Unfortunately, many countries in Asia have anti-LGBTQ+ laws or other political issues that knocked them out of consideration. Their liberal attitudes mean that each country has instituted its own anti-discrimination laws, equal age of consent, right to same sex marriage, equal adoption rights and the right to openly . 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. High quality of life and healthcare services are a bonus. Foreigners may also marry in South Africa. Working overseas brings many rewards, from the chance to experience new cultures to career advances. Public health care is ranked fifth in the world by WHO, and if desired, private health insurance is very economical. Owing to its progressive outlook and policies that protect the LGBTQI+ community against discrimination, this north-European nation is definitely a gay-friendly country. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The Philippines is one of the more open countries for LGBT nomads, and its capital Manila is one of our top most livable cities in Southeast Asia. All of this got us thinking. Rents outside of major cities are even lower. Local films and television productions regularly explore queer themes; several entertainers have even come out in recent years, usually to a largely positive reception. 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. Since we were interested in being somewhere between Singapore and the East Coast of the U.S., we first began looking at European locations. In terms of protecting LGBTQ rights, several countries in the world now work tirelessly to bring about a fundamental transformation. Wellington and Auckland boast the largest number of gay bars and clubs, but LGBTQIA+ residents in Tauranga, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hamilton are also guaranteed a good night out. Expats can marry in Belgium if one partner has been living there for at least three months. With Taiwan becoming the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in early 2019, LGBTQIA+ interest in the island has skyrocketed. The Eiffel Tower stands above the city skyline as the sun sets over skyscrapers in La Defense business district in Paris, France, on Nov. 10, 2015. The visa requirements that we list are current as of now but could change in the future. May is generally Pride Month across the Kingdom, with Brussels hosting the biggest parade. Many cities also hold their own pride events, complete with participation from local politicians. Trans adults can self-identify without a doctors statement. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Photo by Diego Gennaro on Unsplash. The region is very easily reached from the U.S. Hurricane season was one drawback in this area. Malta is a small archipelago with only five islands located in the Mediterranean off the southern coast of Italy. The nation has prohibited discrimination against the LGBTQ community based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. The ancient historic islands, many of which house UNESCO World Heritage sites are surrounded by pristine crystal-clear waters. The Netherlands also ranks in the top five countries in terms of same-sex couples as parents (number five . If every country followed Denmark's lead, the future would look brighter - and much less pockmarked by catastrophic natural disasters. 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. Latin Americas beacon of LGBTQIA+ rights, Argentinas queer history goes back to the indigenous Mapuche and Guaran people. Here are the top 10 countries where expats are happiest with their work and personal lives in 2021. Now, workers and Antigua and Barbuda is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean Sea. The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 77% of Belgians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% disagreed. 57% are positive about transgender people and gender diversity, according to a 2017 study by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research. Being a Muslim country, homosexuality is widely considered a taboo and often linked with prostitution. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The law is unclear on transgender rights, however. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Expats report that contrary to expectations, local residents warmly accept LGBTQIA+ people; social attitudes vary, however. As is the case elsewhere, LGBTQIA+ life tends to be concentrated around the major cities, particularly Toronto, Vancouver (often rated among the worlds best cities for expats), and Montreal. Dublin, Ireland. 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. You can also take a tour of the LGBTQI+-friendly gay village neighborhood of Montreal, Canada. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. Indonesia 3. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been outlawed since 2003, the year Belgium legalized same-sex marriage. The LGBTQ Rights and Opinion. Travelers experiences will vary heavily. Belgium has implemented penalty enhancements for hate crimes committed due to sexual orientation. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. Hong Kong, China. While the rest of the country is a bit more conservative, few incidents have been reported, and the warmth of the countrys Latin culture makes public affection widely acceptable. There is also a wide variety of bars, clubs, and gay saunas; this is possibly because of social pressures to conform to traditional heteronormative models. Other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Scheveningen have multiple gay-friendly clubs, bars, and restaurants. Attitudes and laws pertaining to LGBTQ+ lives may also evolve. New Zealand has a reasonably sized scene that extends across the country. Fortunately for the aspiring expat, there's a wealth of countries where it's safe to work and live out, as you'll see from Expatiation's list of the to. Look no further than Madrid's Pride Festival to understand the city's legacy status within the LGBTQ community. 1. Besides Oslo, cities like Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen are referred to as a few of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. 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. 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. 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. Every year, InterNationsthe world's largest expat communitypolls expats around the globe to find out the best and worst places to live. It has also enacted laws that specifically protect the rights of intersex people. Heres what we found: We love Portugal and were happy to see it pop up on the list. Here are eight of the safest countries for Black LGBTQIA+ travelers. Now for Madridthe beating heart of gay Spain and arguably one of the world's most gay-friendly cities. Adoption by same-sex couples has been legalized in the country. Most expats were also satisfied with the state of the local economy (85% vs. 62% globally). Berlin, Germany. 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 . Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Same-sex expat couples living in Spain have a number of legal rights when they register their partnership. According to the Anholt-GMI "National Brands Index . However, the scene extends to Rosario, Crdoba, Mar del Plata, and Mendoza in the center of the Argentine wine country. 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. Same-sex marriages account for 2.5% of all weddings in Belgium. 3. 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. The country also has some of the strongest protections for trans people anywhere. The Kirchberg district in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. While we were hoping to avoid winter entirely, Portugal has a Mediterranean climate and has very mild winters. 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. Couples enjoy the same rights as opposite-sex couples; they can adopt, and lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization. One drawback not the most economical place to retire. Founded in Lisbon almost 40 . 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.". A few years ago, we started spending winters in Singapore. Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. 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. 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. Same-sex couples are eligible to apply for joint adoption. Same-sex couples in Portugal can adopt children owing to the legalization of adoption for gay marriage in 2016. 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.. Art, culture, food, history France has everything. 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. The city is home to an annual pride parade. 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. In 1981, the country was the first to introduce anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation. Mexico 2. Oslo, the capital of Norway, has various gay bars and venues and organizes a host of pride events. Contents hide. We also didnt research any countries in Africa because of the anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment/laws and the travel difficulties. In 2022, the . Subsequent polls show most Canadians agree that same-sex couples should have the equal parental rights. Spain is another of our favorite countries. Civic attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people are progressive, with a 2013 Pew survey noting that 80% of Canadians accept homosexuality. One that as an LGBT expat, you will be welcomed into with open arms. 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. Are these laws always enforced? As an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, Argentina has had a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene since its return to democracy in 1983. The only African country on this list, for now, South Africa also has an interesting relationship with the issue of gay rights. We have curated a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world for you. "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. Best and worst countries for expats. In 2010, it became the first country in Latin America and the tenth in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, a milestone for a Catholic country anywhere. Other cities like Stavanger and Troms also have large LGBT communities. Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. In 2015, Bettel became the first European Union leader to wed a same-sex partner. Eventually, the country progressed to decriminalizing homosexuality in the year 1982. There was, however, widespread agreement that those who live together should enjoy legal protections. Homosexuality, gay marriage, adoption, and gay marriage are legal in the Netherlands. Belgian citizens have the right to change their legal gender. Thailand. Furthermore, Mar del Plata, Rosario and Mendoza are also recommended gay friendly destinations. Paris. Since 2009, the country has recognized and legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights for LGBT people. Filled with LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more, the capital city of Helsinki has an incredible gay scene. Even given the empowerment of a Nomad Capitalist lifestyle, the journey can be complicated. 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. 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. In 2014, the Government of Finland legalized same-sex marriage. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Its also the home to more than 30 national parks, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and tango. Single individuals and couples, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy adoption rights, and lesbians may access in vitro fertilization treatment. Activists say more must be done regarding intersex rights. Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. It has also given full rights to adopt children, earning a reputation among the most advanced in the world for gay rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the Scandinavian country since 2009, and anti-LGBTQ discrimination has been banned since the 80s. Portugal was one of the first European countries to approve gay marriage in 2010, and the Portuguese constitution bans discrimination of LGBTQ people. However, most nomads do not find themselves in these countries anyway for reasons unrelated to this issue, and most (particularly Western expat) nomads would not be subject to those conditions anyway. Pro Tip: Unfortunately, a downside to retiring in Slovenia is that residents are taxed globally.