The most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world have progressive laws, policies, and interventions that guarantee the rights and freedom of the LGBTQ+ community. These countries have a liberal public and political outlook, ensuring acceptance and equality. According to a 2021 report by the Williams Institute, acceptance levels for the LGBTQ+ community have increased globally since the 1980s. Various countries have implemented anti-discrimination laws in education, workplaces, and society. If you belong to the LGBTQ+ community and are considering relocation, here is a curated list of the top ten LGBTQ+-friendly countries.

Top LGBTQ-Inclusive Nations

Discover the Most Welcoming Countries for the LGBTQ+ Community to Live, Work, and Invest In: 

Portugal

Portugal is considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world for individuals in relationships, marriages, or civil unions. The country's LGBTQ movement gained momentum after the Carnation Revolution in 1974, which brought about significant social, demographic, and economic changes. In 1982, homosexuality was decriminalized, and in 1999, Lisbon, the capital city, saw its first pride parade.

Rights for the LGBTQ community:

• Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010.
• Marriage visas have the same rules for same-sex and heterosexual couples.
• Portuguese citizenship is attainable after three years of marriage to a Portuguese permanent resident.
• Same-sex relationships, adoptions, and marriages are recognized and legalized.
• Inheritance tax does not apply to same-sex couples and their relatives.
• Same-sex couples can adopt children since 2016.
• IVF treatment is accessible for same-sex couples.

Key highlights for the LGBTQ community:

Lisbon, the beautiful capital city, has numerous attractive and gay-friendly neighborhoods such as Principe Real, Bairro Alto, Arroios, and Cascais. The city offers a vibrant gay scene with gay-friendly bars, cultural centers, and hotels. To learn more about Portugal's appeal as a safe place for LGBTQ expats, check out our article: 

"Is Portugal a good place to live for LGBT expats?" If you're considering relocating to Portugal, you can apply for the Portugal D7 Visa, which offers non-EU citizens the opportunity to become permanent residents in the country. For more information on the Portugal D7 Visa, read our article: "Portugal D7 Visa 2023."

Finland

Finland is a gay-friendly country known for its progressive outlook and policies protecting the LGBTQI+ community from discrimination. Homosexuality was recognized by the Finnish government in 1971, and it was later removed from government records as a registered illness.

Rights for the LGBTQ community:

• Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2014.
• Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been legalized.
• Access to IVF and artificial insemination has been available for same-sex couples since 2006.
• Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is criminalized.
• Finland has anti-LGBT laws considered among the most forward-looking in Europe.

Key highlights for the LGBTQ community:

Finland ranks 12th on the Gay Happiness Index (GHI), showcasing its LGBTQ-friendly environment. The country has cities that champion LGBTQ rights, with Helsinki being the capital and a hub of LGBTQ spaces, cafes, restaurants, and pride events. Other cities like Oulu, Jyväskylä, Turku, Tampere, Rovaniemi, and Lappeenranta also embrace the LGBTQ community and organize their own pride events. Finland's picturesque landscape combined with its progressive LGBTQI+ rights make it one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries.

Spain

Spain is renowned for its rich culture, history, and status as one of the most LGBT-safe countries globally, thanks to its anti-discrimination laws and policies.

Rights for the LGBTQ community:

• Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2005.
• Adoption rights for same-sex couples were ensured.
• Access to IVF treatment is available for lesbian couples and single women.
• Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is considered a criminal act.
• Transgender rights are protected, allowing preferred sex to be recognized on government documents without surgical transformation.
• Conversion therapy is banned.
• The majority of Spanish citizens support LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.

Key highlights for the LGBTQ community:

Spain celebrates LGBTQ culture across various aspects, including literature, cinema, television, politics, and sports. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada are LGBTQ tourism-friendly, featuring beautiful architecture, incredible eateries, gay bars, pubs, and friendly locals. Madrid's pride festival attracts millions of visitors and is one of the largest pride events globally, following New York and São Paulo.

Norway

Norway is recognized as one of the safest countries for LGBTQ individuals, sharing the Nordic region's reputation for LGBTQ inclusivity. Since 1981, Norway has implemented anti-discrimination laws protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community.

Rights for the LGBTQ community:

• Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009.
• Adoption rights are available for both married and committed same-sex couples.
• Transgender individuals can change their legal gender based on self-determination.
• Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression is prohibited.
• Intersex rights are specifically protected.

Key highlights for the LGBTQ community:

Norway is known for being trans-friendly and has a thriving gay scene. Oslo, the capital city, hosts Oslo Pride, the country's largest pride festival, spanning nine days in June and July. Other cities like Hemsedal, Trondheim, and Bergen are also considered gay-friendly, making them ideal for LGBTQ individuals looking to relocate.

Iceland

Iceland is frequently recognized as one of the most gay-friendly countries globally, with comprehensive LGBTQ rights. The country has a long-standing commitment to legal recognition and protection of LGBTQ individuals.

Rights for the LGBTQ community:

• Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 1940.
• Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010.
• Sexual orientation is protected under anti-discrimination laws.
• Same-sex relationships are included in sex education.
• Public support for same-sex marriage is strong.

Key highlights for the LGBTQ community:

Despite its small population, Iceland is culturally liberal and offers a vibrant gay scene. Reykjavík, the capital city, hosts major pride events and boasts gay bars, cafes, and venues that welcome the LGBTQ community. Iceland's recognition as a top gay wedding destination and its inclusion on lists of LGBTQ-friendly countries further solidify its reputation.

Belgium

Belgium is recognized as one of the leading countries for LGBTQ rights within the European Union. With progressive anti-discrimination legislation, the country fosters an LGBTQ-friendly environment.

Rights for the LGBTQ community:

• Same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1795.
• Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2003.
• Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been ensured since 2006.
• Lesbian couples have the right to opt for IVF treatment.
• Hate crimes based on sexual orientation have penalty enhancements.
• Legal gender change is allowed.
• Open service in the armed forces is permitted for LGBTQ individuals.

Key highlights for the LGBTQ community:

Belgium boasts a vibrant gay community and numerous gay bars and clubs. The majority of Belgian citizens support same-sex marriage, reflecting the positive sentiment of the population. Cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Liege are popular destinations with LGBTQ-friendly establishments.

Denmark

Denmark holds the distinction of being the first country to legalize same-sex unions through registered partnerships in 1989, establishing itself as a progressive and LGBTQ-friendly nation. Discrimination based on sexual orientation has been banned since 1996.

Rights for the LGBTQ community:

• Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2012.
• Joint adoption is available for same-sex couples.
• Open service in the Danish armed forces is allowed.
• Hate crime laws protect the LGBTQ community.
• Comprehensive sex education includes information about sexuality, sexual relationships, gender identity, and diversity.

Key highlights for the LGBTQ community:

Denmark's gay scene is thriving, with Copenhagen hosting the Copenhagen Pride Parade and other pride festivals annually. Former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has participated in these events. Notable venues in Copenhagen include G-Bar and Oscar.

The Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World

In the realm of safeguarding LGBTQ rights, numerous countries are tirelessly working to bring about significant transformations. If you're curious about which countries are leading the way, we have compiled a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly nations in the world for you.

Canada - A Beacon of LGBTQ Progress

Canada, nestled in North America, boasts the most progressive and comprehensive LGBTQ rights on the continent. The country decriminalized same-sex sexual activity in 1969 and further legalized same-sex marriage in 2005. Garnering the top spot in the Gay Travel Index (2018), Canada has earned its reputation as the world's premier gay-friendly country.

Rights for the LGBTQ Community in Canada

• Canada staunchly protects its LGBTQ community from discrimination based on sexual orientation.
• Same-sex couples are legally allowed to adopt children.
• The country considers conversion therapy a criminal offense.
• Canadian citizens have the right to change their gender without the necessity of gender reassignment surgery.

Highlights of LGBTQ Rights in Canada

Living up to its status as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries, Canada offers a vibrant array of bars, venues, and events for the LGBTQ community to explore. If you're planning a visit, make sure to partake in exciting events such as the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, Vancouver Pride, or Tremblant Gay Ski Week. Additionally, a visit to Montreal's LGBTQI+-friendly gay village neighborhood is highly recommended.

The Netherlands - A Pioneer in LGBTQ Equality

In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country globally to legalize same-sex marriage. With over 90 percent of the Dutch population supporting this progressive move, the Netherlands proudly stands as one of the most inclusive countries for LGBTQ individuals in 2023.

Rights for the LGBTQ Community in the Netherlands

• Same-sex activity, same-sex marriage, and adoption have been legalized in the Netherlands.
• LGBT people are protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity under the Equal Treatment Act.
• Individuals from the transgender community have the legal right to change their gender on official documents without undergoing sex reassignment surgery.

Highlights of LGBTQ Rights in the Netherlands

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is renowned for its liberal culture and wholehearted acceptance of the LGBTQ community, often earning it the title of one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. Other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Scheveningen also offer numerous gay-friendly clubs, bars, and restaurants.

Malta - A Trailblazer for LGBTQ Rights

Malta has consistently held the top position on the ILGA-Europe listing of countries promoting LGBT rights legislation since 2015. From being the first country in the European Union to ban conversion therapy to ensuring equal rights, freedom, and a secure environment for LGBTQI+ citizens, Malta leads the charge in establishing a fair and inclusive society for the LGBTQ community.

Rights for the LGBTQ Community in Malta

• Malta has legalized same-sex activity, marriage, and civil unions.
• Same-sex couples have the right to adopt children.
• Single individuals, including single LGBT people, have the right to adopt children.
• Malta was among the first nations worldwide to ban sterilization and invasive surgery on intersex individuals.

Highlights of LGBTQ Rights in Malta

Whether you're exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ġgantija Temples, picturesque coastlines, architectural marvels, or immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife, Malta offers a range of options for LGBTQ travelers to discover, explore, and enjoy. For an in-depth understanding of the country's progressive stance on LGBTQ rights, be sure to check out our blog: "Malta for LGBT: The Ultimate Guide."

If you are a member of the LGBT community and considering a move to a nation that embraces LGBTQ individuals, the following compilation will assist you in making an informed decision. However, prior to embarking on this significant journey, it is essential to thoroughly examine the rights afforded to LGBT individuals in your chosen destination country.

Factors to Consider when Relocating as an LGBT Individual

Legal Protections and Rights

• Assess the legal framework in place to safeguard the rights of LGBT individuals.
• Research laws pertaining to anti-discrimination, hate crimes, and marriage equality.
• Ensure comprehensive legal protections are in place for the LGBT community.

Social Acceptance and Support

• Investigate the prevailing attitudes towards the LGBT community in the target country.
• Explore the presence of LGBTQ organizations and support networks.
• Consider the availability of inclusive healthcare, mental health resources, and social services.

Employment and Workplace Equality

• Examine workplace discrimination laws and protections for LGBT employees.
• Determine the level of workplace inclusivity and acceptance.
• Research policies and benefits related to gender identity and sexual orientation.

Cultural Climate

• Understand the cultural climate and societal norms regarding gender and sexuality.
• Evaluate public sentiment and acceptance of LGBT individuals.
• Examine media representation and LGBTQ visibility in the country.

Personal Safety and Security

• Assess the overall safety and security of LGBT individuals.
• Consider the presence of anti-LGBT violence and hate crimes.
• Research the effectiveness of law enforcement and legal remedies in cases of discrimination or violence.

Health and Well-being

• Investigate the availability and accessibility of LGBT-friendly healthcare services.
• Evaluate the quality of mental health support and counseling.
• Consider the impact of societal attitudes on the well-being of LGBT individuals.

Conclusion

The aforementioned list serves as a valuable resource for those within the LGBT community seeking to relocate to an LGBTQ-friendly nation. However, it is of utmost importance to conduct thorough research and ensure the protection of rights for LGBT individuals in the chosen country before making such a significant decision.