Top 20 Countries For Trans + Non-Binary International Relocation in 2024
Every day, it seems like anti-trans news sweeps the headlines. Transgender and nonbinary people have been the target of harmful legislation across the U.S. recently, seeing their medical, legal and societal rights stripped away state by state. Some states make it prohibitively difficult to change your gender identity on your ID. Others put access to gender-affirming care on the state house floor every year.
This constant political, physical and emotional violence is pushing many trans folks and their families to consider relocation to other states just to be able to continue to care for themselves or their loved ones, not to mention finding a more safe and welcoming community. Rather than playing a game of relocation whack a mole, many trans and non-binary folks are considering a move abroad, instead, to countries that are friendlier for trans folks, or at least aren’t treating their lives like a political football.
Why transgender and genderqueer folks are looking to move abroad
No matter your gender identity, moving abroad is nothing short of life-changing. But for trans people in the U.S., it could offer a more stable political environment, easier access to healthcare and a more welcoming community.
Healthcare in the U.S. sends people into medical debt, but healthcare in many European countries is heavily subsidized or free. This could open new doors for gender-affirming treatments in trans friendly countries that may have been prohibitively expensive in their U.S. state equivalent.
Also, many countries have stronger worker protections than the U.S., where trans people often face discrimination. Although many countries internationally are experiencing a rise in the far-right, far fewer incidents against trans folks are being recorded.
There are so many opportunities for a more balanced and peaceful life abroad, but it also comes with some challenges.
Challenges for transgender folks in international relocation
Just because other countries may be more progressive and stable than the U.S. doesn’t mean they are utopias for LGBTQ+ families free from hate and violence. In fact, the far-right backlash has popped up all over the world, with the Netherlands, Italy and others seeing Trump-like figures come to power.
Each country will also have its own rules on changing your gender identity on official documents, and not all places allow for nonbinary markers. For visas, that may be tied to your U.S. ID., which we all know could be a moving target.
Language barriers and new healthcare systems may make accessing care more difficult in the short term, and it could disrupt any ongoing gender-affirming care.
And of course, it is always hard to know how it will feel to live somewhere before you get there. Europe and other places friendly to expats can be just as varied in culture as the difference between Texas and California.
But with research and planning, you might be able to find a soft spot to land.
Best places to move abroad as a trans person
Travel experts Asher & Lyric analyzed countries’ worker protections, laws against discrimination, laws against violence, legal identity laws and murder rates to find the best 20 countries for trans rights in 2023.
Here is what to know about the top ten and the rest of the best:
1. Malta
This island located between Sicily and the North African coast is considered to lead the way for LGBTQ+ rights in Europe.
In 2015, Malta passed the Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act, which promotes the idea that gender identity does not need a diagnosis. This means that proof of surgery and other medical treatments are not needed, according to CNN. It also asserts that gender identity is inherent to all human beings, setting the tone for the accepting country.
2. Portugal
In 2018, Portugal signed into effect a law that allows people to change their gender identity based on their own determination instead of a medical diagnosis, and procedures are available starting at the age of 16. It also outlaws unnecessary surgeries on intersex kids, according to ILGA-Europe.
Plus, the country was hit particularly hard by the 2009 financial crisis, so the government has been especially welcoming to families and young professionals who want to build a life there.
3. Canada
This neighbor to the U.S. allows for residents to legally change their identity with no surgery required.
However, it has not been insulated from some of the right-wing rhetoric around trans people as some conservative lawmakers were trying to pass restrictions on trans healthcare in early 2024.
4. Sweden
Sweden became the first country to allow people to change their gender legally after gender-affirming surgeries in 1972.
However, in 2024 reports began circulating that the country is beginning to restrict treatment for transgender minors, backtracking on previously progressive policies.
5. Bolivia
This South American country is one of just a few non-European countries on Asher & Lyric’s list to rank high.
A law legally protecting people’s ability to change their gender was passed in 2016. You can watch a documentary about the movement that led to its passing here to get a sense of the culture there: HISTORIA LEY 807 DE IDENTIDAD DE GENERO - BOLIVIA
6. 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.
Individuals can fill out paperwork to attest to their gender identity, according to Asher + Lyric. Also, the country saw no trans murders between 2008 to 2022. But Politico reported Belgium is experiencing trans-rights backlash mirroring the U.S. and other parts of Europe.
7. Croatia
This Balkan country joined the E.U. in 2013 and is popular during warm months for its beaches. Gender transition is legal in the country without the need for surgical procedures, a policy change from 2014. However, the country doesn’t currently have legal status for non-binary individuals, according to Equaldex.
8. Denmark
Denmark allows for self-determination in changing gender without a medical diagnosis. But Asher + Lyric said it does require a 6-month “self-reflection” period.
The country also has legal options in the passport for non-binary individuals, allowing for “X” as a gender marker.
9. Norway
Gender transitions are legal in Norway and do not require surgery. However there is no legal status for nonbinary people and intersex children are assigned a gender at birth, opening the possibility for medical intervention.
But it is good to note for people with ongoing health needs: this Scandinavian country’s healthcare is free for all taxpayers, so you can expect to pay a maximum of approximately $200 per year.
10. Greece
Greece has beautiful landscapes and sticks out among E.U. countries for its low cost of living, estimated to be 20% to 50% cheaper than the U.S.
To change gender identity in Greece, you have to obtain a court order. The court also forces a divorce if you’re married before the transition. Nonbinary names are allowed on IDs but individuals must choose male or female.
A recent policy change to allow for same-sex marriage, albeit late in 2024, may show that the country is making progress for the LGBTQ+ community.
The next best 10:
Switzerland
France
Finland
Spain
United Kingdom
Peru
Chile
Netherlands
Iceland
Ireland
Resources to help you plan your move
If you decide to move abroad, there is a whole community of people out here who have navigated some of the same questions you might be considering. The difficulty is that we are not all as connected as we might like. Here are a few resources that can help you along the way.
If you want to dig into any of the countries listed here to learn about their specific policies, check out Equaldex.
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association may give some more cultural insight into the experiences of LGBTQ+ people visiting various countries.
Rainbow Railroad is a Canadian nonprofit that helps LGBTQ+ people facing violence to relocate.
Queer Expats on Facebook (our Rainbow Relocation group!)
You can be trans and live abroad> Here’s how we can help.
From safety to accessing gender-affirming care, becoming an expat may aid in living a harmonious life. But with each potential new home having different policies and political movements, it may take some careful planning to take the leap.
Whether you’re going solo or bringing your family; whether a freelancer or trying to vie for a corporate placement abroad, Rainbow Relocation Strategies helps you build your relocation strategy from the ground up.
Reach out via our Contact form or directly to our Founder by emailing jess@rainbowrelo.com.
