Top 20 best countries to move for LGBTQ+ expats in 2024
As waves of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation ripple across the U.S., the mental math to calculate where it feels safe to live as a queer person has become exhausting.
If the headlines about halting in vitro fertilization, trans healthcare restrictions and the waning right to privacy have you dreaming about leaving the U.S., like the HRC report declaring a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans leaving the U.S., there are plenty of places abroad that could offer you a better life.
Becoming an expat may seem daunting. But with careful planning and the right expertise, it can be the first step to living a more peaceful life.
Travel experts Asher + Lyric ranked countries based on 10 factors for LGBTQ+ safety, including same-sex marriage, adoption recognition, survey results from LGBTQ+ residents and transgender access to healthcare.
Here are some of the top places to live as an LGBTQ+ expat according to Asher + Lyric’s travel guide:
Canada
Canada is the place we all joke about moving to when the news gets especially bad. It also happens to be the only country in the top 10 outside of Europe.
Its standout initiatives for LGBTQ+ residents include auditing HIV disclosure laws and intentionally supporting Indigenous communities. Canada has also issued travel warnings for those traveling to the U.S. due to our laws on LGBTQ+ rights.
Sweden
Sweden likes to say their country has been “gay since 1944,” when homosexual activity was decriminalized. Visit Sweden says that LGBTQ+ rights in the Scandinavian country are the norm.
While Sweden has long been a champion for transgender rights, in 2024 reports began circulating that the country is beginning to restrict treatment for transgender minors.
Netherlands
If you like biking and quaint canals, this county is for you. The small country bordering Belgium and Germany on the North Sea is easily accessible by trains. Many people don’t even have a car.
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Also, it just enshrined protections for LGBTQ+ and disabled people into the Constitution in 2023.
Malta
This island is an EU country located between Sicily and the North African coast and boasts historical sites and beautiful Mediterranean oceans - and one of the official languages is English, great for international expats.
It is ranked top of the list in the 2023 ranking by the Europe division of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Intersex Association with a score of 90.29% on the scale between 0% (extreme violations of human rights) and 100% (being full respect for human equality.)
Norway
Known for its open landscapes and Scandinavian way of life, this country is celebrating its 50th annual Pride Month in 2024.
The country’s healthcare is also free for all taxpayers, so you can expect to pay a maximum of approximately $200 per year.
Portugal
Located on the Iberian Peninsula, this country was hit especially hard by the 2009 financial crisis. As they’ve built back up, the government has been especially welcoming to families and young professionals who want to build a life there.
Portugal has progressive laws on marriage and adoption but provides a realistic caution that homophobia still exists in the country. Most queer communities tend to live in urban areas like Lisbon and Porto.
Spain
LGBTQ+ issues have been at the forefront of Spanish politics in the last few years. Although the country passed some banner freedoms and protections recently, especially for the trans community, parts of those laws have been rolled back by the end of 2023.
Still, the country is considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly in the world, and it provides a wide variety of lifestyles from bustling modern cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao, to gorgeous rural landscapes. Plus, it provides the benefit of an accessible public healthcare system.
Denmark
This country bridging the sea between Germany and Sweden legalized homosexuality way back in 1933 and continues to be at the forefront of progressive policies for the LGBTQ+ community.
Denmark has some of the best parental leave policies in the world, allowing for 52 weeks between two parents. Legislation in effect as of January 2024 allows for that time to be split between four parents to provide more flexibility for LGBTQ+ families.
Belgium
Some consider Belgium to be a paradox, as it is more conservative compared to the rest of Europe, yet it is at the forefront of LGBTQ+ policies and acceptance.
The government’s approach to handling discrimination might be partly responsible. Fifty-five percent of Survey respondents for the E.U. Agency on Fundamental Rights said their government effectively combats prejudice against LGBTQ+ people, compared to just 33% in the rest of the E.U.
United Kingdom
The U.K. is home to no shortage of LGBTQ+ icons. But the country’s recent political climate more closely mirrors the U.S. in the last decade, with a swing to the political right in part fueling its vote to leave the E.U.
ILGA ratings show that the U.K. fell from ranking first in Europe in 2015 to 17th in 2023.
More top-ranked countries for LGBTQ+ expats:
11. France
12. Iceland
13. Switzerland
14. Ireland
15. Luxembourg
16. South Africa
17. Germany
18. Chile
19. Uruguay
20. Austria
To learn more about how to create your International Relocation Strategy, contact our Rainbow Relocation team and get started today!
