Paris. 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. Residents believe more conversations about LGBTQIA+ issues are necessary. Envision yourself knocking back cava with your husband on a terrace in Madrid? 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. Only gays in the community. 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. France was ranked #21 on HSBC's list of best countries for expats, but Paris in particular boasts an incredibly active LGBTQ community, particularly . They love Street Art, LGBTQ+ travel, Asia (especially Singapore), local food, and the search for local travel experiences around the world. Residential properties stand on the city skyline in Reykjavik, Iceland, on April 7, 2016. Gay South Africa competitions. 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. Rents outside of major cities are even lower. 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. Canadian citizens have been permitted to change their gender prior to any gender reassignment surgery. 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. 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. New Zealands history of tolerance goes back to pre-colonial Mori times, although British colonization resulted in anti-sodomy laws. Apart from married couples and civil partners, single individuals (including single LGBT people) also have the right to adopt children. You are only required to pay taxes on capital gains and any income derived from Maltese sources. For such a small nation that is still relatively unvisited by the traditional tourist track, Malta has advanced LGBT rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Christophe Morin / Bloomberg via Getty Images. All rights reserved. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Wondering which countries are doing so? Among this openness is one of the most thriving gay communities on the continent and a great gay life in the capital city of Brussels, as well as a generally pro-business and pro-foreigner environment. 9. Travelers experiences will vary heavily. According to Numbeo, Croatia's crime score is 17.97 out of 100, and its average safety score is 84.2 out of 100. Between them they've traveled to all seven continents (including Sue's dream trip to Antarctica) and more than 50 countries. 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. Follow NBC OUT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The country is also progressive when it comes to trans rights; Taiwan plans on introducing a third gender on government documents in 2020. Check out the cheapest places in the world to live for Expats. 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. "France is often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world," says Tuula Rampont, IL France Correspondent. New Zealand's constitution is LGBT friendly, offering several protections based on sexual orientation. Dutch LGBTQIA+ support groups have a countrywide network; there are also specific organizations that support refugees. Nearly 90% of the population accepting of homosexuality, according to the last Pew Research poll. Religious solemnizations of same-sex marriages have been performed since the 1960s. English is widely spoken, and Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe. Same-sex couples in Portugal have the same access to IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment as heterosexual couples living in the country. For a Catholic country, Spain is extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly. A 2017 poll found that 67% of South Africans agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should have equal rights; 17% disagreed. People from the LGBTQ+ community are allowed to serve openly in the Danish armed forces. And while the country had long been a socialist mess, it is improving these days, hopefully for good. They must prove an exclusive relationship, sufficient income, and pass the integration exam. In 2014, the Government of Finland legalized same-sex marriage. It is important to be oneself but also to remember to stay aware of all the goings-on in whatever country your nomadic lifestyle brings you to, and aim to look for the positive wherever one goes. Donate to the UN Refugee Agencytoday. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Its rentista program can be converted into a passport for longer stays. By criminalizing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace, educational institutions, and healthcare services, the Government of Finland does its utmost to protect its LGBTQ+ communities. However, people who want to change their gender legally must undergo medical treatment, surgical treatment, or hormone replacement therapy. For gay nomads visiting Argentina, the capital city of Buenos Aires has a bustling gay scene with plenty of friendly bars and hotels. The country is largely Roman Catholic. Most of the world still has a long way to go regarding acceptance for all kinds of differences, not limited only to LGBT people. 11. Here are InterNations' best and worst places for expats to live in 2022: The Top 10. Thats the main reason we didnt go in 2020. 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. Thanks to the 2012 Gender Identity Law, people may change their gender without facing medical interventions. 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. 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. Couples enjoy the same rights as opposite-sex couples; they can adopt, and lesbians have access to in vitro fertilization. Dubai is the best place for UK expats to live. So, retirement as an option in Singapore doesnt work. 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. Many cities also hold their own pride events, complete with participation from local politicians. Belize is known as the jewel in St Kitts and Nevis is a hidden treasure of the Caribbean sea. In fact, Canada is considered to be one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. It's a place where you can live the fullest expression of who you are without fear of persecution or discrimination. 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. Children can change their gender. 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. High-quality affordable private health care, a low crime rate, and a temperate climate round out the other criteria. Courtesy Of: Julius Silver. There is a limited awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity in the country. Discrimination of sexual orientation in employment and housing is illegal. People may change their gender legally without surgery. Like Spain, Malta requires a net worth of between $40,000-$45,000 and an annual income of over $27,000. Unmarried couples of any gender may adopt children jointly. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. However, 24% of South Africans believe that people in same-sex relationships are criminals. 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. Another LGBTQ+-friendly country, Israel also doesnt have a retirement visa. Filled with LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and more, the capital city of Helsinki has an incredible gay scene. Skip to table start. Homophobia remains a major challenge. In 2003, Belgium became the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The most progressive country when it comes to liberation and freedom, France, is one of the best countries for gay expats. 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. Our flagship service for entrepreneurs and investors, Use our decades of experience to invest in foreign real estate, Work exclusively with Mr. Andrew Henderson, Click here to see all our products and services. Civil servants may refuse to solemnize civil unions if they object on grounds of conscience, religion, or belief. 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. Portugal makes it easy to apply for a resident visa. You'll pay about 3 for a bottle of beer. Progressive laws, policies, and interventions coupled with a liberal public and political outlook guarantee the rights and freedom of the LGBTQI+ community. Homosexuality is still a criminal act in many countries, and there are a number of places where LGBTQIA+ rights are eroding. Best countries to live for expats. Argentina legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, becoming the first country in Latin America to do so. Owing to all these interventions, Canada is often called the most gay-friendly country in the world. The Gay Happiness Index (GHI) ranks Finland as the 12th happiest country for the gay community. May is generally Pride Month across the Kingdom, with Brussels hosting the biggest parade. Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 24, 2016. Inheritance tax is not levied on same-sex couples as well as their children and close relatives. Often voted one of the best places to be an expat, progressive New Zealand also has a great record on LGBTQIA+ rights. Besides Oslo, cities like Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen are referred to as a few of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. 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. The government in Finland recognized homosexuality in 1971, and ten years later, it was removed as a registered illness from government records. 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. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. Taiwan. No. Canada. Nonetheless, cohabiting same-sex couples enjoy some protections under local domestic violence laws. We have written before on cities to check out and not ignore if doing business here and gay and straight travelers alike may choose to take advantage of the opportunities in these growing Brazilian urban centers. This was the same year in which Croatian lawmakers passed "life partners" legislation, which gave same-sex couples similar rights to married . 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. Partners of expats may apply for either a spousal or life partner permit for South Africa. The Marais . Trans people can change their names and legal sex without surgery; those who elect to have surgery can use public healthcare coverage. Despite being heavily Catholic, Argentina was one of the earliest adopters of legalized same-sex marriage. Like Portugal, Spain has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters throughout most of the country. Belgium was also the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after the Netherlands. LGBTQ culture is also very visible in the Scandinavian country -- Pride in Oslo is one of Norway's largest events, and the city is also home to one of the world's best gay choirs. Johannesburg, too, has a wide and inclusive scene; several smaller towns also have gay bars or events. Now for Madridthe beating heart of gay Spain and arguably one of the world's most gay-friendly cities. The Belgian passport is one of the best in the world and the country is also one of the fastest places in the world to become a citizen, allowing dual citizenship as well. Discrimination on grounds of gender identity isnt explicitly outlawed. Working overseas brings many rewards, from the chance to experience new cultures to career advances. As early as 1981, Norway began to pass anti-discrimination laws protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community. Ireland is one of the best countries for Americans to move to. Spanish literature, music, and cinema frequently explore LGBTQIA+ themes. The majority of the society in Iceland is in support of same-sex marriage and the protection of LGBT rights. Setting an example to the world, former Prime Minister Jhanna Sigurardttir married novelist and playwright Jnna Lesdttir on the same day the law came into effect. 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. The Iberian Peninsula also ranked highly in . 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. Moreover, the attractive tax policy of Malta adds to the impact that Malta can offer for LGBT Nomad Capitalists. 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. As per a survey in 2021 by Ipsos, 84 percent of Belgian citizens were in support of same-sex marriage. The Auckland, New Zealand skyline on May 28, 2015, Aerial view of Johannesburg, South Africa, Jose Fuste Raga / JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images. United Arab Emirates . You are eligible for Portuguese citizenship after three years of marriage to a Portuguese permanent resident. 1. In 2001, the Netherlands became one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. According to a report in 2021 by the Williams Institute that surveyed people from across 175 countries, it was observed that the average acceptance level for the LGBTQ community has significantly increased since the 1980s. 4. Often cited as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world, Iceland takes pride in having liberal LGBT rights. 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. Trumps is the best-known LGBT club in Portugal. We did. At first, we focused on five countries Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Belize, and Portugal. Generally, these two countries are leading the way in South America for making gay rights and protections part of the political discussion and in doing so, opening their country not only to foreign tourists and the wealth of influx of gay travelers but also for nomads looking to settle there and/or seek citizenship. The 1996 constitution banned discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation; LGBTQIA+ people have been able to marry since 2007.