Lisbon has the best gay scene in the country, gay-friendly bars, cultural centers, and hotels; you name it, the city has it. With its good track record on gay rights, Ireland is a welcoming place for LGBT nomads looking to set up a base. Single individuals and couples, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy adoption rights, and lesbians may access in vitro fertilization treatment. The 2019 Eurobarometer public opinion poll said that 74 percent of the Portuguese people supported same-sex marriage. Besides the usual decisions such as career impact or healthcare quality, gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex, and transgender individuals often have to consider more severe consequences. 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. Spain was also one of the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2005. 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. Founded in Lisbon almost 40 . We must put our adopted country on top of the list. 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. Antwerp (Antwerpen) had the edgier and more forward-thinking community, but Brussels has shed its bourgeois image in recent years. To achieve that, its important to know where in the world to look for the best lifestyle and best options for gay expats. Although an LGBTQIA+ friendly country, the Netherlands fares worse than its neighbors regarding hate crime and speech and conversion therapy remains legal. The most progressive country when it comes to liberation and freedom, France, is one of the best countries for gay expats. Also, cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege are a few places that you shouldnt miss. 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. Reggie could have entered the country alone. 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. Retirees can apply for a one-year temporary residence permit renewable annually for 5 years, after which you can apply for permanent residence. Paris. Also, Italy is the most affordable place to live out of our top 12. Despite having a tiny population, Iceland is culturally liberal and has one of the liveliest gay scenes. This expat guide is all about pros and cons of living in Belize. Here's the top ten cities in Europe where you get the most from your money. Here are InterNations' best and worst places for expats to live in 2022: The Top 10. As a result, their sexual orientation or gender identity might open them up to harassment or persecution. In May 2019, a local pastor also moved the High Court, arguing that the ban hinders his congregations freedom to worship. Gay travelers will find extensive gay clubs, bars, hotels, and other institutions around gay culture in Ireland and can also enjoy the numerous tax benefits and EU residency that Ireland and the Irish passport confer if one chooses to seek that route. In this article, we take a look at the 10 best countries for expats. Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. They must prove an exclusive relationship, sufficient income, and pass the integration exam. Another LGBTQ+-friendly country, Israel also doesnt have a retirement visa. Getty Images. Taiwan. The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 77% of Belgians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% disagreed. Malta was one of the first nations in the world to prohibit sterilization and invasive surgery on intersex individuals. The entire world is not downtown Amsterdam or a gay bar in Madrid or Tel Aviv. The government in Iceland has included sexual orientation in the nations anti-discrimination laws. 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. Envision yourself knocking back cava with your husband on a terrace in Madrid? Pride parades, in particular, have been widespread since at least 2012, with more than a dozen annual events. Although the countrys 2012 and 2015 Social Change Surveys found a slight majority in favor of legalization, a 2018 referendum won only 25% of all votes. Cape Town has a reputation for the best gay scene in Africa; it hosts plenty of summer events, including Mother City Queer Project and Cape Town Pride. Argentina is as pro-immigration as it is gay-friendly. This was followed by the legalization of adoption rights for same-sex couples. 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. There are 24 LGBT Friendly Places in Germany like Berlin, Dresden and Munich with an average cost of living of $3,921/month, internet speeds up to 80 Mbps and temperatures ranging from -1C to 5C. Burn says that it is among their most popular destinations at the agency. For gay nomads visiting Argentina, the capital city of Buenos Aires has a bustling gay scene with plenty of friendly bars and hotels. With its liberal policies and relatively welcoming attitudes to immigration, Canada has long attracted LGBTQIA+ individuals from abroad. Portugal is a favorite of ours here at Nomad Capitalist for its friendliness towards investors and relative ease of achieving EU residence and potential for zero tax through non-habitual residence. However, gay travelers should definitely stay vigilant, especially those whose identities may be more of a target and put them in physical or political danger. Same-sex couples cannot apply for public housing or enjoy their partners pension benefits. Canada protects its LGBTQ community from discrimination based on sexual orientation. 9. 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. One of our favorite destinations in Europe, France is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in Europe if not the world. In all, International Living correspondents have highlighted 13 gay-friendly destinations in Europe, Latin America and Southeast Asiaideal for vacation or retirement. Since 2009, the country has recognized and legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights for LGBT people. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the expat community, go directly to the 25 Best . 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. 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 . In general, Belgium displays an extremely high level of homosexual acceptance. Owing to all these interventions, Canada is often called the most gay-friendly country in the world. 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. 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. 18 STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING YOUR PLAN B. A bonus would be if it were easy to travel to from the U.S. and Singapore. Consequently, Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly places in South America. Yes, there are still as many as a dozen nations for which someone can get the death penalty for homosexuality. Netherlands. Anti-discrimination laws are also fairly weak. Many aspects of the country including its friendly people and English competency make it easy to do business, get urban amenities, and live a high standard of living for much lower costs than someone might be used to in the Western world. Same-sex marriage isnt possible in Aruba, Curaao, and Sint Maarten, however. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Also no. Uruguay is one of South America's most LGBTQ-friendly countries, and it is ranked among Gallup's best countries in the world for gays and lesbians. Other cities like Stavanger and Troms also have large LGBT communities. Being the very first country in the world to legalize same-sex unions through registered partnerships back in 1989, Denmark truly has evolved into being a progressive and LGBTQ-friendly nation. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. You only need to show proof of $18,000 annual income which reflects its low cost of living. 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. This could change following the Hong Kong High Courts January 2019 agreement to hear two separate challenges to the territorys ban on same-sex marriage. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been outlawed since 2003, the year Belgium legalized same-sex marriage. The Kirchberg district in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. Besides bars, clubs, and cafs, Taiwan hosts a gay beach, two popular gay hot springs, and even a cruisy gay bookshop. Rents outside of major cities are even lower. Now for Madridthe beating heart of gay Spain and arguably one of the world's most gay-friendly cities. 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. Over 75% of New Zealanders accept homosexuality. 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. All of this got us thinking. Some of the most well-known bars to check out are G-Bar and Oscar. The dollar goes a long way with prices being at least 20 percent lower than in the U.S. Belgium has implemented penalty enhancements for hate crimes committed due to sexual orientation. Unfortunately, many countries in Asia have anti-LGBTQ+ laws or other political issues that knocked them out of consideration. Bruges (Brugge), Ghent (Gent), Lige, and Ostend (Oostende) all have an active gay nightlife. Its also the home to more than 30 national parks, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and tango. # Countries : WCIL RANK: Cost of Living vs USA: Cost of Living vs . Uruguay legalized gay marriage in 2013 and has also focused on transgender rights. Same-sex couples in Portugal can adopt children owing to the legalization of adoption for gay marriage in 2016. If you decide to stay for a while, an Argentine passport is one of the best passports in the world. Same-sex couples can adopt or use surrogacy services. Like other Nordic nations, Norway has been acknowledged as one of the safest countries for LGBTQ to live in. Speaking of safety, you can tag Croatia as the best European country to live in because of its low crime rate. 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. Transgender rights include permission for people to change their gender on the basis of self-determination. In particular, Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2009 and is still the only place in the country to do so. Its free. We did. Dublin, Ireland. Portugal. Most gay travel blogs will warn travelers and nomads to steer clear of certain regions as the worst countries in the world for gay people. French Polynesia. 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. The U.S. and Singapore. Canada has the most progressive and comprehensive rights for the LGBTQ community in North America. The visa requirements that we list are current as of now but could change in the future. Cities outside of the major ones will have lower cost of living. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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.. Homosexuals also serve openly in the military. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. According to Numbeo, Croatia's crime score is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. The Auckland, New Zealand skyline on May 28, 2015, Aerial view of Johannesburg, South Africa, Jose Fuste Raga / JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images. Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. Scandinavia is the most liberal region in the world - by far. Courtesy Of: Julius Silver. If you are traveling to Spain, make sure to visit Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. Not only are certain financial decisions complicated (e.g., marriage, taxes, partnerships, medical choices), but there can be social pressures not experienced by non-LGBT people that need to be addressed. 3. Dublin, Ireland. Homosexuality is still a criminal act in many countries, and there are a number of places where LGBTQIA+ rights are eroding. No. A number of LGBTQ advocates threatened to leave the US should Donald Trump be elected. 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. Hundreds of couples have since tied the knot, although same-sex marriage is restricted to couples where at least one partner is Taiwanese. 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. In 2015, Bettel became the first European Union leader to wed a same-sex partner. 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). Nonetheless, cohabiting same-sex couples enjoy some protections under local domestic violence laws. Pride parades have been organized since the early seventies, and today there are at least six different major events each year. Here are the most gay-friendly countries that can also satisfy the needs of a Nomad Capitalist. French Polynesia is a group of six archipelagos in the South Pacific Ocean, located in Oceania about halfway between South America and Australia. Whether you prefer the city streets of Dublin or rocky cliffs of Donegal, Ireland ranks as one of the best countries for expats this year. Home Ultimate Guides The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. The beautiful city of Lisbon has some of the most attractive, fun, and gay-friendly neighborhoods for LGBT people. They love Street Art, LGBTQ+ travel, Asia (especially Singapore), local food, and the search for local travel experiences around the world.