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 island nation, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is also known for its beautiful cities and landscape. Same-sex couples enjoy half the rights that heterosexual couples have. 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 Auckland, New Zealand skyline on May 28, 2015, Aerial view of Johannesburg, South Africa, Jose Fuste Raga / JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images. All of this got us thinking. And the countries that have successfully managed to do both are today considered LGBTQ-friendly countries. The beautiful city of Lisbon has some of the most attractive, fun, and gay-friendly neighborhoods for LGBT people. 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. LGBTQIA+ rights in Belgium are among the most progressive in the world; the country ranks second on the 2019 edition of ILGAs Rainbow Europe Index. Serving as a major contrast to its regional neighbors, at least on a legal level, gay nomads looking for a base in the Middle East might look to Israel. 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. 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. 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. Sue Reddel & Diana Laskaris 1. Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. 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. Taipei Gay Pride is the largest in Asia, with an estimated 80,000 people attending each year each October. The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic. This was followed by the legalization of adoption rights for same-sex couples. More than 544,000 expats of 196 different . Like other Nordic nations, Norway has been acknowledged as one of the safest countries for LGBTQ to live in. The Most Dangerous (And Safest) Countries For LGBTQ Tourists Civil servants may refuse to solemnize civil unions if they object on grounds of conscience, religion, or belief. These are the 10 best countries for expats, according to a - Fortune The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Thailand. 10. 3. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. The Dutch capital, often dubbed the gayway to Europe, has a vibrant LGBTQIA+ culture and caters to all appetites and fetishes. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. 12 - Italy. This list isnt exhaustive, but it does examine the unique challenges facing LGBTQIA+ individuals considering a stint abroad. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Although LGBTQIA+ people may not be legally hindered in their access to government services, campaigners say discrimination is widespread. 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. The gay scene in Denmark is thriving. Dubai is the best place for UK expats to live. The Marais . In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Travelers experiences will vary heavily. The U.S. currency is widely accepted, and the cost of living is low. Not only are certain financial decisions complicated (e.g., marriage, taxes, partnerships, medical choices), but there can be social pressures not experienced by non-LGBT people that need to be addressed. Its rentista program can be converted into a passport for longer stays. And in 2003, it became the second country to permit same-sex marriages. The UK came in at number . The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Berlin, Germany. 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. Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. 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. The country has hate crime laws in place to protect the LGBTQ community. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. France. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Netherlands. Prior to this weeks stunning presidential election results, a number of LGBTQ advocates and celebrities threatened to leave the U.S. should Donald Trump be elected. Attitudes and laws pertaining to LGBTQ+ lives may also evolve. Please note that you have to apply for residency before this procedure. We also had concerns about Chinas relationship with Taiwan and its implications. Whether you are seeking to move from a less-accepting family life back home to somewhere new, you are looking for adventure and social life at bars and clubs, or you are simply an LGBT individualin a relationship or notwho wants to go where youre treated best and live somewhere where it is easy to be yourself, this list can give you some places to start. 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. Amsterdam, its capital, is a popular destination for LGBTQ tourists and was ranked among the best cities in the world for expats. Local films and television productions regularly explore queer themes; several entertainers have even come out in recent years, usually to a largely positive reception. This is Europe's most LGBT+-friendly country | The Independent Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. One of the world's most popular expat destinations, Canada is the ideal place for gay expats. Religious solemnizations of same-sex marriages have been performed since the 1960s. A reasonably priced private health care insurance is required to access the top-notch health care system. 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. That said, here's a list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for expats. 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. The nation has prohibited discrimination against the LGBTQ community based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. 15 Best Countries for LGBTQ Expats - NBC News 57% are positive about transgender people and gender diversity, according to a 2017 study by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research. As an expat or digital nomad, there are certainly many places in Europe that stand out. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom stands for equal rights for the LGBT community. With progressive anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ community, Belgium has been hailed as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in 2023. In 2018, 27-year old LGBTQIA+ activist Angela Ponce became the firsttransgenderwoman tocompete in the Miss Universe contest, where she received a standing ovation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Las Lajas beach in the Coronado beaches area in Panama. Note that Spain was among the. Owing to all these interventions, Canada is often called the most gay-friendly country in the world. 74% of the population has a positive attitude towards homosexuality and bisexuality. 10. For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. 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. Belgium legalized same-sex sexual activity as early as 1795. Expats can marry in Belgium if one partner has been living there for at least three months. The Coronado beaches area. Also, cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege are a few places that you shouldnt miss. Subsequent polls show most Canadians agree that same-sex couples should have the equal parental rights. 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. 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. Gay pride in Spain is unparalleled by any other country in Europe. Even with the new president, the country has huge marches against homosexuality. Progressive laws, policies, and interventions coupled with a liberal public and political outlook guarantee the rights and freedom of the LGBTQI+ community. 8 of the Best Countries in the World for LGBTQ People Paris is one of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly cities. 10 Best Countries For Gay Expats or LGBTQ Community LGBT people have access to a variety of rights such as gay marriage and adoption. As an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, Argentina has had a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene since its return to democracy in 1983. 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. Top 10 most LGBT-friendly places to retire in America - CNBC 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. 8 of the Best Countries in the World for LGBTQ+ People The rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ political parties notwithstanding, Spain is one of the most culturally liberal places for gay people. There have since been several out-and-proud gay and transgender members of parliament. If you move around the world by choice, consider helping those forced from their homes by conflict. John Powell, once a purchasing agent in New York, moved to Hanoi in 2014. You will need to pay taxes if you live in Buenos Aires full-time, but you can also come and go as you please. All taxpayers are covered by the countrys mandatory health insurance scheme, though you may choose to purchase private insurance to see your own physician and pay for prescriptions. 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. The country is largely Roman Catholic. 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 law is unclear on transgender rights, however. Argentina legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, becoming the first country in Latin America to do so. Belgium has a large and well-developed LGBTQIA+ scene that caters to a diverse range of orientations and preferences. Nonetheless, a majority of nightlife venues and beaches are LGBTQIA+ friendly and welcome the community. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. 8 Best LGBTQ+ Places To Retire Internationally | TravelAwaits The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World You can also take a tour of the LGBTQI+-friendly gay village neighborhood of Montreal, Canada. If you are Jewish, there are some routes to retiring in Israel. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Reggie could have entered the country alone. Founded in Lisbon almost 40 . 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. 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. Former Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen also participated in the pride events held in the country. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Like Portugal, Spain has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters throughout most of the country. Other cities like Stavanger and Troms also have large LGBT communities. What do you think makes a nation truly LGBTQI+-friendly? Same-sex couples can adopt children and have access to altruistic surrogacy. The country decriminalized homosexuality between men in 1986; lesbian activity was never a crime in New Zealand. The country performed well in terms of quality of life, job security and personal safety. We have curated a list of the ten most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Expat-heavy Hong Kong has a confident and thriving LGBTQIA+ subculture. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. The Kirchberg district in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling . In 2015, Bettel became the first European Union leader to wed a same-sex partner. 10 Best Countries for Expats. 1. Working overseas brings many rewards, from the chance to experience new cultures to career advances. The U.S. and Singapore. Yes, there are still as many as a dozen nations for which someone can get the death penalty for homosexuality. Wondering which countries are doing so? We also didnt research any countries in Africa because of the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment/laws and the travel difficulties. Here are InterNations' best and worst places for expats to live in 2022: The Top 10. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The visa requirements that we list are current as of now but could change in the future. Homosexuality has never actually been illegal in Taiwan. Single individuals and couples, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy adoption rights, and lesbians may access in vitro fertilization treatment. Jeff Overs / BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images. Brimming with gay bars and clubs, Belgium has a solid gay community. 2nd. 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. No. Each November, the city hosts a large . Hong Kong Pride is held each November and attracts an estimated 10,000 people. Dubai: a glamorous train station. Civic attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people are progressive, with a 2013 Pew survey noting that 80% of Canadians accept homosexuality. Lesbian couples in the country have the right to opt for IVF treatment. 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. Sharing borders with Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Hungary, Slovenia is a beautiful country with many castles and caves. Apart from married couples and civil partners, single individuals (including single LGBT people) also have the right to adopt children. Canada has stated that conversion therapy is a criminal act. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats | Expatica However, 24% of South Africans believe that people in same-sex relationships are criminals. Bahrain: laidback lifestyle, best for wage growth. They must prove an exclusive relationship, sufficient income, and pass the integration exam. Scandinavia is the most liberal region in the world - by far. They also offer a Rentista program, which requires that you deposit $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank or show $30,000 yearly income for two years. Arnaldur Halldorsson / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Retirees can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit renewable annually for 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence. Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. It has been an LGBTQIA+ tourist destination since the early 2000s, with its Queer Tango festival among the major highlights. The New York Times called Buenos Aires South Americas gay capital, with the city being ranked the worlds fifth in the world for gay tourism, or perhaps expats looking to settle in. 9 Most Gay-Friendly Countries In Europe | TravelAwaits Skip to table start. Unmarried couples of any gender may adopt children jointly. 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. Dublin, Ireland. Yet, not everyone here is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. 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!). 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. Portugal was one of the first European countries to approve gay marriage in 2010, and the Portuguese constitution bans discrimination of LGBTQ people. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. We did. Why Ljubljana, Slovenia Is A Secret Retirement Paradise The government banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in educational institutions in 2004; further legislation covering the rest of society in 2017. Canada. Buenos Aires, Argentina. All rights reserved. . 2. Getty Images. On one hand, yes, countries such as Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Uganda, or elsewhere in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East can be dangerous. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Taiwan was placed first out of 59 countries for the third year in a row and has consistently ranked in the top five over the years. Tied for #2 - Sweden. Gay South Africa competitions. There was, however, widespread agreement that those who live together should enjoy legal protections. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. In Croatia, an 18-point jump took place in those who feel their area is a good place for gay people to live in 2014. 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. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. French Polynesia. Its free. The Iberian Peninsula also ranked highly in . Hate crime legislation for transsexual and intersex people has yet to be passed. 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. . 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. Valletta, the capital city, is a must if you are looking to witness the gay scene in the country. Denmark has one of the most extensive sex education curricula that includes information about sexuality, sexual relationships, gender identity, and diversity. Best Countries for Gay Expats - Escape Artist Gay Madrid. Denmark, Belgium, Norway and Luxembourg completed the top five most LGBT-friendly countries, with Sweden, France, Montenegro, Iceland and Portugal rounding out the top 10. Spain has since transformed itself into one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in the world. 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. A picturesque landscape coupled with progressive LGBTQI+ rights makes Finland one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries. Homophobia remains a major challenge. 10 Worst Countries for LGBT Rights - WorldAtlas Thats the main reason we didnt go in 2020. According to Numbeo, Croatia's crime score is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. 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. Adoption by same-sex couples has been legalized in the country. The city is also very welcoming to expats and has a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. France. LGBT Spain - Our 6 Favourite Places to Experience Gay Spain - Mr Hudson Art, culture, food, history France has everything. Unfortunately, many countries in Asia have anti-LGBTQ+ laws or other political issues that knocked them out of consideration. Las Palmas, Canary Islands. The small European nation also a great place for wine aficionados, as it is known for its white and sparkling wines. The pride parade in Valletta every September is a major tourist draw, often with local politicians in attendance. 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 . If you are looking for a beach community, the Coronado beaches area is one of the most popular in Panama. Or, just have fun imagining and let your mind go on a journey. 13 Best Gay Friendly Countries to Move to - Benzinga Later in 1999, the capital city of Lisbon witnessed the countrys very first pride parade. Over 75% of New Zealanders accept homosexuality. 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. In 2001, the Netherlands became one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The Gay Happiness Index (GHI) ranks Finland as the 12th happiest country for the gay community. Finally, in 1999, the first gay pride march took place in Lisbon. 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. The Netherlands. 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. These are the best and worst countries for LGBTQ+ travel in 2022 Theyll also enjoy equal social and tax benefits, including those relating to pensions, old age security, and bankruptcy protection. The region is very easily reached from the U.S. Hurricane season was one drawback in this area. We'll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe. A bonus would be if it were easy to travel to from the U.S. and Singapore. Answer (1 of 6): The U.S. can be a good country for trans people, but it depends heavily on where you live. To achieve that, its important to know where in the world to look for the best lifestyle and best options for gay expats. As of March 2019, a bill allowing self-identification has been delayed pending public consultation. Anti-discrimination laws are also fairly weak. France. The flatlands ranked 12th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019. Moreover, the attractive tax policy of Malta adds to the impact that Malta can offer for LGBT Nomad Capitalists. 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. These countries are less subject to the machismo ideals found in the Americas and even parts of Europe. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. Canadian citizens have been permitted to change their gender prior to any gender reassignment surgery. The World's 5 Most Welcoming Retirement Havens In 2022 - Forbes