The city is also very welcoming to expats and has a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. You will only need to prove income equal to Slovenias basic monthly income of $1,000. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. Conversion therapy a treatment that aims to change the sexual orientation of people, has been banned in the country. French Polynesia. In terms of protecting LGBTQ rights, several countries in the world now work tirelessly to bring about a fundamental transformation. Transgender rights include permission for people to change their gender on the basis of self-determination. The country has many cities that champion the cause of LGBT people. 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. The beautiful city of Lisbon has some of the most attractive, fun, and gay-friendly neighborhoods for LGBT people. Back in 2001, The Netherlands became the first country to legalize gay marriage, as well as adoption rights. Youll need to speak (or learn) Spanish to get around easily in Ecuador. In general, Belgium displays an extremely high level of homosexual acceptance. Five of the best . Portugal makes it easy to apply for a resident visa. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 24, 2016. That said, here's a list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for expats. Besides Oslo, cities like Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen are referred to as a few of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. Here are some of the most gay-friendly countries you can live, work and invest in if you belong to the LGBT community. Edmonton and Winnipeg also boast LGBTQIA+ scenes. New Zealand. Expat-friendly neighborhoods such as Palermo Viejo and San Telmo boast several gay-friendly establishments. Since 2010, the government in Iceland has allowed same-sex marriage. The U.S. and Singapore. Best and worst countries for expats. While healthcare is ranked amongst the best in Asia, it does not come cheap to ex-pats. In major cities and certain parts of the country like Douro, Lisbon, and the Algarve, English is widely spoken. Name(Required) Email(Required) The cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City are very gay friendly. 11. Taipei has one of Asias most dynamic LGBTQIA+ scenes, with a wide range of options for lesbians and gay men. 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. The U.S. currency is widely accepted, and the cost of living is low. Photo: Milan Gonda /Shutterstock. Malta was one of the first nations in the world to prohibit sterilization and invasive surgery on intersex individuals. The Kirchberg district in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. The residence permit may be renewed for 2 years twice after which you will be eligible for the long duration residence. If you are traveling to Spain, make sure to visit Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. French Polynesia is a group of six archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean, located in Oceania about halfway between South America and Australia. Taiwan is increasingly LGBTQIA+ friendly; however, same-sex couples cannot adopt. Moreover, the attractive tax policy of Malta adds to the impact that Malta can offer for LGBT Nomad Capitalists. Home Ultimate Guides The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. Same-sex couples in Portugal can adopt children owing to the legalization of adoption for gay marriage in 2016. Paris is one of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly cities. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. Valletta, the capital city, is a must if you are looking to witness the gay scene in the country. Public attitudes to the LGBTQIA+ community have changed radically over the past decade. 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. 12 - Italy. Netherlands. Hate crime legislation for transsexual and intersex people has yet to be passed. 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. As early as 1981, Norway began to pass anti-discrimination laws protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community. Portugal: the best destination for remote workers and digital nomads. 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. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. Slovenia is part of the European Union and has decent healthcare. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Homosexuality itself has been legal since 1991; however, local law doesnt recognize same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. The gay scene in Denmark is thriving. Ireland is a great place to move if you're looking for a reasonable cost of living and a welcoming . 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. However, most nomads do not find themselves in these countries anyway for reasons unrelated to this issue, and most (particularly Western expat) nomads would not be subject to those conditions anyway. Brazil has been a bastion of gay life for decades as its well-known party-loving traditions of celebration and beach life in cities like Rio de Janeiro have attracted millions of LGBT nomads and travelers. Each November, the city hosts a large . In 2006, South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage -- and there has yet to be a second. In 2005, Canada also legalized same-sex marriage. There have since been several out-and-proud gay and transgender members of parliament. We wrote recently of our top recommendation for single women. A number of LGBTQ advocates threatened to leave the US should Donald Trump be elected. 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 . Civil servants may refuse to solemnize civil unions if they object on grounds of conscience, religion, or belief. Afghanistan . 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 LGBTQ locals. 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. Robert B. Fishman / ullstein bild via Getty Images. Burn says that it is among their most popular destinations at the agency. They love Street Art, LGBTQ+ travel, Asia (especially Singapore), local food, and the search for local travel experiences around the world. Spain 6. There is a non-habitual resident program with no tax on foreign pensions and other retirement incomes. 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. A reasonably priced private health care insurance is required to access the top-notch health care system. All rights reserved. The country is historical, full of charm, progressive, and affordable. Discrimination of sexual orientation in employment and housing is illegal. 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. Cities outside of the major ones will have lower cost of living. Canada has stated that conversion therapy is a criminal act. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. And the countries that have successfully managed to do both are today considered LGBTQ-friendly countries. Despite being heavily Catholic, Argentina was one of the earliest adopters of legalized same-sex marriage. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. 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. Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. 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. The Netherlands also ranks in the top five countries in terms of same-sex couples as parents (number five . Belgian citizens have the right to change their legal gender. Consequently, Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly places in South America. Homosexuals also serve openly in the military. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you can demonstrate income earned from outside of the country, you can obtain residence in Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Courtesy Of: Julius Silver. 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. Besides bars, clubs, and cafs, Taiwan hosts a gay beach, two popular gay hot springs, and even a cruisy gay bookshop. Trumps is the best-known LGBT club in Portugal. Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. Expats find everything they need in close proximity in Portugal. 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. The entire world is not downtown Amsterdam or a gay bar in Madrid or Tel Aviv. Homosexuality, gay marriage, adoption, and gay marriage are legal in the Netherlands. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. There are still laws on the books in more countries that restrict the freedomssexual, marital, and otherwiseof LGBT individuals. It does not store any personal data. Being the very first country in the world to legalize same-sex unions through registered partnerships back in 1989, Denmark truly has evolved into being a progressive and LGBTQ-friendly nation. Since 1996, the country has also banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Religious solemnizations of same-sex marriages have been performed since the 1960s. If you decide to stay for a while, an Argentine passport is one of the best passports in the world. LGBTQ culture has influenced much of Spain's art, whether through the writing of Federico Garca Lorca or the films of Pedro Almodvar. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. The Gay Happiness Index (GHI) ranks Finland as the 12th happiest country for the gay community. 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. However, gay travelers should definitely stay vigilant, especially those whose identities may be more of a target and put them in physical or political danger. The government banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in educational institutions in 2004; further legislation covering the rest of society in 2017. Activists say more must be done regarding intersex rights. He told International Living that he budgeted $2,700 a month and liked the city because of . Lisbon and Porto, as they are areas with the greatest diversity, are the ones where you will feel most comfortable expressing yourself. Other cities like Stavanger and Troms also have large LGBT communities. 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. Also, cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege are a few places that you shouldnt miss. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. For a Catholic country, Spain is extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly. Homosexuality has never actually been illegal in Taiwan. What do you think makes a nation truly LGBTQI+-friendly? Lisbon is without a doubt the best city for an LGBTQ+ person to live in. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats, the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. From Principe Real and Bairro Alto to Arroios and Cascais, there is an abundance of great places for the gay community in Portugal. 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. Malta is one of just a handful of countries whose constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of both sexual orientation and gender identity, including in the workplace. In May 2019, a local pastor also moved the High Court, arguing that the ban hinders his congregations freedom to worship. From Madrid to Gran Canaria, the country has a diverse and welcoming scene for all members of the queer community. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. The Auckland, New Zealand skyline on May 28, 2015, Aerial view of Johannesburg, South Africa, Jose Fuste Raga / JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images. They must prove an exclusive relationship, sufficient income, and pass the integration exam. Individuals from the transgender community have been given legal permission to change their gender on official documents without undergoing sex reassignment surgery. Owing to all these interventions, Canada is often called the most gay-friendly country in the world. Malta beats out 48 other countries with a score of 90% when ranked on LGBTQIA+ friendly policies and lifestyle acceptance. Speaking of safety, you can tag Croatia as the best European country to live in because of its low crime rate. Their liberal attitudes mean that each country has instituted its own anti-discrimination laws, equal age of consent, right to same sex marriage, equal adoption rights and the right to openly . Opposite sides of the world. You can apply for a residence permit of at least two years if your spouse holds a permanent residential address. # Countries : WCIL RANK: Cost of Living vs USA: Cost of Living vs .