italy is the most affordable place to live out of our top 12. In 2014, the Government of Finland legalized same-sex marriage. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Same-sex couples can adopt or use surrogacy services. A place that was LGBTQ-friendly, relatively inexpensive, politically stable, with good medical care, and that offered retirement visas? Nonetheless, cohabiting same-sex couples enjoy some protections under local domestic violence laws. Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 24, 2016. Eventually, the country progressed to decriminalizing homosexuality in the year 1982. 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. Argentina's thriving LGBT scene attracts over 445,000 LGBT tourists every year and the Queer Tango Festival is a highlight for many. Most expats were also satisfied with the state of the local economy (85% vs. 62% globally). The government in Finland recognized homosexuality in 1971, and ten years later, it was removed as a registered illness from government records. 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. Same-sex marriages account for 2.5% of all weddings in Belgium. However, the scene extends to Rosario, Crdoba, Mar del Plata, and Mendoza in the center of the Argentine wine country. Brazil has been a bastion of gay life for decades as its well-known party-loving traditions of celebration and beach life in cities like Rio de Janeiro have attracted millions of LGBT nomads and travelers. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The safest countries in the world for LGBTQ are Portugal, Finland, Spain, Norway, Iceland, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and Malta. Unfortunately, not all news was good news for LGBTQ+ rights in the past year. May is generally Pride Month across the Kingdom, with Brussels hosting the biggest parade. Portugal was one of the first European countries to approve gay marriage in 2010, and the Portuguese constitution bans discrimination of LGBTQ people. Charming, Old World capital-city Ljubljana is the heart of the country, both literally and figuratively. Is Portugal a good place to live for LGBT expats? 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. Singapore doesnt recognize gay marriage. A 2017 poll found that 67% of South Africans agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have equal rights; 17% disagreed. They wear all white and march in a gigantic parade. Now, workers and Antigua and Barbuda is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean Sea. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. Despite having a tiny population, Iceland is culturally liberal and has one of the liveliest gay scenes. And in 2003, it became the second country to permit same-sex marriages. Skip to table start. One person may face social harassment in a country with no anti-gay laws on the books, while another person may face unexpected welcome in a country whose customs are traditionally anti-gay but rarely or never enforced. 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. People from the LGBTQ+ community are allowed to serve openly in the Danish armed forces. 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. Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock. 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. InterNations recently revealed its Expat Insider . Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Same-sex couples in Portugal can adopt children owing to the legalization of adoption for gay marriage in 2016. It's true that Poland is not among the best countries for expats who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. Opposite sides of the world. Malta has consistently ranked number one on the ILGA-Europe listing of countries promoting LGBT rights legislation since 2015. 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. 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. 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. 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. In 2006, Sitges unveiled the countrys first LGBTQIA+ monument to commemorate a 1996 police crackdown on gay men at the beach at night. New Zealand also recognizes married or de facto relationships for expat couples, whether heterosexual or homosexual. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. In 2005, Canada also legalized same-sex marriage. Puerto Vallarta: An Expat Haven by the Sea. The Kirchberg district in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. From Madrid to Gran Canaria, the country has a diverse and welcoming scene for all members of the queer community. Taiwan is increasingly LGBTQIA+ friendly; however, same-sex couples cannot adopt. As of March 2019, a bill allowing self-identification has been delayed pending public consultation. 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. Amsterdam, its capital, is a popular destination for LGBTQ tourists and was ranked among the best cities in the world for expats. Bruges (Brugge), Ghent (Gent), Lige, and Ostend (Oostende) all have an active gay nightlife. Brimming with gay bars and clubs, Belgium has a solid gay community. Antwerp (Antwerpen) had the edgier and more forward-thinking community, but Brussels has shed its bourgeois image in recent years. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. The visa requirements that we list are current as of now but could change in the future. Name(Required) Email(Required) The cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City are very gay friendly. 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. Sue -- a native New Yorker -- and Regina -- a native Singaporean -- share their experiences at Travel for Life Now. Generally, these two countries are leading the way in South America for making gay rights and protections part of the political discussion and in doing so, opening their country not only to foreign tourists and the wealth of influx of gay travelers but also for nomads looking to settle there and/or seek citizenship. Taiwan. 1. Of those, Seattle, Portland, and Oakland have the best le. 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. There are tons of historical and cultural attractions to keep you busy. Ecuador offers many seniors perks, including subsidized public transport. Buenos Aires is Argentinas gay capital. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Edmonton and Winnipeg also boast LGBTQIA+ scenes. Costa Rica is an excellent place for LGBTQ+ retirees. The U.S. and Singapore. The rules for marriage visas are the same for same-sex married couples as for heterosexual couples in the country. Same-sex couples have the joint right to adopt children. 57% are positive about transgender people and gender diversity, according to a 2017 study by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research. 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. Pro Tip: Unfortunately, a downside to retiring in Slovenia is that residents are taxed globally. 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. Malta is a small archipelago with only five islands located in the Mediterranean off the southern coast of Italy. There was, however, widespread agreement that those who live together should enjoy legal protections. Dutch nationals may apply for gender-neutral passports. Was there another place in the world where we could both live? 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. The law is unclear on transgender rights, however. 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. Brighton, UK. It has been an LGBTQIA+ tourist destination since the early 2000s, with its Queer Tango festival among the major highlights. But as an LGBTQ+ couple, we could not. On one hand, yes, countries such as Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Uganda, or elsewhere in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East can be dangerous. Gay pride in Spain is unparalleled by any other country in Europe. 2nd. Ireland is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. The Amerika Club and bar km Zero are among the best places to go for a night out in Buenos Aires. The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 77% of Belgians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% disagreed. No. 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. This beautiful country (of beautiful Nordic men and women) has a rich history and during the summer months because of his Northern latitude experiences long days of sunshine. Former Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen also participated in the pride events held in the country. Denmark has one of the most extensive sex education curricula that includes information about sexuality, sexual relationships, gender identity, and diversity. 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. Homosexuality has never actually been illegal in Taiwan. In 2021, the reputed data research platform, Statista, ranked Canada as the safest country for LGBTQ to travel to. Belgium legalized same-sex sexual activity as early as 1795. Argentina has sought to position itself as one of the most gay-friendly countries in Latin America. Even with the new president, the country has huge marches against homosexuality. Costa Rica has affordable private healthcare, and the cost of living is much lower than in the U.S. and most of Europe. Paris is one of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly cities. New Zealand. Since 2006, same-sex couples in Finland have had access to IVF and artificial insemination. Belgium has implemented penalty enhancements for hate crimes committed due to sexual orientation. Not only was Argentina the first South American country to legalize gay marriage, theyve long had a law allowing civil unions. France legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 and was the first country in the world to de-list transgender identification as a mental illness. Norway has given adoption rights to married as well as committed same-sex couples. Other possibilities in South America include Mexico, Chile, and Peru. 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. Spain ranked 11th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019, with full equality at about 60%. Since 2009, the country has recognized and legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights for LGBT people. The LGBTQ Rights and Opinion. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. 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. Latin Americas beacon of LGBTQIA+ rights, Argentinas queer history goes back to the indigenous Mapuche and Guaran people. Belgium has a large and well-developed LGBTQIA+ scene that caters to a diverse range of orientations and preferences. 3. We also had concerns about Chinas relationship with Taiwan and its implications. The Netherlands is a new entrant on our 2022 list, reflecting its progressive attitude and rapid economic recovery from a pandemic-induced turndown. The residence permit may be renewed for 2 years twice after which you will be eligible for the long duration residence. New Zealands history of tolerance goes back to pre-colonial Mori times, although British colonization resulted in anti-sodomy laws. However, people who want to change their gender legally must undergo medical treatment, surgical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy. 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. Dutch LGBTQIA+ support groups have a countrywide network; there are also specific organizations that support refugees. However, gay travelers should definitely stay vigilant, especially those whose identities may be more of a target and put them in physical or political danger. In our research, we found many expats had successfully moved out of the U.S. and were thriving in their new homes. A reasonably priced private health care insurance is required to access the top-notch health care system. New Zealands constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. 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. Taiwan was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. Photo by Flo Karr via Unsplash. Among this openness is one of the most thriving gay communities on the continent and a great gay life in the capital city of Brussels, as well as a generally pro-business and pro-foreigner environment. Homophobia remains a major challenge. The country is historical, full of charm, progressive, and affordable. We did. Its free. Adoption by same-sex couples has been legalized in the country. Since we were interested in being somewhere between Singapore and the East Coast of the U.S., we first began looking at European locations. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Here are eight of the safest countries for Black LGBTQIA+ travelers. Civil marriage officiants cannot refuse same-sex couples. The country is also progressive when it comes to trans rights; Taiwan plans on introducing a third gender on government documents in 2020.
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