Homosexuality is still a criminal act in many countries, and there are a number of places where LGBTQIA+ rights are eroding. 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. We also had concerns about Chinas relationship with Taiwan and its implications. Canada. In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asiaideal for vacation or retirement. Learn from our R&D playbook and meet like-minded people at our annual event. We have written before on cities to check out and not ignore if doing business here and gay and straight travelers alike may choose to take advantage of the opportunities in these growing Brazilian urban centers. 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. Besides the usual decisions such as career impact or healthcare quality, gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex, and transgender individuals often have to consider more severe consequences. 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? Luxembourg legalized same-sex marriage in 2014, and its prime minister, Xavier Bettel, became the first European leader to marry a same-sex partner while in office. Belgium has a large and well-developed LGBTQIA+ scene that caters to a diverse range of orientations and preferences. 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 LGBT movement in the country was sparked by the Carnation Revolution in 1974 which produced a number of major social, demographic, and economic changes. While we spent most of the last 25 years based primarily in the United States, we hail from different countries. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. Children can change their gender. In 2022, the . This is a nation of resiliency and adaptability, its population hardy and determined. Argentina has sought to position itself as one of the most gay-friendly countries in Latin America. The government banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in educational institutions in 2004; further legislation covering the rest of society in 2017. 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. fastest places in the world to become a citizen, residency in Malta with the Global Resident Programme, top most livable cities in Southeast Asia, The Best Nomadic Lifestyle Jobs (and How to Land Them), Digital Nomad Lifestyle: All Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind, St Kitts Travel Guide for Families and Couples, 44 Digital Nomad Visas to Get: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Visa List, Traveling to Antigua: Our Favorite Luxury Hotels. 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 . 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. The country is largely Roman Catholic. The Dutch capital, often dubbed the gayway to Europe, has a vibrant LGBTQIA+ culture and caters to all appetites and fetishes. Vietnam. Hate crime legislation for transsexual and intersex people has yet to be passed. 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. LGBTQ culture has influenced much of Spain's art, whether through the writing of Federico Garca Lorca or the films of Pedro Almodvar. The city skyline and Coal Harbour is viewed in this photo taken from Stanley Park on June 30, 2016, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 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. Cities outside of the major ones will have lower cost of living. Additionally, 72% agreed that they should have protection from workplace discrimination. 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. Single individuals and couples, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy adoption rights, and lesbians may access in vitro fertilization treatment. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. Name(Required) Email(Required) The cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City are very gay friendly. Same-sex expats and tourists can also get married in Argentina; however, those marriages are not recognized where such unions remain illegal. The pride parade in Valletta every September is a major tourist draw, often with local politicians in attendance. Spain ranked 11th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019, with full equality at about 60%. Madrid has seen the third-highest attendance in history for a pride festival after New York and So Paulo, with 3,500,000 visitors attending in 2017. There are a number of countries in Asia that have retirement visas, Including Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. The Belgian military allows individuals from the LGBTQ community to serve openly in the armed forces. Buenos Aires, Argentina. As an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, Argentina has had a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene since its return to democracy in 1983. Same-sex marriage in Spain has been legal since 2005. Travelers experiences will vary heavily. It's true that Poland is not among the best countries for expats who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. 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. Portugal. 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. We'll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe. Same-sex couples have the joint right to adopt children. The spaces mentioned above embody one of the secrets of LGBTQ life in not-so-friendly places the communities are usually quite bonded and highly supportive of one another, making Georgia, at least in safe bubbles, one of the most gay friendly places in Eastern Europe. The biggest magnet cities for the trans people I know are New York, Chicago, Seattle, the Bay Area (usually Oakland) and Portland. France. This expat guide is all about pros and cons of living in Belize. Iceland, which legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, was recently ranked as the happiest country for gay men. There are still laws on the books in more countries that restrict the freedomssexual, marital, and otherwiseof LGBT individuals. Anti-discrimination laws are also fairly weak. 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. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 24, 2016. Afghanistan . Filled with LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more, the capital city of Helsinki has an incredible gay scene. Uruguay and Argentina are also state donors to the Global Equality Fund. High-quality affordable private health care, a low crime rate, and a temperate climate round out the other criteria. Homosexuality itself has been legal since 1991; however, local law doesnt recognize same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. Public attitudes to the LGBTQIA+ community have changed radically over the past decade. 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. With its good track record on gay rights, Ireland is a welcoming place for LGBT nomads looking to set up a base. Canada is also home to Vancouver and Toronto, two of the worlds best cities for expats, according to a recent report. Sue -- a native New Yorker -- and Regina -- a native Singaporean -- share their experiences at Travel for Life Now. Here are the most gay-friendly countries that can also satisfy the needs of a Nomad Capitalist. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Hopefully, for the better, and we will be able to add more countries to this list. By 2017, the survey found that 50.4% of respondents supported same-sex marriage. If you are Jewish, there are some routes to retiring in Israel. The island nation, located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, is also known for its beautiful cities and landscape. Its also the home to more than 30 national parks, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and tango. Argentina is as pro-immigration as it is gay-friendly. Public health care is ranked fifth in the world by WHO, and if desired, private health insurance is very economical. Even foreigners can get married in Argentina. The flatlands ranked 12th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019. Consistently hailed as the most gay-friendly country on the planet, The Netherlands takes its reputation with stride. 3. France legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 and was the first country in the world to de-list transgender identification as a mental illness. A picturesque landscape coupled with progressive LGBTQI+ rights makes Finland one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling . 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. 11. Malta has consistently ranked number one on the ILGA-Europe listing of countries promoting LGBT rights legislation since 2015. # Countries : WCIL RANK: Cost of Living vs USA: Cost of Living vs . Yes, there are still as many as a dozen nations for which someone can get the death penalty for homosexuality. Today, children of same-sex couples enjoy all the rights and freedoms that all children of heterosexual couples generally possess. 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. Three of the main cities in the country still do make the top 100 LGBT city list according to NestPick, albeit lower than most European counterparts. 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. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. Further to registered partnerships, the country legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. Going out and seeing the world often on your own or while starting or running a business is not always an easy task for anyone. Belgian citizens have the right to change their legal gender. Dublin, Ireland. Uruguay legalized gay marriage in 2013 and has also focused on transgender rights. 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. Social acceptance grew as the territory has become more LGBTQIA+ friendly in recent years. Trumps is the best-known LGBT club in Portugal. 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. Transgender people enjoy similar protections. In 2005, Canada also legalized same-sex marriage. Malta is a small archipelago with only five islands located in the Mediterranean off the southern coast of Italy. Religious solemnizations of same-sex marriages have been performed since the 1960s. The rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ political parties notwithstanding, Spain is one of the most culturally liberal places for gay people. As a result, their sexual orientation or gender identity might open them up to harassment or persecution. The U.S. currency is widely accepted, and the cost of living is low. Berlin, Germany. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. Taiwan 4. Theyll also enjoy equal social and tax benefits, including those relating to pensions, old age security, and bankruptcy protection. Furthermore, Mar del Plata, Rosario and Mendoza are also recommended gay friendly destinations. Amsterdam, its capital, is a popular destination for LGBTQ tourists and was ranked among the best cities in the world for expats. High quality of life and healthcare services are a bonus. To achieve that, its important to know where in the world to look for the best lifestyle and best options for gay expats. Other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Scheveningen have multiple gay-friendly clubs, bars, and restaurants. Indonesia 3. Later in 1999, the capital city of Lisbon witnessed the countrys very first pride parade. 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. The country legalized same-sex sexual activity in 1969. Courtesy Of: Julius Silver. The Netherlands ranks on top in terms of same-sex marriage (89 percent in favor) and right to adopt (83 percent agree). GLOBAL CITIZEN SOLUTIONS UNIPESSOAL LIMITADA | NIPC 516027212 AMI 17987 | . It has also given full rights to adopt children, earning a reputation among the most advanced in the world for gay rights. However, people who want to change their gender legally must undergo medical treatment, surgical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy. There are 24 LGBT Friendly Places in Germany like Berlin, Dresden and Munich with an average cost of living of $3,921/month, internet speeds up to 80 Mbps and temperatures ranging from -1C to 5C. More than 544,000 expats of 196 different . Countries like Russia have had their share of publicized issues around crime or blackmailing of LGBT individuals. Norway legalized same-sex marriage in 2009, became the first country to enact anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation in 1981 and is ranked #6 on HSBC's best countries for expats. LGBTQ activism ramped up in the 1990s with the Spanish Gay Rights Movement, which helped modernize world-famous cities like Barcelona. You will only need to prove income equal to Slovenias basic monthly income of $1,000. The law allows same-sex couples to adopt, and lesbian couples have equal access to in vitro fertilization treatment. Canada was also listed as number three of the top 10 most gay-friendly countries worldwide in a 2014 Gallup survey. D7 vs. Golden Visa Portugal: Which One Is Right for You? 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. In 1981, the country was the first to introduce anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation. 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. 74% of the population has a positive attitude towards homosexuality and bisexuality. 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. 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. As the only African country to legalize same-sex marriage, the Rainbow Nation is an inspiration. The reception of gay travelers and expats varies according to the region of Portugal. The third Scandinavian nation in the top three ranks highest for fighting climate change, reducing pollution . The most progressive country when it comes to liberation and freedom, France, is one of the best countries for gay expats. Heres what we found: We love Portugal and were happy to see it pop up on the list. 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. Mexico 2. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Panama, for example, made same-sex adoption illegal in March 2021. 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. 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. 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. Auckland, New Zealand. Transgender people may not change legal documents to reflect their identities without gender-confirmation surgery, according to a February 2019 ruling. There is a limited awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity in the country. Unfortunately, Taiwan does not offer retirement visas and the cost of living is like the U.S. Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. The U.S. and Singapore. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. While the gay scene in this country may be more concentrated in the main cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa has done work to change the narrative on LGBT protections on the continent and travelers who are doing business in this region or seek to invest in frontier markets might choose to be in South Africa as a base. As per a survey in 2021 by Ipsos, 84 percent of Belgian citizens were in support of same-sex marriage. The LGBTQ Rights and Opinion. We did. Since 2006, the government in Belgium has given the same adoption rights to same-sex couples as heterosexual couples. 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. Sue Reddel & Diana Laskaris 1. Paris. 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 Amerika Club and bar km Zero are among the best places to go for a night out in Buenos Aires. 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. 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). Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. From Madrid to Gran Canaria, the country has a diverse and welcoming scene for all members of the queer community. Expats can sponsor their partners. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.