Its also the home to more than 30 national parks, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires and tango. 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. Famed for its tulips, windmills, and revolutionary football - plus its 23 million bicycles, which outnumber people - the Netherlands is the second-best place in the world for women. People from the LGBTQ+ community are allowed to serve openly in the Danish armed forces. The law is unclear on transgender rights, however. A place that was LGBTQ-friendly, relatively inexpensive, politically stable, with good medical care, and that offered retirement visas? Since 1982, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms has guaranteed fundamental human rights to the LGBTQIA+ community. Opposite sides of the world. This article was written by Nomad Capitalist contributor Brian Greco, an experienced gay traveler, cultural explorer, and free-market advocate. Pro Tip: Unfortunately, a downside to retiring in Slovenia is that residents are taxed globally. Information about same-sex relationships is included in sex education in the country. Privacy Policy and Cookie PolicyNomad Capitalist and Go Where Youre Treated Best are registered trademarks. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. 18 STEPS TO IMPLEMENTING YOUR PLAN B. 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. 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. There are NO gay communities. New Orleans, Louisiana. The spaces mentioned above embody one of the secrets of LGBTQ life in not-so-friendly places the communities are usually quite bonded and highly supportive of one another, making Georgia, at least in safe bubbles, one of the most gay friendly places in Eastern Europe. In 2006, Sitges unveiled the countrys first LGBTQIA+ monument to commemorate a 1996 police crackdown on gay men at the beach at night. John Powell, once a purchasing agent in New York, moved to Hanoi in 2014. 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. Moreover, the attractive tax policy of Malta adds to the impact that Malta can offer for LGBT Nomad Capitalists. Portugal: the best destination for remote workers and digital nomads. Now for Madridthe beating heart of gay Spain and arguably one of the world's most gay-friendly cities. The skyline of central Brussels, Belgium. Same-sex couples are eligible to apply for joint adoption. Single individuals and couples, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy adoption rights, and lesbians may access in vitro fertilization treatment. You can also take a tour of the LGBTQI+-friendly gay village neighborhood of Montreal, Canada. Ireland. Here are some of the most gay-friendly countries you can live, work and invest in if you belong to the LGBT community. Johannesburg, too, has a wide and inclusive scene; several smaller towns also have gay bars or events. In addition, we address the best LGBT-friendly destinations featured in our brand-new, just-released 2015 Retire Overseas Index. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. LGBT History & Rights in Portugal. 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. There are tons of historical and cultural attractions to keep you busy. Transgender rights include permission for people to change their gender on the basis of self-determination. 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. 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. Of those, Seattle, Portland, and Oakland have the best le. 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. You will only need to prove income equal to Slovenias basic monthly income of $1,000. Las Lajas beach in the Coronado beaches area in Panama. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The entry requirements are simple: a pensioner visa showing just $10,000 in income and being in possession of private health insurance. New Zealand's constitution is LGBT friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. Panama, for example, made same-sex adoption illegal in March 2021. Its important to vacation in places where locals are welcoming and friendly: Sue Davies and Regina Ang live in both the New York area and Singapore. What was once a small village on Mexico's Pacific Coast is now a major international resort, with an urban area that runs for nearly 30 miles along the shore of Banderas Bay. Portugal 5. 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!) However, 24% of South Africans believe that people in same-sex relationships are criminals. May is generally Pride Month across the Kingdom, with Brussels hosting the biggest parade. 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 . Our, The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. High quality of life and healthcare services are a bonus. Puerto Vallarta has been an expat haven for over 60 years. Crimes recorded in this country are not usually violent. Transgender rights are highly advanced in Belgium, where individuals may change their legal gender without surgery. The U.S. and Singapore. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We recommend consulting with your tax accountants about the implications before making any plans. 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. New Zealand and France banned conversion therapy in early 2022. These groups not only accepted the third gender, but also treated male, female, transgender, and intersex people as equal. Singapore, Singapore. 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. 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. Partners of expats may apply for either a spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. 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. Public attitudes to the LGBTQIA+ community have changed radically over the past decade. After three years, you can apply for permanent residency. 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. Home Ultimate Guides The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. There are still laws on the books in more countries that restrict the freedomssexual, marital, and otherwiseof LGBT individuals. We have curated a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world for you. Oslo, the capital of Norway, has various gay bars and venues and organizes a host of pride events. The country is frequently noted as having one of the best gay rights records in the world and rights include protections for transgender individuals. Norway is said to be among the most trans-friendly countries and has one of the best gay scenes in the world. As gay nomads, it is important to respect those nuances. With progressive anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ community, Belgium has been hailed as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in 2023. Further to registered partnerships, the country legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. If you belong to the LGBT community and are interested in relocating to an LGBTQ-friendly nation, the above list will help you to decide. 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. In 1981, the country was the first to introduce anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation. Bhutan decriminalized homosexual activity in January 2021. English is widely spoken, and Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe. The residence permit may be renewed for 2 years twice after which you will be eligible for the long duration residence. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. Ecuador is another of our favorite countries. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. Since 2009, the country has recognized and legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights for LGBT people. Was there another place in the world where we could both live? The country is historical, full of charm, progressive, and affordable. We'll share our top picks in this guide to the best places to live in Europe. The flatlands ranked 12th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019. Public health care is ranked fifth in the world by WHO, and if desired, private health insurance is very economical. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Or, just have fun imagining and let your mind go on a journey. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The Netherlands is a new entrant on our 2022 list, reflecting its progressive attitude and rapid economic recovery from a pandemic-induced turndown. They love Street Art, LGBTQ+ travel, Asia (especially Singapore), local food, and the search for local travel experiences around the world. 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. Argentina's thriving LGBT scene attracts over 445,000 LGBT tourists every year and the Queer Tango Festival is a highlight for many. Singapore doesnt recognize gay marriage. 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. Berlin, Germany. 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. The government announced that people may change their legal gender without surgery; no policy is in place, however. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1795, when the country was a French territory. Berlin is on the rise, but remains surprisingly affordable for a major European capital. New Zealand. From its Adriatic shores to the mountains and cities, this central European country is fast becoming a retirement destination. The rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ political parties notwithstanding, Spain is one of the most culturally liberal places for gay people. Spain ranked 11th in Europe for same-sex rights in 2019, with full equality at about 60%. Are you someone who belongs to the LGBT community and are planning to relocate? Well send our best articles, videos, and exclusive content right to your inbox. COVID paused that last year. Same-sex marriages account for 2.5% of all weddings in Belgium. Besides bars, clubs, and cafs, Taiwan hosts a gay beach, two popular gay hot springs, and even a cruisy gay bookshop. The country is staunchly Catholic, and believes in heterosexual relationships, just like the language has male and female. Argentina legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, becoming the first country in Latin America to do so. Rents outside of major cities are even lower. 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. Same-sex marriage isnt possible in Aruba, Curaao, and Sint Maarten, however. Ireland is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. In addition, abortion is extremely restricted in Poland. In 2005, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jos Luis Rodrguez Zapatero, Spain legalized same-sex marriage and ensured adoption rights. A picturesque landscape coupled with progressive LGBTQI+ rights makes Finland one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries. 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. Civil marriage officiants cannot refuse same-sex couples. Though they may work for an LGBTQIA+ friendly organization, national laws can force expats to stay in or return to the closet. Filled with LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more, the capital city of Helsinki has an incredible gay scene. Children can change their gender. Dutch LGBTQIA+ support groups have a countrywide network; there are also specific organizations that support refugees. 2nd. 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. Amsterdam has a reputation as a very LGBT-friendly city. 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 . 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.