Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. As one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in, Canada has multiple bars, venues, and events for the LGBTQ community to explore. You can find more videos, talks, and other content related to Expat on our YouTube channel. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. Paris. Answer (1 of 6): The U.S. can be a good country for trans people, but it depends heavily on where you live. 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. Spain was also one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2005. Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the worlds most sought-after expert on global citizenship. 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. Spain has since transformed itself into one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in the world. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Same-sex expat couples living in Spain have a number of legal rights when they register their partnership. You will only need to prove income equal to Slovenias basic monthly income of $1,000. The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 77% of Belgians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% disagreed. Hopefully, for the better, and we will be able to add more countries to this list. In 2006, South Africa became the first country in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage -- and there has yet to be a second. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Spain 6. Pride Amsterdam, with its canal parade, is the largest, and attracts some 350,000 people each August. In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Lesbian couples in the country have the right to opt for IVF treatment. Only gays in the community. Canada has stated that conversion therapy is a criminal act. The concern is real, and in parts of the world even not as extreme as the middle of Afghanistansuch as former USSR countries, Central Asia, parts of Southeast Asia, and so on, the issue will be swept under the rug or entirely silencedand most gay nomads will not find anything in the way of a gay scene with bars or clubs. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. In numbers, the survey shows that 74% of expatriates answered are generally satisfied with their jobs and 71% of them are content about their work-life balance in Vietnam. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Same-sex couples have the joint right to adopt children. Dublin is one of the top cities for social life in the region with an English-speaking populace known for its sense of humor and hospitality. Yes, there are still as many as a dozen nations for which someone can get the death penalty for homosexuality. 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. Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. This was the same year in which Croatian lawmakers passed "life partners" legislation, which gave same-sex couples similar rights to married . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Puerto Vallarta has been an expat haven for over 60 years. 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. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. In 2001, the Netherlands became one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples enjoy equal tax and inheritance rights. This beautiful country (of beautiful Nordic men and women) has a rich history and during the summer months because of his Northern latitude experiences long days of sunshine. The dollar goes a long way with prices being at least 20 percent lower than in the U.S. The rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ political parties notwithstanding, Spain is one of the most culturally liberal places for gay people. 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. Canada. Best places for expats to live in the UAE. Expats find everything they need in close proximity in Portugal. Theyll also enjoy equal social and tax benefits, including those relating to pensions, old age security, and bankruptcy protection. 10. 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. Before taking the big step, make sure you have reviewed the rights that people of the LGBT community have in the country you choose to relocate to. 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. Public attitudes to the LGBTQIA+ community have changed radically over the past decade. Under the Equal Treatment Act, LGBT people are protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2013, for example, 80% of Canadians (compared with just 60% of Americans) said that society should accept homosexuality. Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. But the eventual winner was Costa Rica. Berlin is on the rise, but remains surprisingly affordable for a major European capital. Oslo Pride is the largest pride festival in the country and runs over nine days during June and July. Lisbon, Portugal. Digital nomad. 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. Pride parades have been organized since the early seventies, and today there are at least six different major events each year. With its liberal policies and relatively welcoming attitudes to immigration, Canada has long attracted LGBTQIA+ individuals from abroad. 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. 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 . Although an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbors regarding hate crime and speech and conversion therapy remains legal. According to the ILGA report, the countrys anti-LGBT laws are considered some of the most forward-looking legal interventions in Europe. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the expat community, go directly to the 25 Best . But Paris' Le Marais boasts the biggest LGBTQ community. With more than 90 percent of the Dutch population supporting same-sex marriage, the Netherlands has emerged as one of the gayest countries in the world in 2023. New Zealand's constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. Scandinavia is the most liberal region in the world - by far. 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. 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. Sue Reddel & Diana Laskaris 1. Ireland is one of the most well-regarded and well-loved countries in Europe and offers incentives not only on the entrepreneurial side but also for a friendly and welcoming gay scene. Uruguay and Argentina are also state donors to the Global Equality Fund. Also no. Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. There are many possibilities in Latin and South America. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. Individuals from the transgender community have been given legal permission to change their gender on official documents without undergoing sex reassignment surgery. 10. Speaking of safety, you can tag Croatia as the best European country to live in because of its low crime rate. Brooke Sopelsa is the editorial director of NBC Out, NBC News' LGBTQ digital destination. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Are these laws always enforced? Since 2006, same-sex couples in Finland have had access to IVF and artificial insemination. French Polynesia. And in 2003, it became the second country to permit same-sex marriages. 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. Norway has given adoption rights to married as well as committed same-sex couples. Slovenia is part of the European Union and has decent healthcare. 1. The capital city of Reykjavk hosts the biggest pride events in the country and has gay bars, cafes, and other venues welcoming the LGBTQ community. Since we were interested in being somewhere between Singapore and the East Coast of the U.S., we first began looking at European locations. Since 2017, people with non-binary gender identities can note this on their passports. Follow NBC OUT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 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. High-quality affordable private health care, a low crime rate, and a temperate climate round out the other criteria. Back in 2001, The Netherlands became the first country to legalize gay marriage, as well as adoption rights. As of March 2019, a bill allowing self-identification has been delayed pending public consultation. Sweden is tied with the Netherlands because of their long history of sexual toleration and current openness for LGBTQ rights. Thus, the fear-mongering is overblown and usually in a way that unnecessarily puts down those countries. Canada has the most progressive and comprehensive rights for the LGBTQ community in North America. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. Expats in Vietnam can earn $78,000 annually on average. In 2021, the reputed data research platform, Statista, ranked Canada as the safest country for LGBTQ to travel to. Attitudes and laws pertaining to LGBTQ+ lives may also evolve. Hate crime legislation for transsexual and intersex people has yet to be passed. From its Adriatic shores to the mountains and cities, this central European country is fast becoming a retirement destination. 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. Wondering which countries are doing so? The safest countries in the world for LGBTQ are Portugal, Finland, Spain, Norway, Iceland, Belgium, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, and Malta. For a Catholic country, Spain is extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly. Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. Portugal makes it easy to apply for a resident visa. This article was written by Nomad Capitalist contributor Brian Greco, an experienced gay traveler, cultural explorer, and free-market advocate. Now for Madridthe beating heart of gay Spain and arguably one of the world's most gay-friendly cities. In addition to all these attractions, Helsinki also hosts the countrys most popular pride parade, which annually sees more than 100,000 visitors. Dutch LGBTQIA+ support groups have a countrywide network; there are also specific organizations that support refugees. Some of the most well-known bars to check out are G-Bar and Oscar. Definitely not one to miss! Argentina had the most positive attitudes of all Latin American countries in Pew Research Centers 2013 Global Attitudes Survey, with 74%of those surveyed saying homosexuality should be accepted. Sue -- a native New Yorker -- and Regina -- a native Singaporean -- share their experiences at Travel for Life Now. Malta has been called the gold standard of LGBT reform by the United Nations, which is highly promising even compared to European neighbors. Malta was one of the first nations in the world to prohibit sterilization and invasive surgery on intersex individuals. Lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization treatments. In terms of protecting LGBTQ rights, several countries in the world now work tirelessly to bring about a fundamental transformation. Name(Required) Email(Required) The cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City are very gay friendly. If you decide to stay for a while, an Argentine passport is one of the best passports in the world. Conversion therapy a treatment that aims to change the sexual orientation of people, has been banned in the country. Another LGBTQ+-friendly country, Israel also doesnt have a retirement visa. Public health care is ranked fifth in the world by WHO, and if desired, private health insurance is very economical. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. In 2015, Bettel became the first European Union leader to wed a same-sex partner. We'll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe. 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. In general, Belgium displays an extremely high level of homosexual acceptance. In a 2013 poll by the University of Hong Kong, 33.3% of respondents supported same-sex marriage, with 43% opposed. Founded in Lisbon almost 40 . 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. In 2005, Canada also legalized same-sex marriage. So, retirement as an option in Singapore doesnt work. As the only African country to legalize same-sex marriage, the Rainbow Nation is an inspiration. Edmonton and Winnipeg also boast LGBTQIA+ scenes. 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). And stay tuned for tomorrow's issue, when we'll reveal one of our top picks for where a gay couple or single might consider launching a new life overseas. Its also the home to more than 30 national parks, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and tango. But making the decision can be a greater challenge for LGBTQIA+ expats than it is for heterosexuals. Most expats were also satisfied with the state of the local economy (85% vs. 62% globally). 6/27/2018 09:48 EST. The most progressive country when it comes to liberation and freedom, France, is one of the best countries for gay expats. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom stands for equal rights for the LGBT community. The pride parade in Valletta every September is a major tourist draw, often with local politicians in attendance. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. Other cities like Stavanger and Troms also have large LGBT communities. Heres what we found: We love Portugal and were happy to see it pop up on the list. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. The Dutch capital, often dubbed the gayway to Europe, has a vibrant LGBTQIA+ culture and caters to all appetites and fetishes. New Zealand. Since 2009, the country has recognized and legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights for LGBT people. Skip to table start. 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. 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. We have curated a list of the ten most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. 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. Is it worth trying to push and test them in the wrong situation or with the wrong person? Eventually, the country progressed to decriminalizing homosexuality in the year 1982. Additionally, 72% agreed that they should have protection from workplace discrimination. These groups not only accepted the third gender, but also treated male, female, transgender, and intersex people as equal. 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. Unfortunately, Taiwan does not offer retirement visas and the cost of living is like the U.S. Same-sex couples can adopt or use surrogacy services. 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. This list isnt exhaustive, but it does examine the unique challenges facing LGBTQIA+ individuals considering a stint abroad. Same-sex couples are eligible to apply for joint adoption. French Polynesia is a group of six archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean, located in Oceania about halfway between South America and Australia. From strategic citizenship planning to real estate overseas, Nomad Capitalist has helped 1,000+ high-net-worth clients double their personal and financial freedom. Portugal. The Gay Happiness Index (GHI) ranks Finland as the 12th happiest country for the gay community. Find out more about the Portugal D7 Visa by check out our article: Portugal D7 Visa 2023. At first, we focused on five countries Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Belize, and Portugal. Dublin, Ireland. The country is frequently noted as having one of the best gay rights records in the world and rights include protections for transgender individuals. 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. 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. 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. 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. Pride parades, in particular, have been widespread since at least 2012, with more than a dozen annual events. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. Discrimination on grounds of gender identity isnt explicitly outlawed. GLOBAL CITIZEN SOLUTIONS UNIPESSOAL LIMITADA | NIPC 516027212 AMI 17987 | . The rules for marriage visas are the same for same-sex married couples as for heterosexual couples in the country. They wear all white and march in a gigantic parade. Now that the real estate mogul and reality TV star is Americas president-elect, NBC OUT has compiled a handy list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for U.S. expatriates. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. All of this got us thinking. To make the decision easier, Expatica shortlisted the top LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats. You will need to pay taxes if you live in Buenos Aires full-time, but you can also come and go as you please. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. If you are Jewish, there are some routes to retiring in Israel. The city is home to an annual pride parade. 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. Charming, Old World capital-city Ljubljana is the heart of the country, both literally and figuratively. Located between Brazil and Argentina, this modern, progressive yet laid-back country is very LGBTQ+ retiree friendly. Besides Oslo, cities like Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen are referred to as a few of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. Consistently hailed as the most gay-friendly country on the planet, The Netherlands takes its reputation with stride. In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asiaideal for vacation or retirement. The country also has some of the strongest protections for trans people anywhere. The hotel's idyllic rooftop bar and extensive wine list are of particular note. This was followed by the legalization of adoption rights for same-sex couples. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Same-sex couples cannot apply for public housing or enjoy their partners pension benefits. France. Around 86 percent of Spaniards were also in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage. 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. Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. 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. Indonesia 3. In this article, we take a look at the 25 best countries for expats. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. No. There is a non-habitual resident program with no tax on foreign pensions and other retirement incomes. Homosexuality is still a criminal act in many countries, and there are a number of places where LGBTQIA+ rights are eroding. Ireland is a great place to move if you're looking for a reasonable cost of living and a welcoming . 18 STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING YOUR PLAN B. According to the Anholt-GMI "National Brands Index . Expat-heavy Hong Kong has a confident and thriving LGBTQIA+ subculture. Spain ranked 11th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019, with full equality at about 60%. 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. Dutch nationals may apply for gender-neutral passports. 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. Ireland. Nearly 90% of the population accepting of homosexuality, according to the last Pew Research poll. 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 . As a result, their sexual orientation or gender identity might open them up to harassment or persecution. 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. 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. The Netherlands is a new entrant on our 2022 list, reflecting its progressive attitude and rapid economic recovery from a pandemic-induced turndown. By 2017, the survey found that 50.4% of respondents supported same-sex marriage. The Netherlands has legalized same-sex activity, same-sex marriage, and adoption in the country. Apart from married couples and civil partners, single individuals (including single LGBT people) also have the right to adopt children. Owing to all these interventions, Canada is often called the most gay-friendly country in the world. 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. 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. 9. Homosexuality itself has been legal since 1991; however, local law doesnt recognize same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. In 2014, the Government of Finland legalized same-sex marriage. Information about same-sex relationships is included in sex education in the country. Here are the most gay-friendly countries that can also satisfy the needs of a Nomad Capitalist. Today, children of same-sex couples enjoy all the rights and freedoms that all children of heterosexual couples generally possess. New Zealand has a reasonably sized scene that extends across the country. New Orleans, known for its historic French Quarter, is a "haven" for the LBGT community due to its "abundance . Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. Income requirements are a little higher with higher assets ($40,000) and proof of minimum monthly income of roughly $3,467, health insurance, and sometimes, an executed lease for accommodation. While we were hoping to avoid winter entirely, Portugal has a Mediterranean climate and has very mild winters. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. "France is often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world," says Tuula Rampont, IL France Correspondent. Couple that with a low cost of living, averaging at $1,500 per month for a small family even in highly urbanized cities like Hanoi, and you . 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. Barcelona has also been named as one of the friendliest cities for LGBTQ people by UCityGuides. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Be prepared to learn to speak French if you dont already. Bruges (Brugge), Ghent (Gent), Lige, and Ostend (Oostende) all have an active gay nightlife. CareersPartner With UsBecome A VendorBook Us For SpeakingRequest An InterviewSocial Responsibility, ExpatFinanceOffshoreGlobal CitizenEntrepreneurCryptocurrency, ABOUT CONTACT +1 (979) 966-6623. 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. 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.
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