Please note that you have to apply for residency before this procedure. 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). 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. The island nation, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is also known for its beautiful cities and landscape. Iceland, which legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, was recently ranked as the happiest country for gay men. 1. Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland tend to top any poll of LGBT-friendly nations, occasionally swapping places but rarely giving way to any other nation. Homosexuality is still a criminal act in many countries, and there are a number of places where LGBTQIA+ rights are eroding. What do you think makes a nation truly LGBTQI+-friendly? Hundreds of couples have since tied the knot, although same-sex marriage is restricted to couples where at least one partner is Taiwanese. With more than 90 percent of the Dutch population supporting same-sex marriage, the Netherlands has emerged as one of the gayest countries in the world in 2023. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. In terms of protecting LGBTQ rights, several countries in the world now work tirelessly to bring about a fundamental transformation. Here are the top 10 cities for LGBT people to retire. The third Scandinavian nation in the top three ranks highest for fighting climate change, reducing pollution . You are only required to pay taxes on capital gains and any income derived from Maltese sources. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Paris. Singapore, Singapore. Here's the top ten cities in Europe where you get the most from your money. 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. Retirees can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit renewable annually for 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence. Definitely not one to miss! Same-sex marriage has been legal in the Scandinavian country since 2009, and anti-LGBTQ discrimination has been banned since the 80s. Finally, in 1999, the first gay pride march took place in Lisbon. 3. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. Amsterdam, its capital, is a popular destination for LGBTQ tourists and was ranked among the best cities in the world for expats. These are Europe's least friendly countries for expats Americas northern neighbor legalized same-sex marriage back in 2005, and the countrys new prime minister is openly LGBTQ-friendly. Yes, there are still as many as a dozen nations for which someone can get the death penalty for homosexuality. This is Europe's most LGBT+-friendly country | The Independent Yet, not everyone here is LGBTQIA+ friendly. 74% are happy with their work-life . 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. The Fitting-in category of IL's 2022 Annual Global Retirement Index considers the character of the expat community, how easy it is for a single or LGBT person to adapt, how welcoming the locals . Children can change their gender. Belgium is at the heart of the European Union and is a friendly, multilingual country that comes with all the perks of European lifestyle and openness. If you can demonstrate income earned from outside of the country, you can obtain residence in Argentina. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. Is it worth trying to push and test them in the wrong situation or with the wrong person? It is one of the least welcoming parts of Europe for LGBTQ+ people; by 2020, around 100 Polish towns and regions had declared themselves free from "LGBT ideology.". There was, however, widespread agreement that those who live together should enjoy legal protections. Here are some of the most gay-friendly countries you can live, work and invest in if you belong to the LGBT community. In May 2019, a local pastor also moved the High Court, arguing that the ban hinders his congregations freedom to worship. All of this got us thinking. The country is frequently noted as having one of the best gay rights records in the world and rights include protections for transgender individuals. Later in 1999, the capital city of Lisbon witnessed the countrys very first pride parade. Las Lajas beach in the Coronado beaches area in Panama. It has been an LGBTQIA+ tourist destination since the early 2000s, with its Queer Tango festival among the major highlights. Homosexuality has never actually been illegal in Taiwan. In 1981, the country was the first to introduce anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation. New Zealands constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. Since 2017, people with non-binary gender identities can note this on their passports. We did. A 2017 poll found that 67% of South Africans agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have equal rights; 17% disagreed. Best places for expats to live in the UAE. If you are Jewish, there are some routes to retiring in Israel. Same-sex couples can adopt or use surrogacy services. Spain 6. Bahrain: laidback lifestyle, best for wage growth. Despite having an LGBTQIA+ friendly government, the LGBTQIA+ scene is not as well developed in Malta as it is other European countries, with relatively fewer dedicated bars and cafs. Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. Since 2009, the country has recognized and legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights for LGBT people. 18 STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING YOUR PLAN B. The Best And Worst Countries To Move To For LGBT+ Expats Thanks to the 2012 Gender Identity Law, people may change their gender without facing medical interventions. As early as 1981, Norway began to pass anti-discrimination laws protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community. 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. Gay men are, however, banned from donating blood. The majority of the society in Iceland is in support of same-sex marriage and the protection of LGBT rights. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Netherlands has legalized same-sex activity, same-sex marriage, and adoption in the country. The Iberian Peninsula also ranked highly in . Portugal is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. 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. CareersPartner With UsBecome A VendorBook Us For SpeakingRequest An InterviewSocial Responsibility, ExpatFinanceOffshoreGlobal CitizenEntrepreneurCryptocurrency, ABOUT CONTACT +1 (979) 966-6623. We also had concerns about Chinas relationship with Taiwan and its implications. LGBT people from across the country assemble in Copenhagen yearly to participate in the Copenhagen Pride Parade and more pride festivals. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. Though the country doesn't legally recognize same-sex couples, Thailand is extremely accepting. Wondering which countries are doing so? 10 Fascinating Spots In New York City For History Lovers, 11 Best Things To Do In Enchanting San Miguel De Allende, 8 Things To Know Before Visiting Michigans Beautiful South Manitou Island, 16 Top Countries To Retire Abroad In 2023, 6 Key Steps To Take If You Want To Retire Abroad In Panama, Retire In Costa Rica: An Expert Breaks Down Each Residency Status, Top 8 Questions To Ask Before Moving To Costa Rica, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Guide To Pride Parades And Other Events In Americas Most Gay-Friendly Cities. To find out more about what makes Portugal one of the safest LGBTQ countries to live in, read our article: Is Portugal a good place to live for LGBT expats? Furthermore, Mar del Plata, Rosario and Mendoza are also recommended gay friendly destinations. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. Trumps is the best-known LGBT club in Portugal. However, people who want to change their gender legally must undergo medical treatment, surgical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy. There is a non-habitual resident program with no tax on foreign pensions and other retirement incomes. The residence permit may be renewed for 2 years twice after which you will be eligible for the long duration residence. 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. Canada was also listed as number three of the top 10 most gay-friendly countries worldwide in a 2014 Gallup survey. 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. The country legalized same-sex sexual activity in 1969. 12 - Italy. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Portugal makes it easy to apply for a resident visa. 10 Best Places to Live as an Expat | WorldRemit 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. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. Another issue in Singapore is that Sue is regarded as a tourist and subject to a maximum stay of 90 days in the country. The country is also progressive when it comes to trans rights; Taiwan plans on introducing a third gender on government documents in 2020. To protect the rights of the LGBT people in the country, Spain has declared that discrimination against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity is a criminal act. Further to registered partnerships, the country legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. 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. Overall, the public is extremely supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community. In fact, Canada is considered to be one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. For a Catholic country, Spain is extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly. Oslo, the capital of Norway, has various gay bars and venues and organizes a host of pride events. The government announced that people may change their legal gender without surgery; no policy is in place, however. Couples enjoy the same rights as opposite-sex couples; they can adopt, and lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Eventually, the country progressed to decriminalizing homosexuality in the year 1982. The Coronado beaches area. Puerto Vallarta has been an expat haven for over 60 years. Photo by Flo Karr via Unsplash. 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 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Places to Retire Overseas - US News & World Report Brighton, UK. Income requirements are a little higher with higher assets ($40,000) and proof of minimum monthly income of roughly $3,467, health insurance, and sometimes, an executed lease for accommodation. 75% are happy with their job. This was followed by the legalization of adoption rights for same-sex couples. 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. 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. The city is also very welcoming to expats and has a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. Is Portugal a gay-friendly country? The LGBTQ+ expat experience If you move around the world by choice, consider helping those forced from their homes by conflict. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. Best Expat Cities And Countries For Single Guys part 2 - 16 Best Expat first countries in the world to legalize gay marriage. Get The Big To-Do The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The 10 Best Countries for LGBT Rights - WorldAtlas Expats report that contrary to expectations, local residents warmly accept LGBTQIA+ people; social attitudes vary, however. With progressive anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ community, Belgium has been hailed as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in 2023. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. 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. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. 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. Vietnam. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. By 2017, the survey found that 50.4% of respondents supported same-sex marriage. Residents believe more conversations about LGBTQIA+ issues are necessary. Charming, Old World capital-city Ljubljana is the heart of the country, both literally and figuratively. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. Apart from married couples and civil partners, single individuals (including single LGBT people) also have the right to adopt children. The Best Democratic Countries for Americans to Move to - Business Insider Barcelona has also been named as one of the friendliest cities for LGBTQ people by UCityGuides. Single individuals and couples, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy adoption rights, and lesbians may access in vitro fertilization treatment. 1. From Madrid to Gran Canaria, the country has a diverse and welcoming scene for all members of the queer community. Now for Madridthe beating heart of gay Spain and arguably one of the world's most gay-friendly cities. 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. Portugal offers certain perks that make it more accessible to entrepreneurial people rather than its more bureaucratic neighbors, and its gay rights record and gay life in major cities like Lisbon and Porto is likewise vibrant. Travelers experiences will vary heavily. Costa Rica Expat Forum: Gay Community| Expat Exchange Trans adults can self-identify without a doctors statement. 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. Are you someone who belongs to the LGBT community and are planning to relocate? # Countries : WCIL RANK: Cost of Living vs USA: Cost of Living vs . The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic. You need to have a clean criminal record to be eligible to be interviewed for a permanent resident permit. The Best Countries for Retirement in 2020, According to Expats Dublin, Ireland. United Arab Emirates . According to the ILGA report, the countrys anti-LGBT laws are considered some of the most forward-looking legal interventions in Europe. In our research, we found many expats had successfully moved out of the U.S. and were thriving in their new homes. Same-sex expat couples living in Spain have a number of legal rights when they register their partnership. Our flagship service for entrepreneurs and investors, Use our decades of experience to invest in foreign real estate, Work exclusively with Mr. Andrew Henderson, Click here to see all our products and services. Canada protects its LGBTQ community from discrimination based on sexual orientation. Public health care is ranked fifth in the world by WHO, and if desired, private health insurance is very economical. Photo by Diego Gennaro on Unsplash. 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. The World's 5 Most Welcoming Retirement Havens In 2022 - Forbes The law allows same-sex couples to adopt, and lesbian couples have equal access to in vitro fertilization treatment. Croatia legalized same-sex adoptions in May 2021. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The Most Liberal Countries You Should Move to in 2023 Five of the best . 2. You will only need to prove income equal to Slovenias basic monthly income of $1,000. A 2016 Eurobarometer reported that 65% of Maltese were in favor of same-sex marriage; this was a significant jump from just 18% in 2006. 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. Expat-heavy Hong Kong has a confident and thriving LGBTQIA+ subculture. May is generally Pride Month across the Kingdom, with Brussels hosting the biggest parade. 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. Portugal: the best destination for remote workers and digital nomads. Photo: Milan Gonda /Shutterstock. Costa Rica has affordable private healthcare, and the cost of living is much lower than in the U.S. and most of Europe. There are NO gay communities. 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. Located between Brazil and Argentina, this modern, progressive yet laid-back country is very LGBTQ+ retiree friendly. 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 . Local films and television productions regularly explore queer themes; several entertainers have even come out in recent years, usually to a largely positive reception. The skyline of central Brussels, Belgium. Friendliest Countries In The World For Expats | William Russell However, 24% of South Africans believe that people in same-sex relationships are criminals. 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. Most of the world still has a long way to go regarding acceptance for all kinds of differences, not limited only to LGBT people. The dollar goes a long way with prices being at least 20 percent lower than in the U.S. Is Portugal a good place to live for LGBT expats? Unfortunately, many countries in Asia have anti-LGBTQ+ laws or other political issues that knocked them out of consideration. Nearby Thailand also exemplifies this with the inclusion of transgender people and/or ladyboys in the society as a normal thing, thus conjuring less animosity towards the idea of gender-nonconforming people and different forms of sexuality. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. Hate crime legislation for transsexual and intersex people has yet to be passed. Owing to its progressive outlook and policies that protect the LGBTQI+ community against discrimination, this north-European nation is definitely a gay-friendly country. Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock. The government in Iceland has included sexual orientation in the nations anti-discrimination laws. 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. French Polynesia. France: the good life, for families and retirees. In addition to all these attractions, Helsinki also hosts the countrys most popular pride parade, which annually sees more than 100,000 visitors. 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. 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. Was there another place in the world where we could both live? 1. Cities outside of the major ones will have lower cost of living. While the rest of the country is a bit more conservative, few incidents have been reported, and the warmth of the countrys Latin culture makes public affection widely acceptable. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. 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. Belgium has implemented penalty enhancements for hate crimes committed due to sexual orientation. Around 86 percent of Spaniards were also in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage. 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. The region is very easily reached from the U.S. Hurricane season was one drawback in this area. Here are ten countries where LGBT rights are most threatened. Help and pick the right photo for this page. Although LGBTQIA+ people may not be legally hindered in their access to government services, campaigners say discrimination is widespread. Lesbian couples in the country have the right to opt for IVF treatment. 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. Gay Madrid. Singapore doesnt recognize gay marriage. At first, we focused on five countries Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Belize, and Portugal. There are still laws on the books in more countries that restrict the freedomssexual, marital, and otherwiseof LGBT individuals. The Netherlands is considered the most gay-friendly country in the world, according to Gallup, and it was also the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2000. Indonesia 3. Top Choices For Gay Retirement Overseas - Live And Invest Overseas Taiwan was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. Discrimination on grounds of gender identity isnt explicitly outlawed. A number of LGBTQ advocates threatened to leave the US should Donald Trump be elected. Homosexuality itself has been legal since 1991; however, local law doesnt recognize same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Make sure to consult immigration lawyers and tax accountants before making any moves to retire internationally. 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. New Zealand. The only African country on this list, for now, South Africa also has an interesting relationship with the issue of gay rights. 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. In general, Belgium displays an extremely high level of homosexual acceptance. For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. To ensure the same rights for the LGBT community as heterosexual couples, the Icelandic government decriminalized same-sex sexual activity in 1940. LGBT Friendly Places in Germany - Nomad List Argentina is as pro-immigration as it is gay-friendly. We have curated a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world for you. While we spent most of the last 25 years based primarily in the United States, we hail from different countries. 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. LGBT Guide to Portugal - Portugal.com From literature, cinema and television, to politics and sports, you will come across LGBTQI+ references in all of them. Canada. You can apply for a residence permit of at least two years if your spouse holds a permanent residential address. The visa requirements that we list are current as of now but could change in the future. And stay tuned for tomorrow's issue, when we'll reveal one of our top picks for where a gay couple or single might consider launching a new life overseas. Not only was Argentina the first South American country to legalize gay marriage, theyve long had a law allowing civil unions. Individuals from the transgender community have been given legal permission to change their gender on official documents without undergoing sex reassignment surgery. The reception of gay travelers and expats varies according to the region of Portugal. 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. If work-life balance is top priority, Italy is a superb choice. Spain is another of our favorite countries. 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. There have since been several out-and-proud gay and transgender members of parliament. Brimming with gay bars and clubs, Belgium has a solid gay community. Look no further than Madrid's Pride Festival to understand the city's legacy status within the LGBTQ community. 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.