Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. The country also has some of the strongest protections for trans people anywhere. Oslo Pride is the largest pride festival in the country and runs over nine days during June and July. Ireland is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. Or, just have fun imagining and let your mind go on a journey. In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Arnaldur Halldorsson / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Conversion therapy a treatment that aims to change the sexual orientation of people, has been banned in the country. To ensure the same rights for the LGBT community as heterosexual couples, the Icelandic government decriminalized same-sex sexual activity in 1940. 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. The Secret Best Countries for Expats - International Citizens 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. Rents outside of major cities are even lower. The Best Countries for Retirement in 2020, According to Expats Even with all the struggle the community put in, homosexuality wasn't decriminalized until eight years later. Best Countries for Gay Expats - Escape Artist Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. There is a limited awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity in the country. There are tons of historical and cultural attractions to keep you busy. 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 country performed well in terms of quality of life, job security and personal safety. Other possibilities in South America include Mexico, Chile, and Peru. From its Adriatic shores to the mountains and cities, this central European country is fast becoming a retirement destination. According to the Eurobarometer (2019), 91 percent of Spanish citizens were of the opinion that gay and bisexual people should have all rights and freedoms as that of their heterosexual counterparts. 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. Portugal 5. 11. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats, the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Here are some of the most gay-friendly countries you can live, work and invest in if you belong to the LGBT community. This is a nation of resiliency and adaptability, its population hardy and determined. Dutch LGBTQIA+ support groups have a countrywide network; there are also specific organizations that support refugees. There are a number of countries in Asia that have retirement visas, Including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. 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. Even the most pro-gay countries can have the off person with the off remark or look, and even the most anti-gay countries may be filled with people who would totally surprise you. Overall, the public is extremely supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community. 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. Paris. Spain was also one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2005. The country is also progressive when it comes to trans rights; Taiwan plans on introducing a third gender on government documents in 2020. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. Youll need to speak (or learn) Spanish to get around easily in Ecuador. You only need to show proof of $18,000 annual income which reflects its low cost of living. In 2021, the reputed data research platform, Statista, ranked Canada as the safest country for LGBTQ to travel to. The city is also very welcoming to expats and has a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. Hong Kong, China. If you are traveling to Spain, make sure to visit Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. On one hand, yes, countries such as Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Uganda, or elsewhere in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East can be dangerous. 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. According to a report in 2021 by the Williams Institute that surveyed people from across 175 countries, it was observed that the average acceptance level for the LGBTQ community has significantly increased since the 1980s. The friendliest countries in the world for expats 1/ Australia. In terms of protecting LGBTQ rights, several countries in the world now work tirelessly to bring about a fundamental transformation. The Best Democratic Countries for Americans to Move to - Business Insider 18 STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING YOUR PLAN B. Montreal, like Toronto, hosts a very active gay . Cities like Oulu, Jyvskyl, Turku, Tampere, Rovaniemi, and Lappeenranta are also open to the LGBTQ community, and each organizes its own pride events. That said, here's a list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for expats. InterNations recently revealed its Expat Insider . Make sure to consult immigration lawyers and tax accountants before making any moves to retire internationally. 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. Panama, for example, made same-sex adoption illegal in March 2021. The 10 Best Places To Live In Panama For Expats | Expatra Owing to all these interventions, Canada is often called the most gay-friendly country in the world. This article is just to get you thinking and imagining. The government banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in educational institutions in 2004; further legislation covering the rest of society in 2017. For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. According to Wikipedia, this countrys post-apartheid constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and it was the fifth country in the world and the firstand, to date, onlyin Africa, to legalize same-sex marriage. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Johannesburg, too, has a wide and inclusive scene; several smaller towns also have gay bars or events. Canada. 8 of the Best Countries in the World for LGBTQ+ People 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. The dollar goes a long way with prices being at least 20 percent lower than in the U.S. Expats report that contrary to expectations, local residents warmly accept LGBTQIA+ people; social attitudes vary, however. 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. Consequently, Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly places in South America. The results are in and, according to the 12,000 people who took the survey, Portugal ranks top of all European countries when it comes to friendliness. Same-sex marriages account for 2.5% of all weddings in Belgium. 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. As the only African country to legalize same-sex marriage, the Rainbow Nation is an inspiration. For a Catholic country, Spain is extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly. Homosexuals also serve openly in the military. Religious solemnizations of same-sex marriages have been performed since the 1960s. Answer (1 of 6): The U.S. can be a good country for trans people, but it depends heavily on where you live. Gay Madrid. Its free. In 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote, and it also has stringent protections against LGBTQ discrimination. The Most Liberal Countries You Should Move to in 2023 Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Alternatively, you may be entitled to stay in Ecuador as a real estate investor spending as little as $25,000. Ireland is a great place to move if you're looking for a reasonable cost of living and a welcoming . Best places for expats to live in the UAE. 4. Envision yourself knocking back cava with your husband on a terrace in Madrid? Best countries to live for expats. You can apply for a residence permit of at least two years if your spouse holds a permanent residential address. 3. You can also take a tour of the LGBTQI+-friendly gay village neighborhood of Montreal, Canada. 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. Although an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbors regarding hate crime and speech and conversion therapy remains legal. A place that was LGBTQ-friendly, relatively inexpensive, politically stable, with good medical care, and that offered retirement visas? Belgium has a large and well-developed LGBTQIA+ scene that caters to a diverse range of orientations and preferences. Malta. The island nation, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is also known for its beautiful cities and landscape. Speaking of safety, you can tag Croatia as the best European country to live in because of its low crime rate. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. Latin Americas beacon of LGBTQIA+ rights, Argentinas queer history goes back to the indigenous Mapuche and Guaran people. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling . But Paris' Le Marais boasts the biggest LGBTQ community. You will need to pay taxes if you live in Buenos Aires full-time, but you can also come and go as you please. After three years, you can apply for permanent residency. Foreigners may also marry in South Africa. Expats find everything they need in close proximity in Portugal. Oftentimes, countries in Southeast Asia have an interesting relationship with the issue of homosexuality: While certain aspects of the culture are quite traditional and familial, there is often more room for differences of sexuality as well as gender, which have always been seen as sort of matter of fact. 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. The country is frequently noted as having one of the best gay rights records in the world and rights include protections for transgender individuals. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. Population: 25.7 million Number of expats: 7.5 million Quality of life index: 178.41 Friendliest city: Melbourne With enviable weather, endless beaches and that famous laid-back Aussie lifestyle, it's no wonder the land down under takes the top spot for friendliest country.. A picturesque landscape coupled with progressive LGBTQI+ rights makes Finland one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries. A 2017 poll found that 67% of South Africans agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have equal rights; 17% disagreed. Name(Required) Email(Required) The cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City are very gay friendly. Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. Brazil has had gay marriage since 2013 and hosts some of the worlds foremost gay pride parades, in addition to offering other opportunities of interest to nomads who are doing business in Latin America or want to work towards Brazilian residency and citizenship. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. In particular, Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2009 and is still the only place in the country to do so. Besides bars, clubs, and cafs, Taiwan hosts a gay beach, two popular gay hot springs, and even a cruisy gay bookshop. Countries like Russia have had their share of publicized issues around crime or blackmailing of LGBT individuals. Sweden is tied with the Netherlands because of their long history of sexual toleration and current openness for LGBTQ rights. South America's 4 most LGBTIQ+ friendly cities - Lonely Planet 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!). It has also been a leader in enacting laws expanding transgender rights, including one passed in 2009 that allows trans people to change official documents to match their gender identity. Where is the best country to move as a single person? 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. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Furthermore, Mar del Plata, Rosario and Mendoza are also recommended gay friendly destinations. If you decide to stay for a while, an Argentine passport is one of the best passports in the world. As per a survey in 2021 by Ipsos, 84 percent of Belgian citizens were in support of same-sex marriage. The country has hate crime laws in place to protect the LGBTQ community. 2nd. Iceland, which legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, was recently ranked as the happiest country for gay men. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. Single individuals and couples, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy adoption rights, and lesbians may access in vitro fertilization treatment. 10 Best Places to Live as an Expat | WorldRemit 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. The country legalized same-sex sexual activity in 1969. 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. Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. 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. New Zealands constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. 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. 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. It ranked #4 on Gallups 2015 list of Top Places for Gay People to Live," #23 on HSBCs ranking of best countries for expats and is known for its delicious cuisine. 10 Best Countries for Expats. Taiwan. Residents believe more conversations about LGBTQIA+ issues are necessary. 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. Thailand. The pride parade in Valletta every September is a major tourist draw, often with local politicians in attendance. But making the decision can be a greater challenge for LGBTQIA+ expats than it is for heterosexuals. 1. Trans adults can self-identify without a doctors statement. Uruguay legalized gay marriage in 2013 and has also focused on transgender rights. So if you are from the LGBTQ community and are planning to relocate to Norway, these cities should definitely be on your short-list. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. 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. What countries are the most LGBT friendly? - Quora If you are traveling or relocating to Belgium, do visit the Dolores and La Demence bars and Le Bruit Qui Court restaurant, and make sure to get yourself checked in to the Floris Arlequin hotel. 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. 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. We also had concerns about Chinas relationship with Taiwan and its implications. 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. New Zealand. Antwerp (Antwerpen) had the edgier and more forward-thinking community, but Brussels has shed its bourgeois image in recent years. In a 2013 poll by the University of Hong Kong, 33.3% of respondents supported same-sex marriage, with 43% opposed. Costa Rica is an excellent place for LGBTQ+ retirees. Spain ranked 11th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019, with full equality at about 60%. Same-sex couples in Portugal have the same access to IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment as heterosexual couples living in the country. It is ranked first in Europe and allows not only same-sex marriage (as of 2017) but open military service and protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.