The most LGBTQ friendly countries combine strong equality laws, high social acceptance, and safe travel conditions. In , leaders include Malta, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, and Iceland. These are gay-friendly countries with marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws, and active LGBTQIA+ communities.
Our guide ranks the safest countries for LGBTQ long-term living using multiple benchmarks. These are the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, Equaldex Equality Index, Spartacus Gay Travel Index, and the Williams Institute Global Acceptance Index. We also highlight why each country is gay-friendly and what makes it a great option for relocation.
Most LGBTQ Friendly Countries: Key Takeaways
Comparison of the Most LGBT-Friendly Countries
| Country | ILGA-Europe/Rainbow Map | Equaldex Equality Index (out of 100) | Spartacus Gay Travel Index Rank (out of 215) | Global Acceptance Index Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malta | 89% | 80 | #1 | 8.01 |
| Iceland | 84% | 93 | #1 | 9.78 |
| Netherlands | 64% | 76 | #15 | 9.46 |
| Sweden | 66% | 75 | #15 | 9.18 |
| Spain | 78% | 83 | #1 | 8.77 |
| Portugal | 67% | 77 | #1 | 6.87 |
| Belgium | 85% | 74 | #12 | 7.95 |
| Norway | 69% | 87 | #8 | 9.38 |
| Canada | Outside Europe | 79 | #1 | 9.02 |
| New Zealand | Outside Europe | 77 | #6 | 8.23 |
What are the 10 most LGBT-friendly countries?
01/ Malta
- Equaldex Equality Index: 80
- ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index: 89%
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2017
- Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been in place since 2014
- 73% of residents supported equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals in 2019
Malta is often regarded as the most LGBTQ+-friendly country in the world. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, this tiny archipelago has ranked #1 on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map for 10 consecutive years, from 2015 to 2025.
The country was the first European state to add gender identity as a protected category to its constitution and banned conversion therapy by law in 2016. Additionally, Malta has a range of gay-friendly events. The major EuroPride 2023, which takes place annually in September, attracted approximately 40,000 participants in Valletta.
A useful resource for those moving to Malta is Gaymalta.com, which lists all LGBTQ+ events and queer-owned businesses on the island.
Malta’s LGBTQ expats will also be pleased with the English-speaking locals (both English and Maltese are the country’s official languages), pleasant Mediterranean weather, with warm summers and moderate winters, and world-class beaches like St. Thomas’ Bay, St. Peter’s Pool, and Gnejna Bay.
Malta is ranked the 12th-safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index. Living in Malta in is possible thanks to easy and straightforward visa paths that are inclusive towards gay applicants, including same sex couples.
Best visas to relocate to Malta:
- Malta Residency by Investment: Also known as the Malta Golden Visa, the program allows investors to acquire permanent residency via property investment, rental, government contributions, or a donation to local charities.
- Malta Global Residence Program (GRP): Residency program with special tax status for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
- Malta Digital Nomad Visa: Live in Malta while working remotely for a foreign employer with a €42,000 minimum gross annual income.
02/ Iceland
- Equaldex Equality Index: 93
- ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index: 84%
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2010
- Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been in place since 2006
- Conversion therapy has been formally banned since 2023
Iceland is a very progressive nation, and one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in the world. It has robust legal protections for the queer community including anti-discrimination laws that make it illegal to discriminate based on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
Every August, Reykjavík hosts a large Pride event which is one of the most celebrated days in the country. There are plenty of other Pride events on the Icelandic calendar like the Rainbow Reykjavik Winter Pride and the RKV Bear event.
In 2009, Iceland became the first country to elect an openly gay head of government, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir. She was the Prime Minister from 2009 until 2013 and was also the first woman to hold this position.
A Gallup poll conducted in 2004 showed that 87% of Icelandic people supported same-sex marriage. Despite being conducted over 20 years ago, the poll shows exceptionally strong public support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The organization Samtökin ‘78 is the predominant queer activism and rights group in the country. As the name suggests, it was founded in 1978 and, since then, it has been providing advocacy, counseling, and queer event organization.
Best visas to relocate to Iceland:
- Residence Permit for Work: The visa enables long-stays for those who have a confirmed job offer from an Icelandic employer.
- Long-term Visa for Remote Work: Enables expats to conduct remote work in the country if they meet the salary threshold of 1,000,000 ISK (~$7,300).
03/ Netherlands
- Equaldex Equality Index: 76
- ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index: 64%
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2001
- Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been in place since 2001
- 94% of people supported same-sex marriage in 2023
The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage on April 1st, 2001. On the same day, same-sex couples also became able to adopt, being seen equally in the eyes of the law.
Amsterdam is often cited as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world, with many amenities and entertainment options for the queer community. In the city there are gay bars, hotels, venues, and bathhouses with the Pink Point providing information to assist LGBTQ people.
In 1987, the Homomonument was complete and this was the first monument in the world that commemorated the queer people who were persecuted during the Second World War. It stands in the center of Amsterdam and pays homage to queer individuals.
February 2026 saw the country appoint its first openly gay prime minister, Rob Jetten. He is the leader of the Democrats 66 party, that is progressive and left-of-center, aggressively supporting gay rights.
In addition to strong gay rights, the country also has protections for transgender people. Individuals are allowed to change their official gender without the need for surgery, or other gender-affirming care.
Best visas to relocate to the Netherlands:
- Highly Skilled Migrant Visa: Requires a job offer from a recognized employer and a minimum gross salary of €5,688 per month (€4,171 per month for those under 30).
- Startup or Self-Employed Permit: Your business will need to serve an essential Dutch interest, have sufficient means, and provide a financially viable business plan.
04/ Sweden
- Equaldex Equality Index: 75
- ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index: 66%
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2009
- Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been in place since 2003
- 92% of people supported same-sex marriage in 2019
Sweden has had a legal ban on discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation since 1987. The country has continued to put strong protections in place for the queer community such as increasing transgender protections under criminal law in 2018.
The country was the first to allow legal gender change in 1972. Since 2013, Sweden has allowed the practice without the need for surgery. These policies demonstrate that the nation is forward-thinking, especially with regards to transgender rights.
Sweden has an active Pride scene, hosting international events like Stockholm Pride and EuroPride. Stockholm Pride is the largest event of its kind in Scandinavia, having drawn 50,000 attendees and 500,000 spectators in 2025.
The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights (RFSL) is the one of largest LGBTQ+ organizations in the country. It provides support to the community as well as advocating for gay rights and protections.
Social acceptance levels are high in Sweden, with over 90% of the population in favor of equal rights for the queer community. Additionally, the country is particularly safe, ranking 35th in the world in the Global Peace Index.
Best visas to relocate to Sweden:
- Job Seeker/Startup Visa: Allows non-EU citizens with Masters or PhDs to stay in the country for 3 to 9 months while they set up a business or find work.
- Work Permit: This requires a formal job offer with a competitive salary. Additionally, health insurance is necessary for the duration of your stay.
05/ Spain
- Equaldex Equality Index: 83
- ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index: 78%
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2005
- Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been in place since 2005
- Conversion therapy has been banned since 2023
Spain was the third country to legalize same-sex marriage, and since 2023, the country has allowed self-determination of gender from age 14 without requiring surgery. It has strong legal protections in place to prevent discrimination on grounds of gender and sexual orientation.
Discrimination against the queer community in the workplace has been banned since 1995. Additionally, companies with more than 50 employees are required to implement measures to support LGBTQ+ staff.
Spain has frequent events for the queer community like Madrid Pride. This is the biggest Pride event in the country, and it includes an enormous parade and concerts across the city.
Chueca is a gay-friendly neighborhood in central Madrid that is filled with restaurants, tapas bars, and cafés. The area also has other cultural hotspots like theaters, and the Museum of Romanticism.
Spain is also immigration-friendly and has a variety of visas that can lead to permanent residence and citizenship. The country is particularly attractive to digital nomads. Spain’s appeal lies in its affordable cost of living, with overall living expenses roughly 30–40% lower than in the US and the UK, high-speed internet, and excellent quality of life. In 2025, it ranked first in the Global Digital Nomad Report by our Global Intelligence Unit (GIU).
Best visas to relocate to Spain:
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa: The visa allows a stay of up to five years for remote workers with non-Spanish employers earning at least €2,850 per month.
- Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: Suits retirees and financially independent expats who can prove a stable passive income of €28,800 per year.
06/ Portugal
- Equaldex Equality Index: 77
- ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index: 67%
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2010
- Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been in place since 2016
- Conversion therapy has been banned since 2024
Portugal is a truly progressive nation, banning discrimination that is based on sexual orientation in its constitution. As a result, the country has strong anti-discrimination laws with a wide range of protected categories including gender, sexual orientation, and sexual expression.
In 2011, Portugal passed a gender identity law which, even now, is one of the most progressive in the world. This law simplifies the process of both sex and name change specifically assisting the trans community.
The 2019 Eurobarometer survey revealed that 80% of the population thought that LGBTQ people should have the same rights as everyone else. Additionally, 74% supported same-sex marriage.
The biggest Pride event in the country is held in min-to-late June in Lisbon every year and is called Arraial Lisboa Pride. The event has drawn over 60,000 people to celebrate the queer community.
In addition to being queer-friendly, the country also has a range of visa options that are tailored for relocation. In 2025, Portugal ranked first in our Global Retirement Report. The ranking assesses the most relevant destinations for retirees according to quality of life, safety and integration, taxes, and other indices.
Best visas to relocate to Portugal:
- Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8): For remote workers and digital nomads earning at least €3,680 per month.
- Portugal D7 Visa: For passive income retirees or location-independent earners with a monthly income of €920.
- Portugal D2 Visa: For entrepreneurs, founders, or freelancers who wish to start a business in the country.
- Portugal Golden Visa: For those with the financial means to invest at least €200,000 in exchange for residency.
07/ Belgium
- Equaldex Equality Index: 74
- ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index: 85%
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2003
- Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been in place since 2006
- Conversion therapy has been banned since 2023
Belgium was the second country to legalize same-sex marriage, just two years behind the Netherlands. They have also allowed same-sex couples to adopt since 2006, with lesbian couples able to access IVF treatments.
The country was ranked second in the latest ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index with a score of 85%. Belgium has legal protections for discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Transgender people have been able to change their gender since 2007, although this was under restrictions until 2018 when they were repealed. Now, individuals can freely change their gender without the need for any additional processes.
The previous Prime Minister of Belgium, Elio Di Rupo, is an openly gay man, and he has been one of the rare heads of states to be openly LGBTQ. Additionally, after Petra De Sutter was appointed as Minister of Civil Service in 2020, the country became one of the first to have a transgender woman as a minister.
Brussels Pride is the biggest event of its kind in the country, and it is usually held in May every year. 2026 will be the 30th year of the event, demonstrating the longstanding nature of the queer community in Belgium.
Best visas to relocate to Belgium:
- Long-Stay Visa (Type D): This visa is required for stays in the country that extends beyond 90 days.
- Professional Card (Freelance Visa): Requires freelancers to submit a business plan that proves their work is of value to Belgium.
08/ Norway
- Equaldex Equality Index: 87
- ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index: 69%
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2009
- Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been in place since 2009
- Conversion therapy has been banned since 2024
In 1981, Norway became the first country in the world to enact a law that banned discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. In 2016, the country became the fourth in Europe to allow for the legal change of sex based on self-determination.
1981 would also see the country amend its Penal Code to prohibit hate speech on the ground of sexual orientation. Additionally, discrimination in employment against the LGBTQ community has been banned since 1998.
The country is one of the few in the world to explicitly protect intersex people from discrimination. On top of this, gender identity and expression have been protected categories from discrimination since 2013.
Oslo, the capital city, is home to the most accepting community in the country. Here, LGBTQ people can take part in Oslo Pride and attend other gay-friendly events like the Raballder Sports Cup.
Even the King of Norway is in favor of LGBTQ rights, having delivered a passionate address on 1 September 2016. He said that “Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and boys and girls who love each other.”
Best visas to relocate to Norway:
- Skilled Worker Permit: This visa requires a job offer and the necessary skills and experience for the job.
- Study Permit: The permit allows foreign nationals to study in Norway, with the ability to apply for permanent residence after three years.
09/ Canada
- Equaldex Equality Index: 79
- Global Acceptance Index: 9.02
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2005
- Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been in place since 2005
- Conversion therapy has been banned since 2022
Canada was the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage and the first in the Americas. At the same time, same-sex couples were given the right to adopt being recognized equally in the law.
In the 1995 case Egan v Canada, heard by the Supreme Court, it was determined that the equality clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms extends to sexual orientation. This made sexual orientation a constitutionally protected ground against discrimination.
The Pew Research Center conducted polls in 2013 and 2020 showing that Canadians have high levels of social acceptance for the queer community. 2020 data revealed an 85% favorability rating, up from 80% in 2013.
Many of the cities in Canada have gay areas and communities like Toronto’s Church and Wellesley neighborhood, or Vancouver’s Davie Village. These areas are safe spaces for the queer community and include active nightlife scenes.
Each year during summer, the queer community celebrates Pride. Toronto hosts one of the largest Pride events in North America during June, with 2024 drawing over 3 million people.
Best visas to relocate to Canada:
- Express Entry: This is a federal program that provides skilled workers with adequate job experience, credentials, or education, a path to permanent residency status.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): These are managed by provinces or territories with separate streams that attract entrepreneurs, students, and skilled or semi-skilled professionals.
10/ New Zealand
- Equaldex Equality Index: 77
- Global Acceptance Index: 8.23
- Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2013
- Adoption rights for same-sex couples have been in place since 2013
- Conversion therapy has been banned since 2022
New Zealand is a leader in Oceania for gay rights, being the first country in the region to legalize same-sex marriage. Additionally, the 1993 Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of gender, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
The country began recognizing gender-neutral civil unions in 2004 and went on to legalize both same-sex marriage and adoption in 2013. This enabled gay couples to enjoy the same rights as heterosexual ones in the country.
Auckland is the most LGBTQ-friendly city in the country, with many gay bars, restaurants, clubs, and festivals. The Auckland Pride Festival runs every February in the country, and it is the largest event of its kind.
Beyond Auckland, there are also active LGBTQ communities in Wellington, Tauranga, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hamilton. These areas provide safe spaces for the queer community.
Best visa to relocate to New Zealand:
- Active Investor Plus Visa: The visa enables high-net-worth individuals to acquire residency in New Zealand with a starting cost of NZD $5 million (~$3 million).
How the Most LGBTQ Friendly Countries are Ranked
To determine which countries are the most LGBTQ-friendly, we have assessed a variety of indexes and data points. These include the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, Equaldex Equality Index, Spartacus Gay Travel Index, and the Williams Institute Global Acceptance Index.
Each nation on our list has earned its position through strong rankings in these reports and indexes. They assess how LGBTQ-friendly a country is by evaluating the data, the legal protections available, and general social attitudes towards the queer community.
As can be seen, these 10 nations perform extremely well on each index, consistently taking turns outranking one another. Aside from its legal protections and favorable public opinion, Malta takes the top spot in part due to its immigration pathways and its general acceptance of expats.
