Local films and television productions regularly explore queer themes; several entertainers have even come out in recent years, usually to a largely positive reception. Gay travelers will find extensive gay clubs, bars, hotels, and other institutions around gay culture in Ireland and can also enjoy the numerous tax benefits and EU residency that Ireland and the Irish passport confer if one chooses to seek that route. The Dutch capital, often dubbed the gayway to Europe, has a vibrant LGBTQIA+ culture and caters to all appetites and fetishes. 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. Hundreds of couples have since tied the knot, although same-sex marriage is restricted to couples where at least one partner is Taiwanese. Apart from married couples and civil partners, single individuals (including single LGBT people) also have the right to adopt children. New Zealand. Portugal: the best destination for remote workers and digital nomads. You need to have a clean criminal record to be eligible to be interviewed for a permanent resident permit. 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. 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. 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. People from the LGBTQ+ community are allowed to serve openly in the Danish armed forces. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. 12 - Italy. There is also a wide variety of bars, clubs, and gay saunas; this is possibly because of social pressures to conform to traditional heteronormative models. What was once a small village on Mexico's Pacific Coast is now a major international resort, with an urban area that runs for nearly 30 miles along the shore of Banderas Bay. 75% are happy with their job. Attitudes and laws pertaining to LGBTQ+ lives may also evolve. LGBTQ culture is also very visible in the Scandinavian country -- Pride in Oslo is one of Norway's largest events, and the city is also home to one of the world's best gay choirs. Owing to its progressive outlook and policies that protect the LGBTQI+ community against discrimination, this north-European nation is definitely a gay-friendly country. Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 24, 2016. 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. Due to a political environment that favors an equal ecosystem for all its citizens, same-sex adoptions, same-sex relationships, and marriage has been recognized and legalized in the country. Hanoi, Vietnam. Burn says that it is among their most popular destinations at the agency. Yet, not everyone here is LGBTQIA+ friendly. In particular, Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2009 and is still the only place in the country to do so. The Netherlands. Denmark has one of the most extensive sex education curricula that includes information about sexuality, sexual relationships, gender identity, and diversity. Same-sex marriage in Spain has been legal since 2005. Taipei Gay Pride is the largest in Asia, with an estimated 80,000 people attending each year each October. No. Photo by Diego Gennaro on Unsplash. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Activists say more must be done regarding intersex rights. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. All rights reserved. The 2019 Eurobarometer public opinion poll said that 74 percent of the Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage. Sweden is tied with the Netherlands because of their long history of sexual toleration and current openness for LGBTQ rights. There is a limited awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity in the country. In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asiaideal for vacation or retirement. Gay South Africa competitions. 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. The nation has prohibited discrimination against the LGBTQ community based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Answer (1 of 25): In many nations, homosexuality remains a criminal act, and there are a number of locations where LGBT+ rights are being eroded. Besides Oslo, cities like Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen are referred to as a few of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. France. 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. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. They love Street Art, LGBTQ+ travel, Asia (especially Singapore), local food, and the search for local travel experiences around the world. Here, Brits can enjoy warm weather, a strong economy with plenty of job opportunities and an active outdoor lifestyle when it's not too hot. The country is largely Roman Catholic. 4. Dublin, Ireland. D7 vs. Golden Visa Portugal: Which One Is Right for You? Subsequent polls show most Canadians agree that same-sex couples should have the equal parental rights. Portugal is a favorite of ours here at Nomad Capitalist for its friendliness towards investors and relative ease of achieving EU residence and potential for zero tax through non-habitual residence. 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. Malta has consistently ranked number one on the ILGA-Europe listing of countries promoting LGBT rights legislation since 2015. From Madrid to Gran Canaria, the country has a diverse and welcoming scene for all members of the queer 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. Moreover, the attractive tax policy of Malta adds to the impact that Malta can offer for LGBT Nomad Capitalists. 10. Another LGBTQ+-friendly country, Israel also doesnt have a retirement visa. Like Spain, Malta requires a net worth of between $40,000-$45,000 and an annual income of over $27,000. 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 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. 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. Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. So, retirement as an option in Singapore doesnt work. There are tons of historical and cultural attractions to keep you busy. The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 77% of Belgians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% disagreed. Digital nomad. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Transgender rights in Argentina are among the most advanced worldwide. In fact, Canada is considered to be one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. New Zealand and France banned conversion therapy in early 2022. 11. The Iberian Peninsula also ranked highly in . In 2018, 27-year old LGBTQIA+ activist Angela Ponce became the firsttransgenderwoman tocompete in the Miss Universe contest, where she received a standing ovation. 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. The country is also progressive when it comes to trans rights; Taiwan plans on introducing a third gender on government documents in 2020. Lisbon has the best gay scene in the country, gay-friendly bars, cultural centers, and hotels; you name it, the city has it. A place that was LGBTQ-friendly, relatively inexpensive, politically stable, with good medical care, and that offered retirement visas? Best places for expats to live in the UAE. Trans adults can self-identify without a doctors statement. High-quality affordable private health care, a low crime rate, and a temperate climate round out the other criteria. The country is historical, full of charm, progressive, and affordable. 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. 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. Other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Scheveningen have multiple gay-friendly clubs, bars, and restaurants. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. France does not have a retirement visa, so this knocked it off the list. The Netherlands is a new entrant on our 2022 list, reflecting its progressive attitude and rapid economic recovery from a pandemic-induced turndown. 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. Civil marriage officiants cannot refuse same-sex couples. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1795, when the country was a French territory. We must put our adopted country on top of the list. New Zealands anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage do not extend to its realm, however. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats, the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. These include adoption, automatic parenthood recognition on birth certificates, inheritance tax, rights to survivor pensions, recognition for immigration purposes, equal treatment for tax purposes including inheritance tax and protection from domestic violence. Panama, for example, made same-sex adoption illegal in March 2021. 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. 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 . The only African country on this list, for now, South Africa also has an interesting relationship with the issue of gay rights. Another issue in Singapore is that Sue is regarded as a tourist and subject to a maximum stay of 90 days in the country. Arnaldur Halldorsson / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Help and pick the right photo for this page. However, ILGA recommends that more work be done in terms of intersex people; Belgium has yet to ban unnecessary medical interventions such as carrying out sexual determination surgeries on babies. Trumps is the best-known LGBT club in Portugal. If we were a married straight couple, we could have entered Singapore after quarantining. 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. Same-sex couples in Portugal have the same access to IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment as heterosexual couples living in the country. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. Are you someone who belongs to the LGBT community and are planning to relocate? If you are planning to visit Canada and want to witness the vibe of its gay scene, make sure to be part of exciting events like the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, Vancouver Pride, and Tremblant Gay Ski Week, amongst others. 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. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. The hotel's idyllic rooftop bar and extensive wine list are of particular note. Since 2006, the government in Belgium has given the same adoption rights to same-sex couples as heterosexual couples. Although an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbors regarding hate crime and speech and conversion therapy remains legal. Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. Same-sex couples in Portugal can adopt children owing to the legalization of adoption for gay marriage in 2016. A 2018 recognition of spousal visas for same-sex couples by the Court of Final Appeal raised the hopes of expats looking to move to Asias financial hub. However, people who want to change their gender legally must undergo medical treatment, surgical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy. Las Lajas beach in the Coronado beaches area in Panama. 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. There are many expat cities out there, so we can't list them all here - but we will give you a good starting point: these are the 15 best expat cities out there and countries for single guys. Valletta, the capital city, is a must if you are looking to witness the gay scene in the country. 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. Its free. 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. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Couples enjoy the same rights as opposite-sex couples; they can adopt, and lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization. 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. Only gays in the community. 10. We wrote recently of our top recommendation for single women. Filled with LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more, the capital city of Helsinki has an incredible gay scene. Was there another place in the world where we could both live? Gay Madrid. Same-sex couples have the joint right to adopt children. Name(Required) Email(Required) The cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City are very gay friendly. Transgender people may not change legal documents to reflect their identities without gender-confirmation surgery, according to a February 2019 ruling. 3. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This was the same year in which Croatian lawmakers passed "life partners" legislation, which gave same-sex couples similar rights to married . Civil servants may refuse to solemnize civil unions if they object on grounds of conscience, religion, or belief. Sue Reddel & Diana Laskaris 1. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". That said, here's a list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for 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. 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.". New Zealands history of tolerance goes back to pre-colonial Mori times, although British colonization resulted in anti-sodomy laws. This prompted our search for the best LGBTQ+ places to retire internationally. Best and worst countries for expats. Over 75% of New Zealanders accept homosexuality. 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. 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. . Best countries to live for expats. What do you think makes a nation truly LGBTQI+-friendly? Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. In addition to this, the country has also given lesbian couples access to artificial insemination. Retirees can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit renewable annually for 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence. As an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, Argentina has had a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene since its return to democracy in 1983. 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. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. France legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 and was the first country in the world to de-list transgender identification as a mental illness. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. The country is staunchly Catholic, and believes in heterosexual relationships, just like the language has male and female. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Social acceptance grew as the territory has become more LGBTQIA+ friendly in recent years. The majority of the society in Iceland is in support of same-sex marriage and the protection of LGBT rights. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom stands for equal rights for the LGBT community. The government in Iceland has included sexual orientation in the nations anti-discrimination laws. 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. Most expats were also satisfied with the state of the local economy (85% vs. 62% globally). Here are the most gay-friendly countries that can also satisfy the needs of a Nomad Capitalist. In addition, abortion is extremely restricted in Poland. Even with all the struggle the community put in, homosexuality wasn't decriminalized until eight years later. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The Coronado beaches area. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Located between Brazil and Argentina, this modern, progressive yet laid-back country is very LGBTQ+ retiree friendly. The Pensionado program allows you to live in Costa Rica for three years as long as you can show that you have $12,000 in yearly income for the rest of your life (social security or a pension satisfies this requirement). The biggest magnet cities for the trans people I know are New York, Chicago, Seattle, the Bay Area (usually Oakland) and Portland. A bonus would be if it were easy to travel to from the U.S. and Singapore. Find out more about the Portugal D7 Visa by check out our article: Portugal D7 Visa 2023. The government in Finland recognized homosexuality in 1971, and ten years later, it was removed as a registered illness from government records. 2. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Same-sex marriages account for 2.5% of all weddings in Belgium. Oslo, the capital of Norway, has various gay bars and venues and organizes a host of pride events. Owing to all these interventions, Canada is often called the most gay-friendly country in the world. Ecuador is another of our favorite countries. Yes, there are still as many as a dozen nations for which someone can get the death penalty for homosexuality. Expats report that contrary to expectations, local residents warmly accept LGBTQIA+ people; social attitudes vary, however. Same-sex couples enjoy half the rights that heterosexual couples have. Slovenia is part of the European Union and has decent healthcare. Contents hide. The safest countries in the world for LGBTQ are Portugal, Finland, Spain, Norway, Iceland, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and Malta. This is a nation of resiliency and adaptability, its population hardy and determined. Each November, the city hosts a large . 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. The city is home to an annual pride parade. This statistic says a lot about the general sentiment of the Belgian public. Finally, in 1999, the first gay pride march took place in Lisbon. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017 and there are no minimum residency requirements; Malta is ideal for a destination wedding as a result. Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. In this article, we take a look at the 10 best countries for expats. Although LGBTQIA+ people may not be legally hindered in their access to government services, campaigners say discrimination is widespread. Johannesburg, too, has a wide and inclusive scene; several smaller towns also have gay bars or events. Malta was one of the first nations in the world to prohibit sterilization and invasive surgery on intersex individuals. Besides bars, clubs, and cafs, Taiwan hosts a gay beach, two popular gay hot springs, and even a cruisy gay bookshop. 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. 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. Costa Rica has affordable private healthcare, and the cost of living is much lower than in the U.S. and most of Europe. Its also the home to more than 30 national parks, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and tango. 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. Taiwan. Belgium has implemented penalty enhancements for hate crimes committed due to sexual orientation. Afghanistan . 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Argentina is as pro-immigration as it is gay-friendly. New Zealand's constitution is LGBT friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. Since 2007, people have been able to change their gender in Spain, and the country is one of the worlds most supportive of trans rights. Answer (1 of 6): The U.S. can be a good country for trans people, but it depends heavily on where you live. Explore the new Cheapest Countries to Live Index from Where can I Live + Cheapest places to live in Europe. Same-sex expats and tourists can also get married in Argentina; however, those marriages are not recognized where such unions remain illegal. Not only was Argentina the first South American country to legalize gay marriage, theyve long had a law allowing civil unions. Nearly 90% of the population accepting of homosexuality, according to the last Pew Research poll. The visa requirements that we list are current as of now but could change in the future.