Gay rights are more than limited in Asia, compared to Europe or the Americas. It is not a coincidence that members of the LGBT family are looking for immigration solutions.
Only Cyprus, Israel and Taiwan provide the chance to a free life for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people; they can also live in recognised civil-union.
Homosexuals face the death sentence in seven Asian countries: Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Meanwhile, Israel, Japan, Hong Kong, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and of course, Cyprus (EU Member State with citizenship and residency by investment programs) are the most tolerant nations regarding the acceptance of homosexuality in Asia. Armenia, Georgia, Mongolia and South Korea also expressed a more liberal point of view.
Are you interested in visiting the European Union and invest in exchange for a residence permit or citizenship? Do you plan to marry or enter into a recognized civil union with your partner? Ask for consultation here!
In 2016, same-sex sexual activity was illegal in 23 Asian countries.
Afghanistan: "A person who commits adultery or pederasty shall be sentenced to long imprisonment."
Bhutan: imprisonment from one month to one year.
Brunei Darussalam: jail sentence may "extend to ten years."
Gaza (Occupied Palestinian Territory): imprisonment up to ten years.
India: Imprisonment for life
Indonesia (only in Ache and Sumatra): 100 lashes and/or approximately eight years in jail.
Iran: up to seventy-four lashes.
Iraq: less than one year in prison and less than 100 dinar fee.
Kuwait: jail sentence up to seven years.
Lebanon: imprisonment up to one year.
Malaysia: imprisonment up to twenty years and whipping.
Maldives: jail term from six months to eight years.
Myanmar: transportation for life or prison up to ten years.
Oman: imprisonment from six months to three years.
Pakistan: imprisonment for life or imprisonment from two to ten years.
Qatar: from one to three years in prison.
Saudi Arabia: there is no Penal Code, and the sentences vary according to the Sharia law.
Singapore: imprisonment up to two years.
Sri Lanka: imprisonment up to ten years.
Syria: imprisonment up to three years.
Turkmenistan: prison sentence up to two years.
United Arab Emirates: Sharia law.
Uzbekistan: imprisonment up to three years.
Yemen: one hundred lashes or one-year prison, in case of married men with death by stoning.
There are several countries in the European Union which offer resident status or citizenship for investors or entrepreneurs. Malta, Cyprus, Monaco (not EU member), Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom launched the most straightforward options for individuals or same-sex couples. Malta and Cyprus even have citizenship by investment programs. It worth to obtain all necessary information and start living free in a European country. The European Union provides equal rights and non-discriminatory legislation for the LGBT community. Gays can marry in several European countries, and registered civil partnerships are accepted as well as the right to adopt children. You can read here more on the LGBT rights in Europe!