Portugal LGBT Expats: A Guide to Living in Portugal

In today’s globalized world, remote work opportunities and increased freedom of travel are opening doors for expats from diverse backgrounds across the globe. Traveling to a new country and choosing a new home, however, requires careful consideration, especially for individuals who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and seek a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. LGBTQ+ rights in Portugal are considered among the best in the world, having improved significantly over the years and earning a reputation as an exceptionally tolerant country.

In this Portugal LGBT expats guide, we will take you through the Portugal LGBTQ+ community’s history, the current standing of sexual orientation and gender identity law in the country and give you a tour of the best neighborhoods for individuals to feel safe and comfortable within their sexual and gender diversity.

Over the past few years, Portugal has emerged as a top destination for LGBT expats and as a country that prioritizes the acceptance and safety of citizens and expats despite their sexual orientation. Portugal is home to inclusive communities accepting of cultural, religious, and racial diversity as well as heterosexual and cisgender youth and individuals part of diverse sexual minority populations.

But before packing your bags, it’s important to delve deeper into the intricacies of this country that celebrates the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans (LGBT) community. This guide will explore the cultural landscape, legal protections available, and the most LGBT-friendly cities in Portugal, helping you make an informed decision about your new adventure and convincing you why Portugal is the best country in the world to live.

The LGBT Community in Portugal

According to the Spartacus Gay Travel Index for 2024, Portugal shares the top spot for being the most LGBT+ friendly country, alongside Malta, Spain, Canada, and New Zealand. Portugal also recently changed its laws protecting the gender identity and sexual orientation of trans and intersex people and introduced several anti-hate crime initiatives against verbal or physical abuse. Portugal is also home to influential personalities and activists such as António Serzedelo, a Portuguese human rights and LGBT activist, and Isabel Moreira, a politician and advocate for LGBT rights.

Is Portugal LGBT-friendly?

As an individual of a different sexual orientation or gender identity, you may have concerns about experiencing discrimination and homophobia. In certain sectors of Portuguese society, particularly the more rural sectors, there is still some discrimination against the LGBT community. However, Portugal’s government has spent recent years actively working to protect the rights of LGBT residents and make the country a more hospitable host of the LGBT community.

In Portugal, LGBT-friendly businesses are easy to find. These include hotels, bars, and cafes known for being welcoming to sexual minority youth. You can even find guides specializing in LGBT-friendly tours in Portugal.

Popular Portugal LGBT locations and landmarks include the neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real, which are Lisbon’s gay-friendly touristic hotspots popular for their nightlife, including LGBT-friendly bars and clubs.

The Portuguese government also offers social and legal resources, including the Comissão para a Cidadania e a Igualdade de Género (CIG), which is a government body responsible for promoting gender equality and fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

LGBTQ+ expats in Portugal also have access to health and support services like CheckpointLX, which is a Lisbon-based sexual health center for the LGBT, and the Transexual Portugal Support Network, which offers support and resources for transgender individuals. There are also a number of online communities and resources available, such as the PortugalGay.pt website that features resources and directories for the LGBT community in Portugal, as well as several Portugal LGBT online forums and social media groups.

Portugal for sexual minority youths

Portugal offers a world-class education system and a number of international schools where expats can find a safe space for their children who are part of the LGBTQ+ community to learn in an environment created for positive and healthy development. You will be able to find private and public schools offering inclusive school programs, school support groups promoting awareness-raising activities, and schools that implement mandatory teacher training in inclusive student and school ethics.

Portugal LGBT high school students and older students will also have access to schools and tertiary institutions with a student organization offering sexuality-related social support, as well as social and parental support to fight homophobic and transphobic bullying.

The Portugal LGBT Rights Timeline

In 1974, Portugal experienced the Carnation Revolution, one of history’s most successful bloodless revolutions. The Carnation Revolution ended the country’s military dictatorship and, in the years since, Portuguese society has become more progressive and open-minded.

Today, Portugal is considered one of the top countries in the world for the protection and advancement of LGBT rights that tackle sexual diversity issues. Let’s look at some important dates in the history of the Portuguese LGBT movement and Portugal’s LGBT community:

• May 1974: A manifesto for the Liberation of sexual minorities is published in the Diário de Lisboa, resulting in the establishment of Portugal’s LGBT movement 
• 1982: Homosexuality in Portugal is decriminalized
• 1999: The first gay pride march occurs in Lisbon. State officially recognizes same-sex unions
• 2007: The age of consent for same-sex relationships is equalized
• 2010: Gay marriage is legalized
• 2016: Gay couples are legally allowed to adopt

LGBT Rights in Portugal

As we mentioned earlier, Portugal is a progressive and open-minded society. If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and intend to relocate to Portugal, you may want to know exactly what rights and protection you are guaranteed against discrimination and what measures are taken to protect mental health under Portuguese law.

Below, we will explore the Portugal LGBT legal and advocacy milestones that have come to pass since 2010, including, same-sex marriage legalization in 2010, the 2018 law on gender identity which allows individuals to change legal gender without medical intervention, and Portugal LGBT adoption rights.

Gay marriage in Portugal

In 1999, Portugal first recognized unions for same sex couples. In 2010, the country legalized marriage for same-sex couples. As such, same sex couples are guaranteed the same rights as heterosexual couples under Portuguese law. This includes marriage, visas, inheritance, adoption, and IVF laws.

Marriage visas for same-sex partners in Portugal

Marriage visas for heterosexual and same-sex couples in Portugal work the same. If your spouse has permanent residence in Portugal, you can apply for a two-year residence permit. You can renew this permit at the end of the two years, provided your relationship status has remained the same.

If your spouse has a temporary residence, you can join them under the family reunification law. In such a case, you must prove that you possess sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.

If you have a same-sex partner and apply for a Portugal Golden Visa, your partner will also receive a residence permit if their documentation is submitted simultaneously.

Same-sex marriage to a Portuguese citizen

If you marry a Portuguese citizen, you can apply for residency. After three years of marriage, you will be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Gender identity according to Portugal LGBT law

Put into place in 2018, Act No. 38/201 [65] allows an adult person to change legal gender without any requirements. Minors aged 16 and 17 can do so with parental consent and a professional psychological opinion on the child’s sexual identity to ensure that their decision is sound and not being made due to outside pressure. This law also prohibits both direct and indirect discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression and any violation on gender minority students’ rights in general.

Family rights for LGBT couples in Portugal

Thanks to the legalization of same sex marriage in 2010 and same-sex adoption in 2016, Portugal enjoys a political system that supports LGBT rights. As a result, LGBT families and heterosexual families can enjoy the same adoption rights today.

The children of same sex couples are recognized as dependents in the same way that children of heterosexual couples are. As such, these children can apply for family reunification visas and are also included as dependents under Portugal’s Golden Visa program. This means they qualify to obtain a residence permit if they are under 18 or in full-time education.

Inheritance rights for Portugal’s LGBT community

In Portugal, there is no inheritance tax for spouses or close relatives, and this applies to both heterosexual, same-sex couples and their children. This means that sexual orientation has no effect on commercial or financial relationships between LGBT Portugal families.

Adoption rights for Portugal’s LGBT couples

Portugal legalized adoption for same-sex couples in 2016, and it is also possible for same-sex partners to adopt their spouse’s children. Portugal’s adoption process is the same for both heterosexual and same sex couples but is known to be quite bureaucratic and can take three to four years to complete.

IVF for same-sex couples in Portugal

The same legislation that legalized adoption for same-sex couples also guarantees them equal access to IVF treatment. As such, any woman who is LGBT has the same rights to IVF as a cis-gendered or heterosexual woman. An important note is that surrogacy is not legal in Portugal unless under specific circumstances.

Blood donation rights

Since 2021, blood donation restrictions specifically targeting and creating barriers for gay men who participate in same-sex sexual activity have been replaced with equitable assessments, ensuring safety and fairness for all donors.

LGBTQ+ Life in Portugal

Now that we’ve explored the rights of LGBTQ+ members in Portugal, the next important question is: Is Portugal gay friendly in everyday life? Portugal doesn’t just talk about equality—it is celebrated in the way of life. Whether you’re here for a visit or making Portugal your new home, you’ll find a vibrant community, lively events, and a culture that embraces diversity.

From accepting gay Portugal beaches and gay pride events to gay bars and even gay saunas, the lifestyle has embraced LGBTQ+ members and gay culture. Here are some of the most well-known gay Portugal events to look forward to.

Pride in Lisbon and Porto

Pride celebrations in Lisbon and Porto are unforgettable experiences that showcase the heart and soul of Portugal’s LGBTQ+ community. Lisbon’s Arraial Lisboa Pride transforms the city into a colorful festival of love and acceptance, with parades, concerts, and late-night dancing in the streets.

Porto’s Pride celebration is just as energetic, mixing solidarity with celebration against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most picturesque cities. These events aren’t just about parties—they’re about visibility, connection, and celebrating how far the community has come.

Queer Lisboa and other queer film festivals

For film lovers, Queer Lisboa is the place to be. This annual LGBTQ+ film festival in Lisbon brings together captivating films from around the world, offering a mix of thought-provoking features, eye-opening documentaries, and powerful short films. But it’s more than just a film festival—it’s queer storytelling at its best and an opportunity to connect with artists, activists, and audiences who share a passion for representation. If you’re in Portugal during the festival, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.

Not to be outdone, Porto also offers the Queer Porto film festival, another unmissable queer cinematic experience that is internationally recognized and celebrated.

LGBTQ+ Organizations in Portugal

Portugal’s LGBTQ+ community is supported by an incredible network of organizations that make a real difference. These groups work year-round to provide resources, raise awareness for anti LGBT bullying, and build spaces where everyone feels safe and accepted.

ILGA Portugal is at the forefront, offering gay and lesbian people everything from legal guidance to mental health support while championing LGBTQ+ rights across the country. For young people, Rede Ex Aequo creates a space to connect, share experiences, and build confidence. Meanwhile, AMPLOS focuses on supporting families of LGBTQ+ individuals, proving that love and understanding can be transformative.

Other important organizations include Clube Safo, who specifically provides support to the lesbian Portugal community, Opus Diversidades, and TransMissão. Together, these organizations ensure that Portugal remains not just inclusive but genuinely uplifting for its LGBTQ+ community.

Portugal LGBT Friendly Places to Live 

Are you trying to decide where to live in Portugal but wondering: Is Portugal LGBT-friendly in every city and region? Is Lisbon gay friendly? While not every city in Portugal is as accustomed to LGBTQ+ culture yet, the larger cities like Lisbon and Porto tend to be more LGBT-friendly than Portugal’s smaller, more rural areas. The Algarve region and some of the best places to live in Silver Coast Portugal are also very friendly towards the LGBTQ+ community.

So, let’s look at some places in Portugal that are LGBT-friendly, that also happen to be some of the best regions and best cities in Portugal for any expat to live too.

Principe Real

One of Lisbon’s charming and historic neighborhoods, Principe Real, is the starting point for the capital city’s Pride parades. It is known as Lisbon’s most prominent gay neighborhood and has a thriving gay scene. Any Lisboeta (person from Lisbon) would recommend the neighborhood as a must-see place for LGBT visitors.

Located near the heart of Lisbon, this neighborhood contains the most famous gay bars in Lisbon. Unsurprisingly it has a thriving nightlife, as well as a range of restaurants, a lovely park, and many traditional houses with stunning views over the Tragus River.

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is popular among the LGBT community in Lisbon. The vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene in the suburb tends to attract a younger crowd, and it has a good number of gay bars. The neighborhood also has narrow streets that fill with partygoers looking to hit the bars over the weekends.

Arroios

Arroios is known for being very LGBT-friendly and is popular among younger members of the LGBT community. The area has a few LGBT-friendly cultural centers, including entertainment attractions like Casa Independente, a terrace with outdoor seating that serves cocktails and live music performances.

Cascais

Cascais is a popular destination among expats. It has several beautiful beaches and is also located near Lisbon, providing all the convenience of a capital city in addition to a calmer, more tranquil lifestyle. Cascais has a host of gay-friendly bars, fantastic restaurants, and a thriving art scene.

For more insight into Portugal LGBT friendly hotspots, you can explore our guide to the best gay areas in Lisbon and discover more about these areas in the Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon guide.

Costs of Buying Real Estate in Portugal

When moving to Portugal, you will likely wonder what real estate prices are like. Portugal’s real estate market is thriving, and property prices have steadily increased. In popular neighborhoods of Lisbon, property prices tend to be more expensive.

As you now know, Principe Real in Lisbon’s suburb of Santo António is a very popular neighborhood for members of the LGBT community and expats from all walks of life, from families to investors. It makes sense that real estate prices in the area have risen over the years. You can expect to pay anywhere from €8,117 per square meter to purchase a property.

In Arroios, if you are interested in buying property, you can expect to pay around €5,885 per square meter. Nearby, in the historic Lisbon neighborhood of Santa Maria Maior, the average price of property is €6,700 per square meter. The cost of property will vary depending on your proximity to the city center, the neighborhood, and the property type.

You can learn more about the costs of purchasing real estate in our article on Portugal Real Estate.