All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. 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. But the eventual winner was Costa Rica. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. Whether you are seeking to move from a less-accepting family life back home to somewhere new, you are looking for adventure and social life at bars and clubs, or you are simply an LGBT individualin a relationship or notwho wants to go where youre treated best and live somewhere where it is easy to be yourself, this list can give you some places to start. Taiwan 4. 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. You can also take a tour of the LGBTQI+-friendly gay village neighborhood of Montreal, Canada. Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. A 2018 recognition of spousal visas for same-sex couples by the Court of Final Appeal raised the hopes of expats looking to move to Asias financial hub. 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. LGBTQIA+ people have been able to serve openly in the military since 2002. By 2017, the survey found that 50.4% of respondents supported same-sex marriage. It's a small city of 272,000 people, but, with easy access to both beaches and ski resorts, it offers the best of all worlds in terms of lifestyle . Name(Required) Email(Required) The cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City are very gay friendly. 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. Latin Americas beacon of LGBTQIA+ rights, Argentinas queer history goes back to the indigenous Mapuche and Guaran people. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Dublin, Ireland. 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. The country has hate crime laws in place to protect the LGBTQ community. Dutch LGBTQIA+ support groups have a countrywide network; there are also specific organizations that support refugees. Sue -- a native New Yorker -- and Regina -- a native Singaporean -- share their experiences at Travel for Life Now. According to Numbeo, Croatia's crime score is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. Lisbon, Portugal. The UK came in at number . Finally, in 1999, the first gay pride march took place in Lisbon. If you and your partner are in a relationship, marriage, or civil union, Portugal can be one of the most LGBTQI+-friendly countries in the world to live in. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We'll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe. Explore the new Cheapest Countries to Live Index from Where can I Live + Cheapest places to live in Europe. The Best Democratic Countries for Americans to Move to - Business Insider In 2006, Sitges unveiled the countrys first LGBTQIA+ monument to commemorate a 1996 police crackdown on gay men at the beach at night. Homophobia remains a major challenge. As of March 2019, a bill allowing self-identification has been delayed pending public consultation. Same-sex marriage isnt possible in Aruba, Curaao, and Sint Maarten, however. 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. 10 Best Countries for Expats - Insider Monkey 9 Most Gay-Friendly Countries In Europe | TravelAwaits 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. 3. No. A 2017 poll found that 67% of South Africans agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have equal rights; 17% disagreed. The 2019 Eurobarometer public opinion poll said that 74 percent of the Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage. 8 Best LGBTQ+ Places To Retire Internationally | TravelAwaits This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Marais . . 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. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017 and there are no minimum residency requirements; Malta is ideal for a destination wedding as a result. New Zealand's constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. Taiwan. The country performed well in terms of quality of life, job security and personal safety. You will only need to prove income equal to Slovenias basic monthly income of $1,000. Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. Back in 2001, The Netherlands became the first country to legalize gay marriage, as well as adoption rights. Foreigners may also marry in South Africa. Puerto Vallarta: An Expat Haven by the Sea. The Safest Countries For Black LGBTQIA+ Travelers The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". New Zealands history of tolerance goes back to pre-colonial Mori times, although British colonization resulted in anti-sodomy laws. It does not store any personal data. Despite being heavily Catholic, Argentina was one of the earliest adopters of legalized same-sex marriage. 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. If we were a married straight couple, we could have entered Singapore after quarantining. In a 2013 poll by the University of Hong Kong, 33.3% of respondents supported same-sex marriage, with 43% opposed. 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. Portugal: the best destination for remote workers and digital nomads. 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. Americas northern neighbor legalized same-sex marriage back in 2005, and the countrys new prime minister is openly LGBTQ-friendly. Was there another place in the world where we could both live? 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. 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. This expat guide is all about pros and cons of living in Belize. 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. Iceland, which legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, was recently ranked as the happiest country for gay men. Here are eight of the safest countries for Black LGBTQIA+ travelers. The Dutch capital, often dubbed the gayway to Europe, has a vibrant LGBTQIA+ culture and caters to all appetites and fetishes. Expat-heavy Hong Kong has a confident and thriving LGBTQIA+ subculture. In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. A few years ago, we started spending winters in Singapore. 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. Las Palmas, Canary Islands. Denmark has one of the most extensive sex education curricula that includes information about sexuality, sexual relationships, gender identity, and diversity. While we spent most of the last 25 years based primarily in the United States, we hail from different countries. The Amerika Club and bar km Zero are among the best places to go for a night out in Buenos Aires. The pride parade in Valletta every September is a major tourist draw, often with local politicians in attendance. In 2015, Bettel became the first European Union leader to wed a same-sex partner. 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. People may change their gender legally without surgery. 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.. Best Expat Cities And Countries For Single Guys part 2 - 16 Best Expat "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. Ireland. Though the country doesn't legally recognize same-sex couples, Thailand is extremely accepting. LGBT Guide to Portugal - Portugal.com Activists say more must be done regarding intersex rights. Its free. Portugal is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock. 10 Worst Countries for LGBT Rights - WorldAtlas Leave The US: Best Places For Expats To Live - Forbes Is it worth trying to push and test them in the wrong situation or with the wrong person? 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. The government in Spain allows lesbian couples and single women to opt for IVF treatment. 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. In May 2019, a local pastor also moved the High Court, arguing that the ban hinders his congregations freedom to worship. Lisbon is without a doubt the best city for an LGBTQ+ person to live in. In particular, Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2009 and is still the only place in the country to do so. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Scheveningen have multiple gay-friendly clubs, bars, and restaurants. The nation has prohibited discrimination against the LGBTQ community based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. 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. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. It is important to be oneself but also to remember to stay aware of all the goings-on in whatever country your nomadic lifestyle brings you to, and aim to look for the positive wherever one goes. Malta beats out 48 other countries with a score of 90% when ranked on LGBTQIA+ friendly policies and lifestyle acceptance. To make the decision easier, Expatica shortlisted the top LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats. New Orleans, known for its historic French Quarter, is a "haven" for the LBGT community due to its "abundance . We chose Costa Rica for five reasons: Same-sex expat couples living in Spain have a number of legal rights when they register their partnership. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. The small European nation also a great place for wine aficionados, as it is known for its white and sparkling wines. That said, here's a list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for expats. For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. For a Catholic country, Spain is extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly. The visa requirements that we list are current as of now but could change in the future. This is a nation of resiliency and adaptability, its population hardy and determined. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. New Zealand and France banned conversion therapy in early 2022. 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. 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. Ecuador offers many seniors perks, including subsidized public transport. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. The gay scene in Denmark is thriving. Be it UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the gantija Temples, picturesque coastlines, architectural marvels, or the incredible night scene, this small island offers a range of options for LGBTQ people to travel, explore and enjoy. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The country is largely Roman Catholic. There was, however, widespread agreement that those who live together should enjoy legal protections. 9. Bruges (Brugge), Ghent (Gent), Lige, and Ostend (Oostende) all have an active gay nightlife. The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 77% of Belgians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% disagreed. Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015. 10. The cost of living is low in much of the country (Lisbon is more expensive) and you can live comfortably on less than $1,500 a month. Under the Equal Treatment Act, LGBT people are protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Adoption by same-sex couples has been legalized in the country. Portugal makes it easy to apply for a resident visa. Best Countries for Gay Expats - Escape Artist 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. In 2014, the Government of Finland legalized same-sex marriage. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. After upholding the countrys first transgender marriage in 2013 albeit of a couple who had both had gender-reaffirming surgery the country appointed its first transgender minister, Audrey Tang, in 2016. As per a survey in 2021 by Ipsos, 84 percent of Belgian citizens were in support of same-sex marriage. Home Ultimate Guides The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. Owing to its liberal culture and acceptance of the LGBTQ community, Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is often called one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. And while the country had long been a socialist mess, it is improving these days, hopefully for good. Best Places to Live in Europe for LGBTQ Expats - She Hit Refresh 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. In 2006, South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage -- and there has yet to be a second. The U.S. currency is widely accepted, and the cost of living is low. 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. 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!). 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.