Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. 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. All taxpayers are covered by the countrys mandatory health insurance scheme, though you may choose to purchase private insurance to see your own physician and pay for prescriptions. 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. So if you are from the LGBTQ community and are planning to relocate to Norway, these cities should definitely be on your short-list. If you are planning to visit Canada and want to witness the vibe of its gay scene, make sure to be part of exciting events like the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, Vancouver Pride, and Tremblant Gay Ski Week, amongst others. Argentina is as pro-immigration as it is gay-friendly. Paris is one of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly cities. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Costa Rica is an excellent place for LGBTQ+ retirees. Visit our blog: Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide, to learn more about the countrys progressive stance regarding LGBTQ rights. 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. Photo by Flo Karr via Unsplash. 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!) You only need to show proof of $18,000 annual income which reflects its low cost of living. Lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization treatments. IE 11 is not supported. Malta is a small archipelago with only five islands located in the Mediterranean off the southern coast of Italy. Spanish literature, music, and cinema frequently explore LGBTQIA+ themes. You'll pay about 3 for a bottle of beer. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. Copyright 2012-2023, Nomad Capitalist Limited. 4. 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. 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. Answer (1 of 25): In many nations, homosexuality remains a criminal act, and there are a number of locations where LGBT+ rights are being eroded. LGBTQ activism ramped up in the 1990s with the Spanish Gay Rights Movement, which helped modernize world-famous cities like Barcelona. Dublin, Ireland. A bonus would be if it were easy to travel to from the U.S. and Singapore. Later in 1999, the capital city of Lisbon witnessed the countrys very first pride parade. From strategic citizenship planning to real estate overseas, Nomad Capitalist has helped 1,000+ high-net-worth clients double their personal and financial freedom. Canada was also listed as number three of the top 10 most gay-friendly countries worldwide in a 2014 Gallup survey. 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. At first, we focused on five countries Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Belize, and Portugal. Argentina legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, becoming the first country in Latin America to do so. 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. This article was written by Nomad Capitalist contributor Brian Greco, an experienced gay traveler, cultural explorer, and free-market advocate. People from the LGBTQ+ community are allowed to serve openly in the Danish armed forces. We also had concerns about Chinas relationship with Taiwan and its implications. 1. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Pro Tip: Unfortunately, a downside to retiring in Slovenia is that residents are taxed globally. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. With progressive anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ community, Belgium has been hailed as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in 2023. Photo: Milan Gonda /Shutterstock. From literature, cinema and television, to politics and sports, you will come across LGBTQI+ references in all of them. Sometimes, all you need Have options so that no one government controls you or your wealth. Religious solemnizations of same-sex marriages have been performed since the 1960s. And while the country had long been a socialist mess, it is improving these days, hopefully for good. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The only African country on this list, for now, South Africa also has an interesting relationship with the issue of gay rights. 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. 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. 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. Belgium has a large and well-developed LGBTQIA+ scene that caters to a diverse range of orientations and preferences. High quality of life and healthcare services are a bonus. The city is home to an annual pride parade. This country is no stranger to conflict in the region both on a religious and political basis and its society general seeks to uphold the rights of LGBT individuals even despite some tensions that might be felt with more orthodox/conservative religious influences. Antwerp (Antwerpen) had the edgier and more forward-thinking community, but Brussels has shed its bourgeois image in recent years. 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). Canada is also home to Vancouver and Toronto, two of the worlds best cities for expats, according to a recent report. LGBTQIA+ people have been able to serve openly in the military since 2002. Here are the most gay-friendly countries that can also satisfy the needs of a Nomad Capitalist. Name(Required) Email(Required) The cities of Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City are very gay friendly. Answer (1 of 6): The U.S. can be a good country for trans people, but it depends heavily on where you live. Here, Brits can enjoy warm weather, a strong economy with plenty of job opportunities and an active outdoor lifestyle when it's not too hot. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom stands for equal rights for the LGBT community. Home Ultimate Guides The Ten Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World. Many cities also hold their own pride events, complete with participation from local politicians. The gay scene extends well beyond Amsterdam, however, with bars, saunas, and cinemas in several Dutch cities, including Rotterdam, The Hague (Den Haag), Amersfoort, Enschede, and Groningen. The country that invented K-Pop, K-barbeque, K-beauty, and 24-hour jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses) draws expats wanting to take part in this living and breathing epicenter of popular culture. Please note that you have to apply for residency before this procedure. Same-sex marriage was legalized in France in 2013. Or, just have fun imagining and let your mind go on a journey. The visa requirements that we list are current as of now but could change in the future. If you move around the world by choice, consider helping those forced from their homes by conflict. France does not have a retirement visa, so this knocked it off the list. High-quality affordable private health care, a low crime rate, and a temperate climate round out the other criteria. English is widely spoken, and Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe. Filled with LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more, the capital city of Helsinki has an incredible gay scene. 6/27/2018 09:48 EST. The Netherlands is a new entrant on our 2022 list, reflecting its progressive attitude and rapid economic recovery from a pandemic-induced turndown. 74% of the population has a positive attitude towards homosexuality and bisexuality. Taiwan 4. Expats can marry in Belgium if one partner has been living there for at least three months. Sharing borders with Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Hungary, Slovenia is a beautiful country with many castles and caves. There are still laws on the books in more countries that restrict the freedomssexual, marital, and otherwiseof LGBT individuals. With its liberal policies and relatively welcoming attitudes to immigration, Canada has long attracted LGBTQIA+ individuals from abroad. The Marais . In 2006, Sitges unveiled the countrys first LGBTQIA+ monument to commemorate a 1996 police crackdown on gay men at the beach at night. D7 vs. Golden Visa Portugal: Which One Is Right for You? Thats the main reason we didnt go in 2020. Same-sex marriage in Spain has been legal since 2005. Hong Kong Pride is held each November and attracts an estimated 10,000 people. Also, the nightlife in this French neighborhood is vibrant. Founded in Lisbon almost 40 . Also no. Skip to table start. New Orleans, known for its historic French Quarter, is a "haven" for the LBGT community due to its "abundance . Spain is another of our favorite countries. Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. It has been an LGBTQIA+ tourist destination since the early 2000s, with its Queer Tango festival among the major highlights. 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. 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. Though the Irish take their "wearing of the green" tradition seriously, they've accepted the colors of the LGBT community long ago and gay nomad expats all over the world will gladly confirm it. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. We wrote recently of our top recommendation for single women. According to the Anholt-GMI "National Brands Index . Around 86 percent of Spaniards were also in favor of recognizing same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples enjoy half the rights that heterosexual couples have. If we were a married straight couple, we could have entered Singapore after quarantining. As per a survey in 2021 by Ipsos, 84 percent of Belgian citizens were in support of same-sex marriage. Berlin is on the rise, but remains surprisingly affordable for a major European capital. The entry requirements are simple: a pensioner visa showing just $10,000 in income and being in possession of private health insurance. In 1981, the country was the first to introduce anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation. Although LGBTQIA+ people may not be legally hindered in their access to government services, campaigners say discrimination is widespread. The UK came in at number . 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. Norway is said to be among the most trans-friendly countries and has one of the best gay scenes in the world. If every country followed Denmark's lead, the future would look brighter - and much less pockmarked by catastrophic natural disasters. The most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries for expats, the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. Valletta, the capital city, is a must if you are looking to witness the gay scene in the country. Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock. Belgian citizens have the right to change their legal gender. Lisbon is without a doubt the best city for an LGBTQ+ person to live in. The government announced that people may change their legal gender without surgery; no policy is in place, however. 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. Trans adults can self-identify without a doctors statement. Taipei has one of Asias most dynamic LGBTQIA+ scenes, with a wide range of options for lesbians and gay men. Like other Nordic nations, Norway has been acknowledged as one of the safest countries for LGBTQ to live in. As early as 1981, Norway began to pass anti-discrimination laws protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community. In April 2019, Canada released a commemorative loonie (the one-dollar coin) to celebrate 50 years of the partial decriminalization of homosexuality. Singapore doesnt recognize gay marriage. 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. Among these individuals are many LGBT lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender travelers whose sexual orientation or gender identity is often not accepted by the society around them. Lisbon and Porto, as they are areas with the greatest diversity, are the ones where you will feel most comfortable expressing yourself. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. This prompted our search for the best LGBTQ+ places to retire internationally. 57% are positive about transgender people and gender diversity, according to a 2017 study by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research. 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. Back in 2001, The Netherlands became the first country to legalize gay marriage, as well as adoption rights. 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. 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 . Is Portugal a good place to live for LGBT expats? The country legalized same-sex sexual activity in 1969. Overall, the public is extremely supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community. Are you someone who belongs to the LGBT community and are planning to relocate? Opposite sides of the world. New Zealand. Countries like Russia have had their share of publicized issues around crime or blackmailing of LGBT individuals. Homosexuality is still a criminal act in many countries, and there are a number of places where LGBTQIA+ rights are eroding. People may change their gender legally without surgery. Crimes recorded in this country are not usually violent. Oftentimes, countries in Southeast Asia have an interesting relationship with the issue of homosexuality: While certain aspects of the culture are quite traditional and familial, there is often more room for differences of sexuality as well as gender, which have always been seen as sort of matter of fact. Get The Big To-Do The Netherlands also ranks in the top five countries in terms of same-sex couples as parents (number five . There are tons of historical and cultural attractions to keep you busy. The 2015 Eurobarometer found that 77% of Belgians thought same-sex marriage should be allowed throughout Europe, while 20% disagreed. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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. Belgium is at the heart of the European Union and is a friendly, multilingual country that comes with all the perks of European lifestyle and openness. Denmark has one of the most extensive sex education curricula that includes information about sexuality, sexual relationships, gender identity, and diversity. Its also possible for non-EU/EEA nationals who are authorized to stay in Belgium to sponsor their partners on a Belgian family reunification visa. In major cities and certain parts of the country like Douro, Lisbon, and the Algarve, English is widely spoken. 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. Portugal offers certain perks that make it more accessible to entrepreneurial people rather than its more bureaucratic neighbors, and its gay rights record and gay life in major cities like Lisbon and Porto is likewise vibrant. In terms of protecting LGBTQ rights, several countries in the world now work tirelessly to bring about a fundamental transformation. Amsterdam has a reputation as a very LGBT-friendly city. One person may face social harassment in a country with no anti-gay laws on the books, while another person may face unexpected welcome in a country whose customs are traditionally anti-gay but rarely or never enforced. LGBTQIA+ rights in Belgium are among the most progressive in the world; the country ranks second on the 2019 edition of ILGAs Rainbow Europe Index. Finally, in 1999, the first gay pride march took place in Lisbon. The Other Foundation reported that 51% of respondents in a survey on attitudes and gender non-conformity felt gay people should have the same human rights; 72% thought same-sex activity was morally wrong. Portugal. The government in Finland recognized homosexuality in 1971, and ten years later, it was removed as a registered illness from government records. While we spent most of the last 25 years based primarily in the United States, we hail from different countries. 3. 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. Transgender rights in Argentina are among the most advanced worldwide. Ireland is a great place to move if you're looking for a reasonable cost of living and a welcoming . In particular, Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2009 and is still the only place in the country to do so. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". France legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 and was the first country in the world to de-list transgender identification as a mental illness. Dutch LGBTQIA+ support groups have a countrywide network; there are also specific organizations that support refugees. It has also been a leader in enacting laws expanding transgender rights, including one passed in 2009 that allows trans people to change official documents to match their gender identity. France was ranked #21 on HSBC's list of best countries for expats, but Paris in particular boasts an incredibly active LGBTQ community, particularly . 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. 1. From Principe Real and Bairro Alto to Arroios and Cascais, there is an abundance of great places for the gay community in Portugal. Australian citizens or permanent residents may be able to sponsor a partners visa. The skyline of central Brussels, Belgium. Anti-discrimination laws are also fairly weak. 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.". Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Moreover, the attractive tax policy of Malta adds to the impact that Malta can offer for LGBT Nomad Capitalists. The small European nation also a great place for wine aficionados, as it is known for its white and sparkling wines. A view of the skyline in the Northern part of Dublin, Ireland, on April 19, 2015.