Argentina's thriving LGBT scene attracts over 445,000 LGBT tourists every year and the Queer Tango Festival is a highlight for many. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. 10. Besides Oslo, cities like Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen are referred to as a few of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. The nation has prohibited discrimination against the LGBTQ community based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Same-sex marriages account for 2.5% of all weddings in Belgium. Singapore doesnt recognize gay marriage. New Zealand. European Countries Among Top Places for Gay People to Live - Gallup.com These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Thanks to the 2012 Gender Identity Law, people may change their gender without facing medical interventions. There are many expat cities out there, so we can't list them all here - but we will give you a good starting point: these are the 15 best expat cities out there and countries for single guys. The dollar goes a long way with prices being at least 20 percent lower than in the U.S. Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. Brooke Sopelsa is the editorial director of NBC Out, NBC News' LGBTQ digital destination. CareersPartner With UsBecome A VendorBook Us For SpeakingRequest An InterviewSocial Responsibility, ExpatFinanceOffshoreGlobal CitizenEntrepreneurCryptocurrency, ABOUT CONTACT +1 (979) 966-6623. Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. Gay pride in Spain is unparalleled by any other country in Europe. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. Slovenia is part of the European Union and has decent healthcare. 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. Civil marriage officiants cannot refuse same-sex couples. Since 1982, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has guaranteed fundamental human rights to the LGBTQIA+ community. 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. In this article, we take a look at the 25 best countries for expats. From Madrid to Gran Canaria, the country has a diverse and welcoming scene for all members of the queer community. Also, cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege are a few places that you shouldnt miss. . Besides having a rich culture and history, Spain has also been hailed as one of the most LGBT-safe countries in the world because of its anti-discrimination laws and policies for LGBT people. Additionally, 72% agreed that they should have protection from workplace discrimination. 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. 12 - Italy. Homosexuality has never actually been illegal in Taiwan. To make the decision easier, Expatica shortlisted the top LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats. Other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Scheveningen have multiple gay-friendly clubs, bars, and restaurants. Canada is also home to Vancouver and Toronto, two of the worlds best cities for expats, according to a recent report. The Safest Countries For Black LGBTQIA+ Travelers The world's best countries for LGBT expats 6/27/2018 09:48 EST. LGBT Friendly Countries | Get Golden Visa The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats | Expatica Same-sex couples can adopt children and have access to altruistic surrogacy. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Spain was also one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2005. Uruguay and Argentina are also state donors to the Global Equality Fund. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Hanoi, Vietnam. Canada. Photo: Milan Gonda /Shutterstock. 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. 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. France was ranked #21 on HSBC's list of best countries for expats, but Paris in particular boasts an incredibly active LGBTQ community, particularly when it comes to nightlife in Le Marais. The law is unclear on transgender rights, however. Malta beats out 48 other countries with a score of 90% when ranked on LGBTQIA+ friendly policies and lifestyle acceptance. The Most Dangerous (And Safest) Countries For LGBTQ Tourists The U.S. currency is widely accepted, and the cost of living is low. Adoption by same-sex couples has been legalized in the country. France does not have a retirement visa, so this knocked it off the list. Same-sex expat couples living in Spain have a number of legal rights when they register their partnership. John Powell, once a purchasing agent in New York, moved to Hanoi in 2014. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The majority of the society in Iceland is in support of same-sex marriage and the protection of LGBT rights. Belgium legalized same-sex sexual activity as early as 1795. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1795, when the country was a French territory. 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. We also didnt research any countries in Africa because of the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment/laws and the travel difficulties. Portugal. Answer (1 of 6): The U.S. can be a good country for trans people, but it depends heavily on where you live. Even foreigners can get married in Argentina. Dutch nationals may apply for gender-neutral passports. Unfortunately, not all news was good news for LGBTQ+ rights in the past year. As an expat or digital nomad, there are certainly many places in Europe that stand out. Nearly 90 percent of Spain's citizens believe lesbian and gay people should be accepted, according to Pew Research Center, and Gallup has Spain tied with the Netherlands as the number one country for gay people. Croatia legalized same-sex adoptions in May 2021. While healthcare is ranked amongst the best in Asia, it does not come cheap to ex-pats. Since we were interested in being somewhere between Singapore and the East Coast of the U.S., we first began looking at European locations. 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. Besides bars, clubs, and cafs, Taiwan hosts a gay beach, two popular gay hot springs, and even a cruisy gay bookshop. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. 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. Norway has given adoption rights to married as well as committed same-sex couples. Singapore, Singapore. 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. New Zealand's constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. Many cities also hold their own pride events, complete with participation from local politicians. 10 Best Countries for Expats - Insider Monkey Ecuador is another of our favorite countries. Opposite sides of the world. New Zealands anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage do not extend to its realm, however. # Countries : WCIL RANK: Cost of Living vs USA: Cost of Living vs . 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. Discrimination of sexual orientation in employment and housing is illegal. The country legalized same-sex sexual activity in 1969. Our strategies help serve clients of many backgrounds all around the world who are looking to find freedom in a low-tax, high-flexibility nomad lifestyle. We also liked the idea of ease of travel within Europe. 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. Information about same-sex relationships is included in sex education in the country. Oslo, the capital of Norway, has various gay bars and venues and organizes a host of pride events. Over the past decade, various countries around the globe have been working steadily to implement laws that protect the LGBTQI+ community against discrimination in learning institutions, workplaces, and societies. 10 Best Places to Live as an Expat | WorldRemit 8 of the Best Countries in the World for LGBTQ+ People Sue Reddel & Diana Laskaris 1. Public health care is ranked fifth in the world by WHO, and if desired, private health insurance is very economical. Five of the best . It's listed among Gallup's best countries for gays and lesbians, and Cond Nast Traveler included Dublin on its list of "Best Cities in the World.". Crammed with beautiful architecture, incredible eateries, gay bars, pubs, and friendly locals these cities are LGBTQ tourism-friendly. Some of the most well-known bars to check out are G-Bar and Oscar. 1. Auckland, New Zealand. Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. COVID paused that last year. 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. This list isnt exhaustive, but it does examine the unique challenges facing LGBTQIA+ individuals considering a stint abroad. Cities like Oulu, Jyvskyl, Turku, Tampere, Rovaniemi, and Lappeenranta are also open to the LGBTQ community, and each organizes its own pride events. To achieve that, its important to know where in the world to look for the best lifestyle and best options for gay expats. Theyll also enjoy equal social and tax benefits, including those relating to pensions, old age security, and bankruptcy protection. It's true that Poland is not among the best countries for expats who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. It is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, with everything from beaches to volcanos to wildlife and other adventures. 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. What countries are the most LGBT friendly? - Quora Also no. In 2018, 27-year old LGBTQIA+ activist Angela Ponce became the firsttransgenderwoman tocompete in the Miss Universe contest, where she received a standing ovation. France. New Zealands history of tolerance goes back to pre-colonial Mori times, although British colonization resulted in anti-sodomy laws. If you can demonstrate income earned from outside of the country, you can obtain residence in Argentina. first countries in the world to legalize gay marriage. People may change their gender on their driving license or passport with a statutory declaration; however, doing the same on a birth certificate requires proof of medical treatment towards transition. 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. 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 has consistently ranked number one on the ILGA-Europe listing of countries promoting LGBT rights legislation since 2015. Individuals from the transgender community have been given legal permission to change their gender on official documents without undergoing sex reassignment surgery. It has also enacted laws that specifically protect the rights of intersex people. We have curated a list of the ten most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. . Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. 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. Gay South Africa competitions. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. Countries like Russia have had their share of publicized issues around crime or blackmailing of LGBT individuals. As of March 2019, a bill allowing self-identification has been delayed pending public consultation. It has been an LGBTQIA+ tourist destination since the early 2000s, with its Queer Tango festival among the major highlights. Argentina has sought to position itself as one of the most gay-friendly countries in Latin America. 10 Best Countries For Gay Expats or LGBTQ Community Costa Rica has affordable private healthcare, and the cost of living is much lower than in the U.S. and most of Europe. The government in Spain allows lesbian couples and single women to opt for IVF treatment. Luckily for the aspiring expat, theres a wealth of countries where its safe to work and live out in the open, as youll see from Expaticas list of the top 10 LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats. Best Countries for Gay Expats - Escape Artist 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. Reggie could have entered the country alone. Dutch LGBTQIA+ support groups have a countrywide network; there are also specific organizations that support refugees. Are these laws always enforced? 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. The LGBT community living in Afghanistan face both social and legal challenges. Like most Nordic countries, Norway has a liberal and tolerant population, which makes it easier for LGBTQ expats to adapt regardless of their origin and sexual orientation. One can focus their efforts on where they are treated best and be aware in their travels when a country or culture is not always welcoming. Conversion therapy a treatment that aims to change the sexual orientation of people, has been banned in the country. We have curated a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world for you. 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 Gay Happiness Index (GHI) ranks Finland as the 12th happiest country for the gay community. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. We did. 15 Best Countries for LGBTQ Expats - NBC News Here are the top 10 countries where expats are happiest with their work and personal lives in 2021. Here are the top 10 cities for LGBT people to retire. Mexico 2. This statistic says a lot about the general sentiment of the Belgian public. Travelers experiences will vary heavily. 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. They wear all white and march in a gigantic parade. 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. Under the Equal Treatment Act, LGBT people are protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Same-sex couples can adopt or use surrogacy services. Gay men are, however, banned from donating blood. Costa Rica is an excellent place for LGBTQ+ retirees. As an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, Argentina has had a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene since its return to democracy in 1983. Portugal 5. Pride Amsterdam, with its canal parade, is the largest, and attracts some 350,000 people each August. Best places for expats to live in the UAE. GLOBAL CITIZEN SOLUTIONS UNIPESSOAL LIMITADA | NIPC 516027212 AMI 17987 | . The Netherlands also ranks in the top five countries in terms of same-sex couples as parents (number five . Argentina legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, becoming the first country in Latin America to do so. The Most Liberal Countries You Should Move to in 2023 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? There is a limited awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity in the country. Youll need to speak (or learn) Spanish to get around easily in Ecuador. These are the best and worst countries for LGBTQ+ travel in 2022 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. Denmark was the first country in the world to recognize same-sex partnerships back in 1989, and the Scandinavian country officially legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. Gay-friendly areas in Lisbon. Civic attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people are progressive, with a 2013 Pew survey noting that 80% of Canadians accept homosexuality. 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. Vietnam. Yes, there are still as many as a dozen nations for which someone can get the death penalty for homosexuality. If every country followed Denmark's lead, the future would look brighter - and much less pockmarked by catastrophic natural disasters.