New Orleans, known for its historic French Quarter, is a "haven" for the LBGT community due to its "abundance . We'll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe. 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. In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The following year, the same poll threw up similar results, though 74% of respondents agreed that same-sex couples should have the same or some rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples. The only African country on this list, for now, South Africa also has an interesting relationship with the issue of gay rights. Singapore does not recognize dual citizenship, so Reggie has permanent residency which allows her to stay in the U.S. At the same time, the mood in the U.S. around immigrants and the Asian community has been less than welcoming. 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 . 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. The city is also very welcoming to expats and has a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. The 2019 Eurobarometer public opinion poll said that 74 percent of the Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage. There are tons of historical and cultural attractions to keep you busy. 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. Homophobia remains a major challenge. Between them they've traveled to all seven continents (including Sue's dream trip to Antarctica) and more than 50 countries. Couples enjoy the same rights as opposite-sex couples; they can adopt, and lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization. The country decriminalized homosexuality between men in 1986; lesbian activity was never a crime in New Zealand. Though the country doesn't legally recognize same-sex couples, Thailand is extremely accepting. Heres what we found: We love Portugal and were happy to see it pop up on the list. Expat-friendly neighborhoods such as Palermo Viejo and San Telmo boast several gay-friendly establishments. From its Adriatic shores to the mountains and cities, this central European country is fast becoming a retirement destination. Other possibilities in South America include Mexico, Chile, and Peru. Expat-heavy Hong Kong has a confident and thriving LGBTQIA+ subculture. Over 75% of New Zealanders accept homosexuality. 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. Many cities also hold their own pride events, complete with participation from local politicians. But as an LGBTQ+ couple, we could not. New Zealand and France banned conversion therapy in early 2022. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. Scandinavia is the most liberal region in the world - by far. With Taiwan becoming the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in early 2019, LGBTQIA+ interest in the island has skyrocketed. From Madrid to Gran Canaria, the country has a diverse and welcoming scene for all members of the queer community. Other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Scheveningen have multiple gay-friendly clubs, bars, and restaurants. According to a report in 2021 by the Williams Institute that surveyed people from across 175 countries, it was observed that the average acceptance level for the LGBTQ community has significantly increased since the 1980s. The world has dramatically changed in the past few years thanks to the pandemic. New Zealand's constitution is LGBTQIA+ friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. The Coronado beaches area. 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. Portugal. 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. That said, here's a list of LGBTQ-friendly countries for expats. Las Palmas, Canary Islands. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. With its liberal policies and relatively welcoming attitudes to immigration, Canada has long attracted LGBTQIA+ individuals from abroad. Oslo, the capital of Norway, has various gay bars and venues and organizes a host of pride events. You are only required to pay taxes on capital gains and any income derived from Maltese sources. One of the world's most popular expat destinations, Canada is the ideal place for gay expats. Subsequent polls show most Canadians agree that same-sex couples should have the equal parental rights. And while the country had long been a socialist mess, it is improving these days, hopefully for good. French Polynesia is a group of six archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean, located in Oceania about halfway between South America and Australia. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Paris. In 2018, 27-year old LGBTQIA+ activist Angela Ponce became the firsttransgenderwoman tocompete in the Miss Universe contest, where she received a standing ovation. Unfortunately, many countries in Asia have anti-LGBTQ+ laws or other political issues that knocked them out of consideration. 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. D7 vs. Golden Visa Portugal: Which One Is Right for You? Civic attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people are progressive, with a 2013 Pew survey noting that 80% of Canadians accept homosexuality. In 2022, the . Taiwan was placed first out of 59 countries for the third year in a row and has consistently ranked in the top five over the years. 2. To achieve that, its important to know where in the world to look for the best lifestyle and best options for gay expats. 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. Same-sex couples in Portugal can adopt children owing to the legalization of adoption for gay marriage in 2016. 74% are happy with their work-life . 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. 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. Civil servants may refuse to solemnize civil unions if they object on grounds of conscience, religion, or belief. These include adoption, automatic parenthood recognition on birth certificates, inheritance tax, rights to survivor pensions, recognition for immigration purposes, equal treatment for tax purposes including inheritance tax and protection from domestic violence. Wondering which countries are doing so? 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. If you would like to relocate to Portugal and acquire residency, you can apply for the Portugal D7 Visa an attractive program for non-EU citizens that gives applicants the opportunity to become permanent residents in Portugal. The law allows same-sex couples to adopt, and lesbian couples have equal access to in vitro fertilization treatment. It is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, with everything from beaches to volcanos to wildlife and other adventures. New Zealand. Malta beats out 48 other countries with a score of 90% when ranked on LGBTQIA+ friendly policies and lifestyle acceptance. The entry requirements are simple: a pensioner visa showing just $10,000 in income and being in possession of private health insurance. Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. Whats more, travelers whose identities do not match with the mainstream often face extra challenges when adjusting to the social, legal, and political frameworks in different countries across the globe. 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. Burn says that it is among their most popular destinations at the agency. . Panama, for example, made same-sex adoption illegal in March 2021. InterNations recently revealed its Expat Insider . All rights reserved. Australian citizens or permanent residents may be able to sponsor a partners visa. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. The LGBT community living in Afghanistan face both social and legal challenges. Cities like Oulu, Jyvskyl, Turku, Tampere, Rovaniemi, and Lappeenranta are also open to the LGBTQ community, and each organizes its own pride events. The Coronado beaches are located just an hour's drive from Panama City on the Pacific coast. 1. It has also given full rights to adopt children, earning a reputation among the most advanced in the world for gay rights. You are eligible for Portuguese citizenship after three years of marriage to a Portuguese permanent resident. "France is often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world," says Tuula Rampont, IL France Correspondent. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Foreigners may also marry in South Africa. 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.". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. The LGBTQ Rights and Opinion. Its also the home to more than 30 national parks, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and tango. Its free. Ecuador is another of our favorite countries. The rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ political parties notwithstanding, Spain is one of the most culturally liberal places for gay people. 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. Puerto Vallarta: An Expat Haven by the Sea. For a Catholic country, Spain is extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly. Also, Italy is the most affordable place to live out of our top 12. Pride parades, in particular, have been widespread since at least 2012, with more than a dozen annual events. Despite being heavily Catholic, Argentina was one of the earliest adopters of legalized same-sex marriage. In this article, we take a look at the 25 best countries for expats. 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. Also no. If you decide to stay for a while, an Argentine passport is one of the best passports in the world. No. Malta. The Amerika Club and bar km Zero are among the best places to go for a night out in Buenos Aires. Homosexuality is still a criminal act in many countries, and there are a number of places where LGBTQIA+ rights are eroding. 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. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats, the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. Since 2007, people have been able to change their gender in Spain, and the country is one of the worlds most supportive of trans rights. To make the decision easier, Expatica shortlisted the top LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats. Canada is also home to Vancouver and Toronto, two of the worlds best cities for expats, according to a recent report. High-quality affordable private health care, a low crime rate, and a temperate climate round out the other criteria. 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. Speaking of safety, you can tag Croatia as the best European country to live in because of its low crime rate. Here are the top 10 cities for LGBT people to retire. Around 86 percent of Spaniards were also in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage. The country has hate crime laws in place to protect the LGBTQ community. Uruguay and Argentina are also state donors to the Global Equality Fund. 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. In 2021, the reputed data research platform, Statista, ranked Canada as the safest country for LGBTQ to travel to. 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. Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 24, 2016. 1. Best countries to live for expats. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. Among this openness is one of the most thriving gay communities on the continent and a great gay life in the capital city of Brussels, as well as a generally pro-business and pro-foreigner environment. People may change their gender legally without surgery. Despite having a tiny population, Iceland is culturally liberal and has one of the liveliest gay scenes. Same-sex marriages account for 2.5% of all weddings in Belgium. But Paris' Le Marais boasts the biggest LGBTQ community. . Here are the top 10 countries where expats are happiest with their work and personal lives in 2021. This list isnt exhaustive, but it does examine the unique challenges facing LGBTQIA+ individuals considering a stint abroad. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Antwerp (Antwerpen) had the edgier and more forward-thinking community, but Brussels has shed its bourgeois image in recent years. Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. The entire world is not downtown Amsterdam or a gay bar in Madrid or Tel Aviv. 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. Retirees can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit renewable annually for 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence. Youll need to speak (or learn) Spanish to get around easily in Ecuador. Dubai is the best place for UK expats to live. Taiwan 4. Here are eight of the safest countries for Black LGBTQIA+ travelers. Is it worth trying to push and test them in the wrong situation or with the wrong person? Lisbon has the best gay scene in the country, gay-friendly bars, cultural centers, and hotels; you name it, the city has it. As the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, the Netherlands has an emotional connection with LGBTQIA+ people. Opposite sides of the world. In particular, Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2009 and is still the only place in the country to do so. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Definitely not one to miss! Singapore, Singapore. A third gender on legal documents has yet to be introduced. 6/27/2018 09:48 EST. Make sure to consult immigration lawyers and tax accountants before making any moves to retire internationally. 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. As one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in, Canada has multiple bars, venues, and events for the LGBTQ community to explore. 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. Also, cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege are a few places that you shouldnt miss. Note that Spain was among the. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Hate crime legislation for transsexual and intersex people has yet to be passed. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. In 2001, the Netherlands became one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. 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. Americas northern neighbor legalized same-sex marriage back in 2005, and the countrys new prime minister is openly LGBTQ-friendly. Here's the top ten cities in Europe where you get the most from your money.