Gays are always welcome in any lively metropolis of the European Union. However, not all EU Member States offer simple immigration solutions. Luckily, the members of the LGBT community may opt for some of those countries, where the legislation allows the migration of investors or high-skilled professionals.
Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, Las Palmas
Barcelona is undoubtedly the most gay-friendly city in Europe. It is the proud holder of the first place in all remarkable summaries (https://matadornetwork.com/
Lesbians and gays may enjoy the advantages of the sunny Iberian country. Spain offers sunshine and a visible gay life. In the party districts of any Spanish city, it will be difficult to decide, which club and pub are for homosexuals or only hetero-friendly, because of the kindness and happiness of the local people and the enormous number of foreign expats living in the Mediterranean country. Interesting and good to know the fact that the majority of the rural beaches in Spain are nudist. The Spanish and international tourists love to visit the beautiful “playas” without a swimming suit.
The Spanish government invited investors, who can invest in the country in exchange for the resident status with tax incentives. Not a coincidence that LGBT applicants are among the lucky investors of the Spanish Golden Visa Program.
Lisbon and Porto
Lisbon became a gay-friendly European capital almost 30 years ago. Its historic centre and mainly the famous Bairro Alto district is an LGBT hotspot with more than 300 bars and clubs of all kind of music, drinks, food and the most popular live concerts. There are plenty of sunny beaches around the capital but it worth to mention the “Caparica” beach. Just get off the bus at the stop “17” or “19”, and you will find one of the best gay beach and chiringuito in Europe!
Porto is the proof of the fact that Portugal is the most affordable Western European country. The northern part of Portugal is not only beautiful. Porto has the famous bridges over the river Douro, always interesting cultural and scientific atmosphere and the number of gay-friendly venues increases fast.
The centre of Porto's nightlife is the "Galleries". In Portugal, you still can drink, chat and dance on the old narrow streets in the historic centre. Living in any Portuguese city is like a dream for freelancers and investors. The cost of living is affordable; meanwhile, the quality of life is not only high, but it also provides a unique level of calm happiness.
Portugal’s Golden Visa is the most popular immigration tool for investors in the EU. Read all details about the affordable and straightforward Portuguese Golden Visa here.
In the second part of this post, we'll introduce you two countries in the EU, which are smaller than average European metropolis but are good choices for a gay or lesbian applicant for the EU residence permit: Malta and Monaco.