New Zealand is currently considered the second best country in the world for expats, according to HSBC, and same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex parents were both legalized in 2013. It is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, with everything from beaches to volcanos to wildlife and other adventures. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBT+ rights. As per the Gay Travel Index (2018), the country has been recognized as the number one gay-friendly country in the world. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats | Expatica The ancient historic islands, many of which house UNESCO World Heritage sites are surrounded by pristine crystal-clear waters. In this article, we take a look at the 25 best countries for expats. Croatia legalized same-sex adoptions in May 2021. 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. Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Best Countries for Gay Expats - Escape Artist The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. Despite having a tiny population, Iceland is culturally liberal and has one of the liveliest gay scenes. Paris. 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. Today, children of same-sex couples enjoy all the rights and freedoms that all children of heterosexual couples generally possess. Malta was one of the first nations in the world to prohibit sterilization and invasive surgery on intersex individuals. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Also, the nightlife in this French neighborhood is vibrant. 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. Taiwan is increasingly LGBTQIA+ friendly; however, same-sex couples cannot adopt. Unfortunately, not all news was good news for LGBTQ+ rights in the past year. We did. The cheapest European cities for expats - Wise Argentina has sought to position itself as one of the most gay-friendly countries in Latin America. Information about same-sex relationships is included in sex education in the country. Puerto Vallarta has been an expat haven for over 60 years. 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. Homosexuality, gay marriage, adoption, and gay marriage are legal in the Netherlands. Here are the most gay-friendly countries that can also satisfy the needs of a Nomad Capitalist. Argentina legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, becoming the first country in Latin America to do so. IE 11 is not supported. Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. LGBT people have access to a variety of rights such as gay marriage and adoption. The LGBT community living in Afghanistan face both social and legal challenges. With Taiwan becoming the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in early 2019, LGBTQIA+ interest in the island has skyrocketed. 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. Between them they've traveled to all seven continents (including Sue's dream trip to Antarctica) and more than 50 countries. Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. You only need to show proof of $18,000 annual income which reflects its low cost of living. Portugal. The Eiffel Tower stands above the city skyline as the sun sets over skyscrapers in La Defense business district in Paris, France, on Nov. 10, 2015. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. 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). 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. Contents hide. All of this got us thinking. From Principe Real and Bairro Alto to Arroios and Cascais, there is an abundance of great places for the gay community in Portugal. Is it worth trying to push and test them in the wrong situation or with the wrong person? Gay Madrid. Australian citizens or permanent residents may be able to sponsor a partners visa. 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. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. Look no further than Madrid's Pride Festival to understand the city's legacy status within the LGBTQ community. Around 86 percent of Spaniards were also in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage. More than 544,000 expats of 196 different . From its Adriatic shores to the mountains and cities, this central European country is fast becoming a retirement destination. Transgender rights include permission for people to change their gender on the basis of self-determination. 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. Unmarried couples of any gender may adopt children jointly. Edmonton and Winnipeg also boast LGBTQIA+ scenes. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. Brimming with gay bars and clubs, Belgium has a solid gay community. Some of the most well-known bars to check out are G-Bar and Oscar. Even with the new president, the country has huge marches against homosexuality. Later in 1999, the capital city of Lisbon witnessed the countrys very first pride parade. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Portugal is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. Attitudes and laws pertaining to LGBTQ+ lives may also evolve. LGBTQ culture has influenced much of Spain's art, whether through the writing of Federico Garca Lorca or the films of Pedro Almodvar. According to the ILGA report, the countrys anti-LGBT laws are considered some of the most forward-looking legal interventions in Europe. Adoption by same-sex couples has been legalized in the country. 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. And in 2003, it became the second country to permit same-sex marriages. Berlin, Germany. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. We also didnt research any countries in Africa because of the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment/laws and the travel difficulties. 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. New Zealand. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. 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. It ranked #4 on Gallups 2015 list of Top Places for Gay People to Live," #23 on HSBCs ranking of best countries for expats and is known for its delicious cuisine. The only African country on this list, for now, South Africa also has an interesting relationship with the issue of gay rights. 9 Most Gay-Friendly Countries In Europe | TravelAwaits The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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 law is unclear on transgender rights, however. Are these laws always enforced? French Polynesia. A 2017 poll found that 67% of South Africans agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have equal rights; 17% disagreed. The rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ political parties notwithstanding, Spain is one of the most culturally liberal places for gay 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. Malta has been called the gold standard of LGBT reform by the United Nations, which is highly promising even compared to European neighbors. Rents outside of major cities are even lower. LGBTQIA+ people have been able to serve openly in the military since 2002. Ranked: best countries for expats (according to expats) Finally, in 1999, the first gay pride march took place in Lisbon. If work-life balance is top priority, Italy is a superb choice. Ecuador offers many seniors perks, including subsidized public transport. Even foreigners can get married in Argentina. Another issue in Singapore is that Sue is regarded as a tourist and subject to a maximum stay of 90 days in the country. Besides Oslo, cities like Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen are referred to as a few of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. Tied for #2 - Sweden. Mexico 2. The 2019 Eurobarometer public opinion poll said that 74 percent of the Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage. High quality of life and healthcare services are a bonus. 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. There was, however, widespread agreement that those who live together should enjoy legal protections. 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. Expat-heavy Hong Kong has a confident and thriving LGBTQIA+ subculture. Like Spain, Malta requires a net worth of between $40,000-$45,000 and an annual income of over $27,000. It does not store any personal data. Canada. The biggest magnet cities for the trans people I know are New York, Chicago, Seattle, the Bay Area (usually Oakland) and Portland. The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 77% of Belgians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% disagreed. The Most LGBTQ-Friendly Places to Retire Overseas - US News & World Report In our research, we found many expats had successfully moved out of the U.S. and were thriving in their new homes. Hong Kong Pride is held each November and attracts an estimated 10,000 people. However, people who want to change their gender legally must undergo medical treatment, surgical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. Ireland is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. By criminalizing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace, educational institutions, and healthcare services, the Government of Finland does its utmost to protect its LGBTQ+ communities. Is Portugal a gay-friendly country? The LGBTQ+ expat experience 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. 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. LGBT History & Rights in Portugal. 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. Cheapest Countries to Live In Index | Where Can I Live Trumps is the best-known LGBT club in Portugal. Oslo Pride is the largest pride festival in the country and runs over nine days during June and July. You are only required to pay taxes on capital gains and any income derived from Maltese sources. 10 Best Countries For Gay Expats or LGBTQ Community It's listed among Gallup's best countries for gays and lesbians, and Cond Nast Traveler included Dublin on its list of "Best Cities in the World.". Many cities also hold their own pride events, complete with participation from local politicians. Gay Friendly Places in Eastern Europe and How To Travel Safely The beautiful city of Lisbon has some of the most attractive, fun, and gay-friendly neighborhoods for LGBT people. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The government in Iceland has included sexual orientation in the nations anti-discrimination laws. Best countries to live for expats. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Uruguay and Argentina are also state donors to the Global Equality Fund. Norway is said to be among the most trans-friendly countries and has one of the best gay scenes in the world. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. Yes, there are still as many as a dozen nations for which someone can get the death penalty for homosexuality. 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. The LGBT movement in the country was sparked by the Carnation Revolution in 1974 which produced a number of major social, demographic, and economic changes. Here are the top 10 countries where expats are happiest with their work and personal lives in 2021. While we were hoping to avoid winter entirely, Portugal has a Mediterranean climate and has very mild winters. Since we were interested in being somewhere between Singapore and the East Coast of the U.S., we first began looking at European locations. Subsequent polls show most Canadians agree that same-sex couples should have the equal parental rights. We create and implement bespoke, holistic strategies for successful investors and entrepreneurs to legally reduce their tax bills, diversify and protect their assets, become global citizens and maximize their freedom. Even with all the struggle the community put in, homosexuality wasn't decriminalized until eight years later. Since 1996, the country has also banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Since 2017, people with non-binary gender identities can note this on their passports. 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. France. The majority of the society in Iceland is in support of same-sex marriage and the protection of LGBT rights. The island nation, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is also known for its beautiful cities and landscape. The Best Countries for ExpatsAccording to Expats New Zealands anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage do not extend to its realm, however. Sharing borders with Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Hungary, Slovenia is a beautiful country with many castles and caves. Las Lajas beach in the Coronado beaches area in Panama. As a gay traveler myself, I have enjoyed many experiences meeting either fellow gay individuals or simply loving, accepting straight people who could care less about issues of sexual orientation or even wholeheartedly understand you and would advocate for you. In a 2013 poll by the University of Hong Kong, 33.3% of respondents supported same-sex marriage, with 43% opposed. Under the Equal Treatment Act, LGBT people are protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.