Portugal is a popular country – both for tourists and for people looking to migrate and put down roots somewhere new. It’s also a very liberal country, well known for very lenient laws about drug use, green energy policies and more. Which also means that it’s generally considered to be very LGBTQ friendly. 

Is Portugal an LGBTQ-Friendly Country? In fact, in recent years, Portugal has been internationally recognized for its progressive approach to many different aspects of modern life. Being LGBTQ+ friendly is just one more area where the country is leading the way in Europe. 

So, if you or someone you care about is LGBTQ and you are considering visiting or moving to Portugal, here’s what you need to know. 

LGBT Rights in Portugal

Portugal has been becoming more progressive over the years, and homosexuality was decriminalized in 1982 – which is quite a long time before many other countries. In fact, there are many countries (even in the western world) where the battle for gender and sexual equality is still ongoing. 

Gay marriage is legal in Portugal, as are adoption by gay people and couples, and so is military service by gay people. Currently, however, there is no ban on conversion therapy, which might not be a problem for visitors or immigrants but could be an ideological issue. 

Gender identity and sexual orientation are protected in Portugal, so while you might still encounter some isolated incidents of discrimination in the country, you can report them and do have legal protection and recourse. 

Is Portugal an LGBTQ-Friendly Country?

Yes. In general, Portugal is considered an LGBTQ+ friendly country. As with an any country, there is still work to be done, but most of the rights of LGBTQ+ people are legally protected, which is a big factor for anyone considering a visit or a move. In fact, in 2019, along with Canada and Sweden, Portugal was named the top destination for LGBTQ+ people. 

In some of the more rural areas of the country, there is still some residual discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, but the government has been actively working to bring those areas in line with the rest of Portugal. 

The Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Neighbours in Portugal

As with most countries, the most LGBTQ+ friendly places in Portugal are big cities. Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are usually at the top of the LGBTQ+ friendly list. 

In the city of Lisbon, there are some areas that are considered more LGBTQ+ friendly than others, including:

• Principe Real – where the Pride parade happens
• Barrio Alto – a vibrant community that is popular with expats
• Cascais – a neighbourhood that is near but not in Lisbon
• Arroios – voted the coolest neighbourhood in the world in a recent poll

Public Opinion

As with most countries, public opinion on LGBTQ+ people and lifestyles are mixed, but because there are legal protections for people who identify as LGBTQ+, there is recourse if someone should behave in a negative fashion. 

LGBTQ+ Marriage in Portugal

LGBTQ+ marriage has been legal in Portugal since 2010, and same sex or LGBTQ+ couples have the same right to sponsor their partners for immigration as heterosexual couples. 

The legal age for same sex and LGBTQ marriage has been brought in line with heterosexual marriage too – so there is no additional waiting time for couples who want to tie the knot. Inheritance laws are also the same for both LGBTQ+ and heterosexual companies, so spouses and children have the same right to inherit. 

Adoption for LGBTQ+ couples

Same sex and LGBTQ+ adoption has been legal in Portugal since 2015. This applies both to adopting children from outside of the union as well as adopting the children of your spouse or partner. 

LGBTQ+ people also have the same right to IVF treatment as heterosexual people in Portugal, so people who want to have their own biological children can do so. 

Perceived Acceptance of LGBTQ+ People

According to a survey of people in Portugal that was conducted in 2013, 53% of people surveyed felt that it was a good place to live as an LGBTQ+ person, and 29% felt that it was not. The remainder were undecided or did not respond. 

It’s important to note that acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in general has been trending upwards around the world, so it’s likely that if a similar poll were taken today, there would be a more positive outcome. 

Discrimination and Censorship

There are strict laws about discrimination and censorship in Portugal, and being LGBTQ is one of the protected grounds under the Portuguese legal system. Which means that you have legal recourse if you are discriminated against because of gender identity or sexual preference. 

Censorship of LGBTQ+ in Portugal

There is currently no censorship of LGBTQ+ issues in Portugal.

LGBTQ+ housing discrimination in Portugal

Because gender identity and sexual orientation are legally protected in Portugal, discrimination on these grounds in the housing market is not allowed. People who experience this kind of discrimination do have legal recourse. 

LGBTQ+ employment discrimination in Portugal

It has been illegal to discriminate based on gender identity or sexual orientation in Portugal since 2015, and if you are discriminated against on these grounds in the workplace, you do have legal recourse. 

LGBTQ+ Pride in Portugal

Pride festivals have been celebrated in Portugal since 1999, and most major cities have some sort of celebration to mark Pride week. As with most festivals and events in Portugal, you can expect to see lots of colour, music, and entertainment during these events, and like most Pride festivals around the world, there are family friendly events too. 

FAQ

Is it legal to change your gender at birth in Portugal?

Yes. As of 2018, it has been possible to change your gender at birth without surgery in Portugal, however there are still no options for non-binary gender assignment on legal documents. The government is working on amending these laws. 

Is it legal to serve in the military in Portugal if you are LGBTQ+?

Yes. As of 1999, it has been legal to be openly LGBTQ+ and serve in the Portuguese military. 

Can LGBTQ+ people donate blood in Portugal?

Yes. Ever since 2010, it has been legal for LGBTQ+ people to donate blood in Portugal. The same rules apply to heterosexual and LGBTQ+ people. 

Is the age of consent the same for LGBTQ+ people in Portugal?

Yes. As of 2007, the legal age of consent has been 14 for both LGBTQ+ and heterosexual people in Portugal. 

Can I immigrate to Portugal if I am LGBTQ+?

Yes. Provided you meet the other requirements for immigration to Portugal, there are no restrictions based on your sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Where should I move to if I move to Portugal?

Unfortunately, the Portuguese government recently changed the property rules for purchasing property to support a golden visa application, so Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve are no longer options. However, there are several other big cities (and areas near those cities and regions) that you could consider instead. 

Can I bring my same sex partner with me if I immigrate to Portugal?

Yes. The immigration rules for same sex partners are the same as for heterosexual relationships. However, you do both need to meet all the requirements set by the government in order to qualify.