These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. According to the ILGA report, the countrys anti-LGBT laws are considered some of the most forward-looking legal interventions in Europe. Afghanistan . Dubai: a glamorous train station. Youll need to speak (or learn) Spanish to get around easily in Ecuador. 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. While we spent most of the last 25 years based primarily in the United States, we hail from different countries. The government in Finland recognized homosexuality in 1971, and ten years later, it was removed as a registered illness from government records. 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. Consequently, Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly places in South America. 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. French Polynesia is a group of six archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean, located in Oceania about halfway between South America and Australia. Gay pride in Spain is unparalleled by any other country in Europe. This prompted our search for the best LGBTQ+ places to retire internationally. Same-sex couples may adopt children and arrange IVF or surrogacy. We'll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe. 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. As the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, the Netherlands has an emotional connection with LGBTQIA+ people. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. In general, Belgium displays an extremely high level of homosexual acceptance. As an expat or digital nomad, there are certainly many places in Europe that stand out. In addition to all these attractions, Helsinki also hosts the countrys most popular pride parade, which annually sees more than 100,000 visitors. Taipei has one of Asias most dynamic LGBTQIA+ scenes, with a wide range of options for lesbians and gay men. # Countries : WCIL RANK: Cost of Living vs USA: Cost of Living vs . 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. 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. The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 77% of Belgians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% disagreed. The city is also very welcoming to expats and has a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. Photo by Flo Karr via Unsplash. In May 2019, a local pastor also moved the High Court, arguing that the ban hinders his congregations freedom to worship. Moreover, the attractive tax policy of Malta adds to the impact that Malta can offer for LGBT Nomad Capitalists. Donate to the UN Refugee Agencytoday. first countries in the world to legalize gay marriage. The region is very easily reached from the U.S. Hurricane season was one drawback in this area. Americas northern neighbor legalized same-sex marriage back in 2005, and the countrys new prime minister is openly LGBTQ-friendly. The city is home to an annual pride parade. Here are InterNations' best and worst places for expats to live in 2022: The Top 10. Ecuador offers many seniors perks, including subsidized public transport. Pride parades, in particular, have been widespread since at least 2012, with more than a dozen annual events. Lisbon, Portugal. Malta has consistently ranked number one on the ILGA-Europe listing of countries promoting LGBT rights legislation since 2015. Nonetheless, cohabiting same-sex couples enjoy some protections under local domestic violence laws. The reception of gay travelers and expats varies according to the region of Portugal. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Ireland is a great place to move if you're looking for a reasonable cost of living and a welcoming . According to Numbeo, Croatia's crime score is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. Even with all the struggle the community put in, homosexuality wasn't decriminalized until eight years later. The Kirchberg district in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. 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. The country is also progressive when it comes to trans rights; Taiwan plans on introducing a third gender on government documents in 2020. Reggie could have entered the country alone. We did. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The Nordic island nation was also the first country in the world with an openly gay head of government -- Jhanna Sigurardttir, who served as prime minister from 2009-2013. Owing to all these interventions, Canada is often called the most gay-friendly country in the world. Best places for expats to live in the UAE. 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. The country is frequently noted as having one of the best gay rights records in the world and rights include protections for transgender individuals. 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. France does not have a retirement visa, so this knocked it off the list. Retirees can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit renewable annually for 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence. For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. In fact, Canada is considered to be one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. 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. Portugal: the best destination for remote workers and digital nomads. There are tons of historical and cultural attractions to keep you busy. 10. 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. You can skip our detailed analysis of the expat community and go directly to the 10 Best Countries for Expats. 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. Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. It's a place where you can live the fullest expression of who you are without fear of persecution or discrimination. 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. Though the country doesn't legally recognize same-sex couples, Thailand is extremely accepting. 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. Individuals from the transgender community have been given legal permission to change their gender on official documents without undergoing sex reassignment surgery. In addition to this, the country has also given lesbian couples access to artificial insemination. LGBT people have access to a variety of rights such as gay marriage and adoption. In a 2013 poll by the University of Hong Kong, 33.3% of respondents supported same-sex marriage, with 43% opposed. Here are ten countries where LGBT rights are most threatened. Unfortunately, many countries in Asia have anti-LGBTQ+ laws or other political issues that knocked them out of consideration. Courtesy Of: Julius Silver. 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. For a Catholic country, Spain is extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly. Vietnam. Here's the top ten cities in Europe where you get the most from your money. As one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries to live in, Canada has multiple bars, venues, and events for the LGBTQ community to explore. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. D7 vs. Golden Visa Portugal: Which One Is Right for You? John Powell, once a purchasing agent in New York, moved to Hanoi in 2014. Sweden is tied with the Netherlands because of their long history of sexual toleration and current openness for LGBTQ rights. Canadian citizens have been permitted to change their gender prior to any gender reassignment surgery. 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. Here are the most gay-friendly countries that can also satisfy the needs of a Nomad Capitalist. To achieve that, its important to know where in the world to look for the best lifestyle and best options for gay expats. The country legalized same-sex sexual activity in 1969. Children can change their gender. As the only African country to legalize same-sex marriage, the Rainbow Nation is an inspiration. To make the decision easier, Expatica shortlisted the top LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats. Same-sex couples enjoy equal tax and inheritance rights. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. 12 - Italy. Sue -- a native New Yorker -- and Regina -- a native Singaporean -- share their experiences at Travel for Life Now. The country ranks highly for sunshine hours (2250 per year), and how simple it is to pop back to the UK (or, more likely to have your friends and family come to see you!) 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. Since we were interested in being somewhere between Singapore and the East Coast of the U.S., we first began looking at European locations. 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. 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. Despite having an LGBTQIA+ friendly government, the LGBTQIA+ scene is not as well developed in Malta as it is other European countries, with relatively fewer dedicated bars and cafs. 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. Portugal is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world. 10. Here are the top 10 cities for LGBT people to retire. 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. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. Portugal 5. Puerto Vallarta: An Expat Haven by the Sea. GLOBAL CITIZEN SOLUTIONS UNIPESSOAL LIMITADA | NIPC 516027212 AMI 17987 | . Skip to table start. Australian citizens or permanent residents may be able to sponsor a partners visa. In May 1974, the "Diario de Lisboa" published a manifesto for the Liberation of sexual minorities, which lead to the establishment of the Portuguese LGBT movement. Both Rio and Sao Paulo are in the top 50 LGBT cities list and, despite certain complications one may experience with more conservative individuals or outdated laws, the future-oriented Brazil is generally one that is attractive to a gay Nomad Capitalist. 74% are happy with their work-life . Canada has the most progressive and comprehensive rights for the LGBTQ community in North America. Another LGBTQ+-friendly country, Israel also doesnt have a retirement visa. A picturesque landscape coupled with progressive LGBTQI+ rights makes Finland one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries. Malta was one of the first nations in the world to prohibit sterilization and invasive surgery on intersex individuals. LGBTQ culture has influenced much of Spain's art, whether through the writing of Federico Garca Lorca or the films of Pedro Almodvar. Finally, in 1999, the first gay pride march took place in Lisbon. Bahrain: laidback lifestyle, best for wage growth. All have significant Expat populations, and many rank on lists of the best places to live for Expats. Belgian citizens have the right to change their legal gender. Apart from married couples and civil partners, single individuals (including single LGBT people) also have the right to adopt children. Ireland is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. The country has a non-lucrative visa and initial one-year residence permit also known as the retirement visa. Indonesia 3. Former Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen also participated in the pride events held in the country. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling . . The Netherlands is considered the most gay-friendly country in the world, according to Gallup, and it was also the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2000. Mexico 2. 3. While Buenos Aires tops the list of gay-friendly cities, Uruguay has been ranked as the most gay-friendly country in South America several years in a row by Americas Quarterly. 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. Further to registered partnerships, the country legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. In 2013, for example, 80% of Canadians (compared with just 60% of Americans) said that society should accept homosexuality. Like other Nordic nations, Norway has been acknowledged as one of the safest countries for LGBTQ to live in. Berlin is on the rise, but remains surprisingly affordable for a major European capital. The rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ political parties notwithstanding, Spain is one of the most culturally liberal places for gay people. 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. Auckland, New Zealand. To ensure the same rights for the LGBT community as heterosexual couples, the Icelandic government decriminalized same-sex sexual activity in 1940.