Afghanistan . France does not have a retirement visa, so this knocked it off the list. In 2021, the reputed data research platform, Statista, ranked Canada as the safest country for LGBTQ to travel to. 8 of the Best Countries in the World for LGBTQ+ People LGBT Guide to Portugal - Portugal.com The U.S. currency is widely accepted, and the cost of living is low. Bahrain: laidback lifestyle, best for wage growth. Malta is a small island nation that is also part of the European Union and is still off the map for most nomads but has an increasingly vibrant expat community, including a gay scene. Friendliest Countries In The World For Expats | William Russell The government in Spain allows lesbian couples and single women to opt for IVF treatment. May is generally Pride Month across the Kingdom, with Brussels hosting the biggest parade. The government in Finland recognized homosexuality in 1971, and ten years later, it was removed as a registered illness from government records. In addition to all these attractions, Helsinki also hosts the countrys most popular pride parade, which annually sees more than 100,000 visitors. 25 Best Countries for Expats - Yahoo Finance While most of the African culture is associated with more traditional anti-gay sentiments in regards to family or lack of legal protections, South Africa has stood out as a leader in recent years. They wear all white and march in a gigantic parade. Famed for its tulips, windmills, and revolutionary football - plus its 23 million bicycles, which outnumber people - the Netherlands is the second-best place in the world for women. Even with all the struggle the community put in, homosexuality wasn't decriminalized until eight years later. 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 . In 2005, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jos Luis Rodrguez Zapatero, Spain legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights. As the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, the Netherlands has an emotional connection with LGBTQIA+ people. So if you are from the LGBTQ community and are planning to relocate to Norway, these cities should definitely be on your short-list. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats, the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. "In 2013, it became the thirteenth country to legalize gay marriage and several laws have been passed in recent years which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. New Zealand is currently considered the second best country in the world for expats, according to HSBC, and same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex parents were both legalized in 2013. To make the decision easier, Expatica shortlisted the top LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats. 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. New Zealands history of tolerance goes back to pre-colonial Mori times, although British colonization resulted in anti-sodomy laws. 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. In this article, we take a look at the 10 best countries for expats. In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriages account for 2.5% of all weddings in Belgium. 1. Later in 1999, the capital city of Lisbon witnessed the countrys very first pride parade. The government banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in educational institutions in 2004; further legislation covering the rest of society in 2017. Brimming with gay bars and clubs, Belgium has a solid gay community. . 10 Best Countries for Expats. 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. Auckland, New Zealand. 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. There are still laws on the books in more countries that restrict the freedomssexual, marital, and otherwiseof LGBT individuals. If work-life balance is top priority, Italy is a superb choice. LGBT people have access to a variety of rights such as gay marriage and adoption. You can find more videos, talks, and other content related to Expat on our YouTube channel. Puerto Vallarta has been an expat haven for over 60 years. 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? 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. 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. Why Ljubljana, Slovenia Is A Secret Retirement Paradise Buenos Aires, Argentina. Yes, there are still as many as a dozen nations for which someone can get the death penalty for homosexuality. Same-sex couples have the joint right to adopt children. From literature, cinema and television, to politics and sports, you will come across LGBTQI+ references in all of them. The rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ political parties notwithstanding, Spain is one of the most culturally liberal places for gay people. Finally, in 1999, the first gay pride march took place in Lisbon. Buenos Aires is Argentinas gay capital. As the only African country to legalize same-sex marriage, the Rainbow Nation is an inspiration. Indonesia 3. The most popular location for gay expats to live is Zona Rosa in Mexico City. Thanks to the 2012 Gender Identity Law, people may change their gender without facing medical interventions. Canada was also listed as number three of the top 10 most gay-friendly countries worldwide in a 2014 Gallup survey. However, 24% of South Africans believe that people in same-sex relationships are criminals. Scandinavia is the most liberal region in the world - by far. The Most Liberal Countries You Should Move to in 2023 The Other Foundation reported that 51% of respondents in a survey on attitudes and gender non-conformity felt gay people should have the same human rights; 72% thought same-sex activity was morally wrong. The Netherlands has legalized same-sex activity, same-sex marriage, and adoption in the country. 12 - Italy. The gay scene in Denmark is thriving. Jeff Overs / BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images. Also, Italy is the most affordable place to live out of our top 12. Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. The region is very easily reached from the U.S. Hurricane season was one drawback in this area. Anti-discrimination laws are also fairly weak. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBT+ rights. Dublin, Ireland. In major cities and certain parts of the country like Douro, Lisbon, and the Algarve, English is widely spoken. Retirees can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit renewable annually for 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence. Ireland. What countries are the most LGBT friendly? - Quora This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Residents believe more conversations about LGBTQIA+ issues are necessary. French Polynesia. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 1. LGBTQ+ Travel Safety - 203 Best & Worst Countries Ranked (2022) One drawback not the most economical place to retire. Founded in Lisbon almost 40 . While we spent most of the last 25 years based primarily in the United States, we hail from different countries. 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. 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. The country has a non-lucrative visa and initial one-year residence permit also known as the retirement visa. Gay Madrid. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. While we were hoping to avoid winter entirely, Portugal has a Mediterranean climate and has very mild winters. 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. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. Norway is said to be among the most trans-friendly countries and has one of the best gay scenes in the world. Expats in Vietnam can earn $78,000 annually on average. As one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in, Canada has multiple bars, venues, and events for the LGBTQ community to explore. With progressive anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ community, Belgium has been hailed as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in 2023. Taiwan 4. Taiwan is increasingly LGBTQIA+ friendly; however, same-sex couples cannot adopt. Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. The skyline of central Brussels, Belgium. 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. Over 75% of New Zealanders accept homosexuality. 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. Follow NBC OUT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Skip to table start. Lisbon and Porto, as they are areas with the greatest diversity, are the ones where you will feel most comfortable expressing yourself. Malta has consistently ranked number one on the ILGA-Europe listing of countries promoting LGBT rights legislation since 2015. Same-sex couples cannot apply for public housing or enjoy their partners pension benefits. In 2006, South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage -- and there has yet to be a second. Speaking of safety, you can tag Croatia as the best European country to live in because of its low crime rate. The city is also very welcoming to expats and has a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. The Iberian Peninsula also ranked highly in . . Please note that you have to apply for residency before this procedure. The Best Countries to Move to in 2022 | MoveHub 12. A view of the skyline in the Northern part of Dublin, Ireland, on April 19, 2015. Brooke Sopelsa is the editorial director of NBC Out, NBC News' LGBTQ digital destination. 10 countries where expats are most satisfied with work and life - CNBC 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. 10 Worst Countries for LGBT Rights - WorldAtlas Our, The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. Ecuador offers many seniors perks, including subsidized public transport. 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. Hong Kong, China. Top Choices For Gay Retirement Overseas - Live And Invest Overseas The small European nation also a great place for wine aficionados, as it is known for its white and sparkling wines. As LGBT rights gained societal recognition in the late 20th century, homosexuality was removed from the official list of illnesses in 1973. Portugal makes it easy to apply for a resident visa. By 2017, the survey found that 50.4% of respondents supported same-sex marriage. The Best And Worst Countries To Move To For LGBT+ 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. 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. Belgian citizens have the right to change their legal gender. The city is home to an annual pride parade. The 10 Most Gay-Friendly Countries for Gay and LGBT Nomads 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. No. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been outlawed since 2003, the year Belgium legalized same-sex marriage. Besides Oslo, cities like Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen are referred to as a few of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. Paris. Homophobia remains a major challenge. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Besides bars, clubs, and cafs, Taiwan hosts a gay beach, two popular gay hot springs, and even a cruisy gay bookshop. The country has many cities that champion the cause of LGBT people. Its also the home to more than 30 national parks, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and tango. 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. 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. 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. Singapore, Singapore. Best and worst countries for expats. Also, cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege are a few places that you shouldnt miss. 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. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. In terms of protecting LGBTQ rights, several countries in the world now work tirelessly to bring about a fundamental transformation. More than 544,000 expats of 196 different . The ancient historic islands, many of which house UNESCO World Heritage sites are surrounded by pristine crystal-clear waters. Another issue in Singapore is that Sue is regarded as a tourist and subject to a maximum stay of 90 days in the country. 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.