Best Countries for LGBTQ+ Expats: Safety, Rights, and Community Ranked

Over the past two years, something has shifted. The conversations on r/AmerExit, once dominated by fantasies about cheaper rent in Lisbon or remote work from Bali, have taken on a sharper edge. LGBTQ+ Americans are no longer asking “wouldn't it be nice to live abroad?” They are asking “where can I be safe?”

The reasons are concrete. Since 2023, more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across US state legislatures. Restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare — particularly for trans youth — have been signed into law in over two dozen states. Executive orders have rolled back federal non-discrimination protections. The legal landscape is changing fast, and for many LGBTQ+ individuals and families, the trajectory is clear enough to act on.

This is not a political opinion piece. It is a data-driven analysis of which countries offer the strongest legal protections, the most inclusive social environments, and the best quality of life for LGBTQ+ people considering a move abroad. Every ranking in this article is grounded in measurable indicators — not anecdotes, not vibes, not a single Pride parade photo.

Whether you are a same-sex couple looking for full legal recognition, a trans person seeking reliable access to healthcare, or simply someone who wants to live in a society where your identity is not a political football, the data can help you make a more informed decision.

How We Measure LGBTQ+ Friendliness: The Data Behind the Rankings

Measuring how welcoming a country is for LGBTQ+ people requires more than checking whether same-sex marriage is legal. A country can have marriage equality on paper while its trans population faces systemic barriers to healthcare. Another country might lack marriage equality but offer robust anti-discrimination protections and a deeply tolerant culture. The full picture requires layering multiple data sources.

Our LGBTQ+ friendliness score is a composite built from six pillars:

• Equaldex Equality Index: The most comprehensive global tracker of LGBTQ+ legal rights, Equaldex scores countries on a 0–100 scale based on legal standing across dozens of categories including marriage, adoption, military service, housing discrimination, and conversion therapy bans. It is the backbone of our ranking and provides the primary score referenced throughout this article.
• Legal protections: We evaluate the specific legal framework — constitutional protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, hate crime legislation, employment non-discrimination laws, and whether these protections are enforced in practice, not just on paper.
• Marriage and partnership equality: Full marriage equality, civil unions, registered partnerships, and legal recognition of foreign same-sex marriages. We also track adoption rights for same-sex couples, which is a major consideration for LGBTQ+ families.
• Anti-discrimination laws: Protections in housing, employment, goods and services, education, and public accommodations. Countries with broad, enforceable anti-discrimination statutes score significantly higher than those with narrow or unenforced protections.
• Public opinion data: Legal rights matter, but so does the society you live in. We incorporate data from the Pew Research Center, ILGA-Europe's annual survey, Eurobarometer, and the World Values Survey to measure societal acceptance. A country where 90% of the population supports same-sex marriage is a fundamentally different experience from one where the figure is 40%, regardless of what the law says.
• Trans healthcare access: This pillar has become increasingly critical. We evaluate whether gender-affirming care is available, whether it is covered by public health insurance, the existence of informed-consent models versus gatekeeping protocols, legal gender recognition procedures, and whether the country is trending toward expanding or restricting access.

Each pillar is weighted and normalized. The resulting composite gives a holistic view that captures both the legal reality and the lived experience of LGBTQ+ people in each country. You can review the data sources and weighting on our methodology page.

The 10 Best Countries for LGBTQ+ Expats in 2025

Here is the full top-10 ranking. Every score reflects our composite LGBTQ+ friendliness metric, with the Equaldex Equality Index as the primary benchmark. Click any country to explore its full profile.

Now let us break down what makes each of these countries stand out, and what LGBTQ+ expats should know before making the move.

1. Iceland — Equality Index: 93/100

Iceland is not just the safest country in the world. It is also one of the most progressive on LGBTQ+ rights by virtually every measure. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2010 with a unanimous parliamentary vote — not a single legislator dissented. That vote was not a political calculation. It reflected a society that had already moved past the debate.

Legal protections: Iceland's constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Anti-discrimination protections extend to employment, housing, goods and services, and education. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity carry enhanced penalties. Conversion therapy is banned.

Trans healthcare: Gender-affirming healthcare is available through Iceland's public health system. Legal gender recognition is available through self-determination — no medical diagnosis required. The process is straightforward and respectful, though the small population means specialist services can involve wait times.

Community and culture: Reykjavik's Pride draws roughly 100,000 participants in a country of 380,000 people — meaning roughly one in four residents participates. Public acceptance of LGBTQ+ people exceeds 90% in polls. The culture is not merely tolerant; it is affirming. Former Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir was the world's first openly gay head of government, serving from 2009 to 2013, and her sexuality was treated as unremarkable by the public.

Considerations: Iceland is expensive. The cost of living is 30–40% higher than Western Europe and roughly on par with Switzerland. The job market is small, and learning Icelandic is necessary for long-term integration. Winters are dark and long. But for LGBTQ+ people whose primary concern is living in a society where their rights are unquestioned, Iceland sets the global standard.

Explore Iceland's full country profile

2. Netherlands — Equality Index: 91/100

The Netherlands holds a singular place in LGBTQ+ history. In 2001, it became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. But its leadership extends far beyond that milestone. The Dutch approach to LGBTQ+ rights is characterized by a comprehensive legal framework, a culture of pragmatic tolerance, and pioneering healthcare infrastructure.

Legal protections: The Equal Treatment Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public services. Gender identity protections are embedded in law. Hate crime legislation explicitly covers anti-LGBTQ+ violence. Same-sex couples have full adoption rights. The Netherlands also recognizes same-sex marriages performed abroad, which is critical for couples relocating.

Trans healthcare: The Netherlands is home to the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, one of Europe's leading gender clinics. Gender-affirming care is covered by public health insurance. However, wait times at major clinics have grown significantly — sometimes exceeding a year — due to increased demand. The country has been moving toward more streamlined access, but this is an area to research carefully if timely care is a priority.

Community and culture: Amsterdam has one of the most established LGBTQ+ communities in the world. The city's Homomonument, dedicated in 1987, was the first memorial in the world to persecuted LGBTQ+ people. Canal Pride draws hundreds of thousands. Beyond Amsterdam, cities like Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague have active queer communities, organizations, and social infrastructure.

Considerations: Housing in the Randstad region (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht) is extremely competitive and expensive. The DAFT treaty makes the Netherlands accessible for American entrepreneurs, and the knowledge migrant visa is an option for skilled workers. The weather is grey and damp for much of the year, but the cycling infrastructure, cultural richness, and English proficiency make daily life remarkably smooth for expats.

Explore the Netherlands' full country profile

3. Norway — Equality Index: 90/100

Norway legalized same-sex marriage in 2009 and has built one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks for LGBTQ+ rights in the world. The country's approach is rooted in its broader commitment to human rights, social democracy, and institutional fairness.

Legal protections: Norway's anti-discrimination law explicitly covers sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression — the inclusion of gender expression is significant and not universal even among progressive countries. Hate speech based on sexual orientation or gender identity is criminalized. Same-sex couples have full adoption rights and access to assisted reproduction.

Trans healthcare: Norway moved to an informed-consent model for legal gender recognition in 2016, eliminating the previous requirement for psychiatric diagnosis and sterilization. Gender-affirming healthcare is available through the public system, though access varies by region. Oslo's Rikshospitalet is the primary referral center for gender-affirming surgery.

Community and culture: Oslo Pride is one of Scandinavia's largest, and public acceptance is consistently above 80% in national surveys. Norwegian culture is reserved by nature, which means you are unlikely to encounter overt hostility — but also unlikely to encounter the flamboyant celebration found in Amsterdam or Madrid. The integration experience is quieter and more institutional.

Considerations: Norway is not in the EU, which affects visa pathways. The cost of living is among the highest in the world. Salaries are correspondingly high, but the immigration system is selective. The skilled worker visa and intra-company transfer are the most common routes.

Explore Norway's full country profile

4. Malta — Equality Index: 89/100

Malta's appearance near the top of this list surprises many people. A small, predominantly Catholic Mediterranean island nation does not fit the stereotype of a progressive LGBTQ+ haven. But the data is unambiguous: Malta has been ranked #1 in Europe for LGBTQ+ legal protections by ILGA-Europe for multiple consecutive years.

Legal protections: Malta legalized same-sex marriage in 2017 with near-unanimous parliamentary support. Its Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics Act (GIGESC) is widely considered the most progressive gender identity legislation in the world. The country banned conversion therapy in 2016. Constitutional protections against discrimination explicitly cover sexual orientation and gender identity.

Trans healthcare: Malta's legal framework for gender recognition is based entirely on self-determination, with no medical requirements. However, the island's small size means specialist medical services for transition are limited, and many trans Maltese residents travel abroad for surgeries.

Community and culture: Malta Pride has grown significantly in recent years. The country's small size creates an intimate community. English is an official language, which eliminates the language barrier. The cultural shift has been rapid — public acceptance has increased dramatically over the past decade, though pockets of conservative attitudes persist in rural areas.

Considerations: Malta offers attractive tax programs for foreign residents. The cost of living is moderate by European standards. However, the island is small (316 square kilometers), which can feel confining. Summers are extremely hot. Job opportunities outside of iGaming, finance, and tourism are limited.

Explore Malta's full country profile

5. Sweden — Equality Index: 88/100

Sweden legalized same-sex marriage in 2009 and has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights globally. The Swedish approach is characteristically systematic: protections are woven into the fabric of law, education, healthcare, and public institutions rather than treated as standalone achievements.

Legal protections: The Discrimination Act covers sexual orientation and gender identity across all major areas — employment, education, healthcare, housing, and social services. Sweden was one of the first countries to allow transgender people to change their legal gender. Same-sex couples have full parenting rights including joint adoption and access to IVF.

Trans healthcare: Gender-affirming care is covered by the public healthcare system. Sweden has several specialized gender clinics, including Karolinska in Stockholm. However, a national review of youth gender services in recent years has led to more cautious approaches for minors — an important nuance for families with trans children to research thoroughly.

Community and culture: Stockholm Pride is Scandinavia's largest Pride event. The queer community in Stockholm and Gothenburg is vibrant and well-organized, with dedicated cultural venues, organizations, and support networks. Public acceptance exceeds 85%.

Explore Sweden's full country profile

6. Canada — Equality Index: 87/100

Canada occupies a unique position for LGBTQ+ Americans: it combines strong legal protections with geographic proximity, a shared language, and a familiar cultural context. Same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide since 2005. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and courts have consistently interpreted this to include gender identity.

Legal protections: Canada's human rights framework is among the most comprehensive in the world. Bill C-16, passed in 2017, explicitly added gender identity and gender expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code's hate crime provisions. Every province and territory has its own human rights code with LGBTQ+ protections. Conversion therapy was banned nationwide in 2022.

Trans healthcare: Gender-affirming care is available through provincial healthcare systems, though coverage and wait times vary significantly by province. Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec generally offer the most comprehensive coverage and shortest wait times. Legal gender recognition processes vary by province but have been simplified significantly in recent years.

Community and culture: Toronto's Church-Wellesley Village, Montreal's Le Village, and Vancouver's Davie Village are among the most established LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in North America. Canada also has one of the world's most progressive LGBTQ+ refugee programs, reflecting a broader commitment to protection. Public acceptance is consistently above 75% nationally, with urban centers significantly higher.

Considerations: Canada's Express Entry immigration system is competitive and points-based. The cost of living in Toronto and Vancouver has risen sharply. But for Americans who want strong LGBTQ+ protections without the culture shock of moving to another continent, Canada is the most natural fit.

Explore Canada's full country profile

7. Portugal — Equality Index: 86/100

Portugal has undergone a remarkable transformation. A deeply Catholic country that decriminalized homosexuality only in 1982 has become one of Europe's most progressive nations on LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2010. A landmark self-determination gender identity law was passed in 2018, allowing legal gender recognition without medical requirements for anyone over 16.

Legal protections: The Portuguese constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Anti-discrimination protections cover employment, housing, and access to goods and services. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity are recognized and carry enhanced penalties.

Trans healthcare: Gender-affirming care is available through Portugal's national health system. The 2018 gender identity law is based on self-determination, removing gatekeeping requirements. Major hospitals in Lisbon and Porto offer transition-related services, though wait times for surgical procedures can be long.

Community and culture: Lisbon has a growing and increasingly visible LGBTQ+ community, centered around neighborhoods like Principe Real and Bairro Alto. Lisbon Pride and Porto Pride have grown steadily. Portugal's cultural attitude is best described as quietly accepting — public hostility is rare, though the celebration is more subdued than in Amsterdam or Madrid.

Considerations: Portugal's biggest advantage beyond rights is affordability. The cost of living is significantly lower than Northern Europe, making it an attractive option for LGBTQ+ expats who want strong protections without the price tag of Iceland or the Netherlands. The D7 visa and digital nomad visa offer accessible residency pathways.

Explore Portugal's full country profile

8. Spain — Equality Index: 85/100

Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005, making it only the third country in the world to do so. In 2023, Spain passed one of Europe's most comprehensive trans rights laws, allowing legal gender recognition based on self-determination from age 16, and with parental consent from age 14. The law also expanded access to gender-affirming healthcare through the public system.

Community and culture: Spain's LGBTQ+ community is among the most vibrant in the world. Madrid's Chueca neighborhood is one of Europe's most famous gay districts. Sitges, near Barcelona, is a long-established LGBTQ+ resort town. Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville all have active queer scenes. Madrid Pride (MADO) draws over a million participants annually. Public acceptance exceeds 85%, among the highest in the world.

Considerations: Spain combines strong legal protections with a warm climate, affordable cost of living (outside Barcelona and Madrid city centers), excellent healthcare, and a culture that genuinely celebrates diversity. For LGBTQ+ people who want both rights and lifestyle, Spain is one of the strongest overall packages.

Explore Spain's full country profile

9. Denmark — Equality Index: 84/100

Denmark holds a pioneering place in LGBTQ+ history. In 1989, it became the first country in the world to legally recognize same-sex partnerships. Full marriage equality followed in 2012. The Danish approach is characteristically pragmatic: rights are extended because fairness demands it, not because of activist campaigns or cultural revolutions.

Legal protections: Denmark prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment and public services. Hate crime legislation covers anti-LGBTQ+ violence. Same-sex couples have full adoption rights. Denmark was the first country to remove transgender identity from its list of mental disorders, doing so in 2017 — two years before the WHO followed suit.

Trans healthcare: Legal gender recognition is available through a simple administrative process with no medical requirements. Gender-affirming healthcare is available through the public system, centered at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen.

Community and culture: Copenhagen Pride draws over 300,000 participants. The city's queer community is well-integrated into the broader cultural fabric rather than concentrated in a single district. This reflects the Danish approach — LGBTQ+ identity is treated as ordinary, not exceptional.

Explore Denmark's full country profile

10. New Zealand — Equality Index: 83/100

New Zealand legalized same-sex marriage in 2013 following a parliamentary vote that went viral for the public gallery's spontaneous singing of a Maori love song. That moment captured something real about New Zealand's character: a genuine cultural warmth toward LGBTQ+ people that goes beyond legal compliance.

Legal protections: The Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, and protections have been interpreted to include gender identity. Hate speech protections cover sexual orientation. Same-sex couples have full adoption rights. New Zealand also has a strong track record of LGBTQ+ representation in government.

Trans healthcare: Gender-affirming care is available through the public health system, but access varies and wait times for publicly funded surgeries are long. The government has been working to expand access, and the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act was amended in 2023 to simplify legal gender recognition.

Community and culture: Auckland and Wellington have active LGBTQ+ communities and annual Pride events. New Zealand's culture blends Maori traditions of gender diversity — the concept of takatapui encompasses diverse sexualities and gender identities — with a broadly progressive social outlook. Public acceptance is high and increasing.

Explore New Zealand's full country profile

Countries to Research Carefully

Several countries that rank highly as expat destinations on other metrics have poor or complicated LGBTQ+ records. If you are LGBTQ+ and considering these destinations, additional research is essential.

• Thailand: Often described as “tolerant” of LGBTQ+ people, Thailand has no marriage equality, limited anti-discrimination protections, and no legal gender recognition framework. Trans visibility in Thai culture is high, but legal rights lag significantly behind social attitudes. A marriage equality bill passed its initial reading in 2024, but full implementation and ancillary protections are still developing. Do not confuse cultural visibility with legal protection.
• Costa Rica: Legalized same-sex marriage in 2020, which is a strong signal. However, anti-discrimination protections remain incomplete, trans healthcare access is limited, and societal attitudes in rural areas can be conservative. The legal framework is improving but is not yet comparable to the countries on our top-10 list.
• Japan: One of the safest countries in the world by crime metrics, but same-sex marriage is not legal nationally, and legal gender recognition still requires sterilization surgery. Public attitudes are increasingly supportive, and some municipalities issue partnership certificates, but the national legal framework is significantly behind the social curve.
• United Arab Emirates (Dubai): Despite its appeal as a tax-free expat hub, homosexuality remains criminalized under UAE law. LGBTQ+ people face serious legal risk. This is not a destination where “being discreet” is a viable strategy — the legal consequences are severe and the lack of protections is absolute.
• Singapore: Repealed its colonial-era ban on male homosexuality in 2022 but simultaneously amended its constitution to prevent future legalization of same-sex marriage. There are no anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The legal environment is improving but remains far from welcoming.
• Mexico: Same-sex marriage is legal in most states, and Mexico City has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. However, the country has extremely high rates of violence against trans people, and protections vary enormously by state. Federal anti-discrimination law exists but enforcement is inconsistent. Research your specific destination within Mexico carefully.

The pattern is clear: popular expat destinations and LGBTQ+-friendly destinations are not always the same list. A country can be cheap, beautiful, and welcoming to foreign workers while simultaneously criminalizing or failing to protect a core part of your identity. Always check the legal framework before the cost of living.

Iceland vs Netherlands vs Portugal: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Three of the most popular LGBTQ+-friendly destinations among American expats represent very different propositions. Iceland offers the highest equality scores and deepest social acceptance. The Netherlands offers the most established LGBTQ+ infrastructure and community. Portugal offers the best combination of rights and affordability. Here is how they compare.

The bottom line: if your priority is the most comprehensive LGBTQ+ infrastructure and community, the Netherlands is the strongest choice. If you want the highest social acceptance and smallest chance of ever encountering prejudice, Iceland leads. If you want strong protections combined with an affordable cost of living, a warm climate, and accessible visa options, Portugal is the best value proposition — and it is no coincidence that it has become the fastest-growing LGBTQ+ expat destination in Europe.

Key Factors Beyond the Rankings

A country's score on our composite index tells you about legal protections and social attitudes at the national level. But your experience as an LGBTQ+ expat will also depend on factors that no index fully captures:

• City vs rural divide: In nearly every country on this list, urban areas are significantly more accepting than rural areas. Amsterdam, Reykjavik, Lisbon, Stockholm, and Madrid are not the same as the Dutch countryside, Icelandic fishing villages, rural Alentejo, northern Sweden, or Castilla-La Mancha. Choose your specific location within a country as carefully as you choose the country itself.
• Intersectionality: LGBTQ+ people of color, LGBTQ+ people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ immigrants may have different experiences than white, cisgender gay men. Some countries that are progressive on LGBTQ+ rights have more complicated records on racial inclusion. Factor in how multiple aspects of your identity interact with local culture.
• Healthcare specifics: “Trans healthcare is available” can mean very different things in practice. Research the specific protocols, wait times, insurance coverage, and available providers in your target city. Access to hormone therapy on an informed-consent basis, for example, varies significantly even among the countries in our top 10.
• Legal recognition of existing relationships: If you are married, confirm that your target country recognizes your marriage. Most countries on this list do, but the details matter — particularly for parental rights, inheritance, and healthcare decision-making.
• Trend direction: A country's current score is a snapshot. Some countries are on an upward trajectory (Portugal, Malta, Costa Rica). Others face political headwinds that could erode protections. Pay attention to the direction of change, not just the current position.

Practical Steps for LGBTQ+ Expats

If you are seriously considering a move, here are the steps that matter most:

• Verify your legal status before you move. Confirm that your marriage, civil union, or legal gender recognition will be honored in your target country. This affects everything from visa applications to healthcare access to property ownership.
• Research healthcare access in your target city. If you or a family member requires gender-affirming care, identify specific providers, wait times, and insurance coverage before committing to a destination. National policies and local reality can diverge.
• Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations. Every country on our top-10 list has established LGBTQ+ organizations that can provide guidance specific to expats. COC Nederland, RFSL (Sweden), ILGA-Portugal, and similar organizations offer resources, community connections, and practical advice.
• Join expat LGBTQ+ communities online. Subreddits like r/AmerExit, r/IWantOut, and r/LGBTTravel have active threads from LGBTQ+ people who have already made the move. First-hand experience from people who share your circumstances is invaluable.
• Consider a scouting trip. Spend two to four weeks in your target city before committing. Visit the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Go to a community event. Eat at queer-owned businesses. Talk to locals. The data tells you whether a country is safe; a visit tells you whether it feels like home.
• Have your documents in order. Apostilled marriage certificates, legal name change documentation, updated passports, and medical records should all be prepared before you leave. Some countries require these documents to be translated and notarized. See our moving abroad checklist for a complete preparation guide.

Finding Your Best Match

LGBTQ+ friendliness is one dimension of a much larger decision. The best country for you depends on how it intersects with your budget, career, climate preferences, language abilities, visa options, and lifestyle priorities. A country can score 93 on our equality index but still be wrong for you if you cannot afford to live there, cannot tolerate the weather, or cannot secure a visa.

That is why we built WhereNext. Our platform lets you weight the dimensions that matter most to you — including LGBTQ+ protections — and returns a personalized ranking tailored to your specific situation. You are not choosing from a generic list. You are building a ranking that reflects your priorities, your constraints, and your life.

• Take the WhereNext quiz — a 2-minute questionnaire that generates your personalized country ranking based on your priorities, including LGBTQ+ protections.
• See our safety rankings — safety is foundational. Cross-reference LGBTQ+ friendliness with our composite safety scores.
• Explore quality-of-life rankings — healthcare, infrastructure, environment, and lifestyle scored for every country.
• Use our moving abroad checklist — every document, decision, and deadline in one place.

Leaving a country because your rights are under threat is not a decision anyone takes lightly. It carries grief, anger, and loss alongside hope and possibility. The data in this article cannot tell you whether to go. But if you have decided that going is the right choice, it can help you go somewhere that will not just tolerate who you are — but protect it.