As a member of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer), you might wonder if the place you’re moving to is LGBT-friendly or not. Given that throughout history, LGBTQ members struggled for their rights and privileges in society, this makes perfect sense.
Considering this, you may come up with this question: How safe is Portugal for LGBTQ expats? With a 67 equality index according to ILGA Europe, Portugal ranks 9th among the most LGBTQ+ friendly countries in 2025. Reflecting on this, here we have gathered everything you need to know about Portugal’s social acceptance of LGBTQ members.
What to Discover in This Guide?
Is Portugal LGBT Friendly in 2025?
To determine whether a country is friendly or safe for LGBTQ people, it is best to look at its anti-discrimination laws. These laws are made by governments to protect people from unfair treatment based on their characteristics.
When we look at Portugal’s laws and legislation, we see it is one of the most gay-friendly countries to live, travel or visit in the world:
| LGBTQ Rights in Portugal | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Status | ||||
| Homosexuality | Legal | ||||
| Censorship | No censorship | ||||
| Changing Gender | Legal, self-determined (18+) | ||||
| Non-Binary Gender Recognition | Not legally recognized | ||||
| Housing Protections | Protected under anti-discrimination laws | ||||
| Discrimination Laws | Illegal (covers sexual orientation and gender identity) | ||||
| Military Service | Open to LGBTQ+ and transgender people | ||||
| Same-Sex Marriage | Legal (since 2010) | ||||
| Gender-Affirming Care | Accessible and legally supported | ||||
| Adoption by LGBTQ+ | Legal for individuals and couples | ||||
| Intersex Infant Surgery | Banned without medical necessity | ||||
| Blood Donation | Legal, no restrictions on LGBTQ+ donors | ||||
The History of the LGBTQ Community in Portugal
In 1974, Portugal experienced one of the most successful bloodless revolutions in history, known as the “Carnation Revolution”. This revolution ended the military dictatorship, and since then, Portuguese society has been much more open-minded and progressive.
In May 1974, the “Diario de Lisboa” published a manifesto for the Liberation of sexual minorities, which led to the establishment of the Portuguese LGBT movement. Even with all the struggle the community put in, homosexuality wasn’t decriminalized until 1982.
The Timeline
The historical timeline continued as follows:
- In 1995, ILGA Portugal, the country’s first major LGBTQ rights group, was founded.
- In 1999, the first gay pride march took place in Lisbon.
- In 2001, Portugal recognized unregistered cohabitation for same-sex couples.
- In 2003, Anti-discrimination laws in the workplace were introduced for LGBTQ people.
- In 2004, the constitution was updated to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- In 2007, the age of consent was equalized for same-sex sexual activity and different-sex activity. Plus, domestic violence protections are extended to same-sex couples.
- In 2010, the government legalized same-sex marriage, making Portugal the 8th country in the world.
- In 2011, the Gender Identity Law was passed. Thus, transgender people can legally change their gender and name.
- In 2013, gender identity was added to hate crime laws, and May 17 was declared to be the National Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
- In 2016, same-sex couples were allowed to adopt children.
- In 2016, lesbian couples got access to fertility treatments (IVF)
- In 2018, a new law allowed legal gender change by self-determination for adults and some minors. Also, it bans unnecessary surgeries on intersex children.
- In 2024, conversion therapy became illegal and punishable by law.
Portugal LGBT Rights in 2025: Top 9 Considerations
Portugal is quite progressive when it comes to LGBT rights. As a member of the LGBT community, you have access to various rights while living in Portugal, such as:
1. Same-Sex Marriage in Portugal
The Portuguese state first recognized unions for gay couples in 1999 and legalized same-sex partners’ marriage on June 5, 2010.
The country grants LGBTQ couples in Portugal the same rights as heterosexual couples regarding marriage laws, visas, inheritance, adoption, and IVF.
Plus, same-sex married couples in Portugal have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples according to the changed Penal Code in 2007. There is no difference in how the law treats them in terms of marriage, sexual consent, and protection against sexual harassment and domestic violence.
2. Marriage Visas for Same-sex Couples in Portugal
If your spouse has permanent residence in Portugal, you can apply for a 2-year residence permit, which you can renew if your relationship status is the same after that period.
In the case that your spouse has a temporary residence, you can join them on the grounds of family reunification. Keep in mind that you’ll need to prove that you have sufficient funds to prove that you can support yourself in this case.
3. Same-sex Marriage With a Portuguese Citizen
If you get married to a Portuguese citizen, then you’ll be entitled to citizenship. You need to first apply for residency. Then after three years of marriage, you may apply for citizenship.
4. Inheritance Rights for LGBTQ Families in Portugal
As one of the best countries for LGBT people to live, Portugal does not have an inheritance tax for spouses or close relatives, whether for heterosexual or same-sex spouses and their children. This means LGBT families are treated the same as heterosexual people when it comes to money and property.
Their sexual orientation and gender identity do not affect their financial or legal rights.
5. Same-Sex Adoption
Adoption as an LGBT couple was legalized in Portugal in 2016, though Portugal’s adoption process is quite arduous and might take three to four years to complete.
Before 2016, same-sex couples were not allowed to adopt or foster children, although a few court decisions had made exceptions.
Plus, surrogacy has been banned in Portugal since 2006. It is not allowed for same-sex couples. Only married straight couples can use it under very strict conditions since 2016.
6. IVF for LGBTQ Couples in Portugal
The same legislation that legalized adoption for LGBT couples also legalized IVF. This means that any LGBT woman, if capable of receiving IVF, has the same rights as any cisgender or heterosexual woman.
7. Right to Change Legal Gender for Transgender People
Since 2011, transgender people have been able to change their name and gender on their birth certificate. However, it was not until 2016 that they could change their gender based entirely on self-determination.
In 2016, adults could legally undergo gender-affirming treatments based entirely on self-identification, with no additional requirements. On the other hand, teens aged 16 or 17 can also change their legal gender with parental consent and psychological opinion.
Along with these, healthcare services in Portugal are becoming more supportive of trans people and offer better access to gender-affirming treatments.
8. Blood Donation
Back in 2010, Portugal’s Parliament agreed to let gay and bisexual men donate blood. The plan was to start in 2015 on the condition that gay or bisexual men have only one sexual partner for the last six months of the year. But it was delayed and only began in late 2016, with a one-year wait.
In March 2021, after complaints about rejected donations, the rules changed. The waiting period was removed. Since December 15, 2021, it has become against the law to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Therefore, everyone can donate blood equally.
9. Discrimination Protections and Hate Crimes
Compared to other European countries, the constitution of Portugal has a high acceptance of LGBTQ individuals regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.
Accordingly, it has become the first country which ban any discrimination based on sexual orientation since 2004.
With a new and progressive Penal Code in 2007, Portugal has brought this to the table:
- Protection and recognition of same-sex relationships in the case of domestic violence or hate crimes.
- Equal age of consent between same-sex and opposite-sex.
- The consideration of sexual orientation as an aggravating circumstance in homicides and hate crimes.
How is Life in Portugal for LGBT?
In Portugal, no matter how they express their gender, people feel safe to be themselves, and they are often welcomed by a large community. And among its most gay friendly cities, Lisbon and Porto are where most of the action happens.
Every summer, Lisbon hosts Arraial Lisboa Pride, a fun, colorful event in late June with a big pride march and parties that go on for two days. Then, just a week or so later, Pride in Porto starts. It is smaller but still full of energy, and a great way for the community to come together.
Nevertheless, Portugal also stands out when it comes to LGBTQ+ art and film. Every year, Queer Lisboa and Queer Porto take place during September and October. They mostly focus on queer stories from all around the world. These stories cover topics like gender, identity, and everything in between.
Supportive LGBTQ+ Communities in Portugal
Along with its progressive laws, Portugal builds a strong community through organizations that support LGBTQ+ individuals.
- ILGA Portugal is the biggest and most well-known. Since 1997, it has been offering free services like legal help and counseling. At the same time, it organizes events and fights for policy change.
- Clube Safo, based in Aveiro, focuses on lesbian rights. They bring women together through cultural events and political discussions.
- Opus Diversidades started as Opus Gay and now supports a wider group, including migrants and the unhoused. They run a shelter, provide free therapy, and take action on both LGBTQ+ and environmental issues.
- Transmissão is a collective of trans and non-binary people working to protect their rights and challenge the way gender is policed. They organize events like the “Wardrobe Discovery” project. Thus, they help people explore gender expression in safe spaces.
- Casa T Lisboa was the first shelter in Portugal created by and for trans people. It was started during the pandemic and continues to rely on donations.
The Top 5 Most LGBT-Friendly Places in Portugal
The most LGBT-friendly cities tend to be the larger cities, such as Lisbon and Porto. That being said, the Algarve is also very welcoming and non-judgmental. Below you’ll find a list of some of the most popular neighborhoods with LGBTQ expats in Lisbon:
1. Principe Real
If you ask any Lisbonian, “Where should an LGBT member visit?” they will undoubtedly answer “Principe Real.” The Pride march started in Principe Real, and to this day, it is known as Lisbon’s prominent LGBT neighborhood.
Principe Real is the most popular neighborhood among LGBT members. Real estate prices have risen quite drastically in the past couple of years due to high demand. That is why you should expect to pay 7,763€ per m2 if you’re planning to buy property in Portugal.
As for rents in Principe Real, you won’t be able to find anything for less than €900-1300 a month as of 2025. Keep in mind that these prices can go up to 1,500-2,000€ in new projects.
2. Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is a very young neighborhood at heart, known for its famous spots, including numerous gay saunas and gay bars.
Besides, it is what’s known as an “up-and-coming neighborhood”. It’s gaining popularity rapidly due to its wonderful location and comfortably luxurious apartments.
To buy an apartment in Bairro Alto, you’ll need €6,898 per m2. As for rent, you can find some properties between 1100-2000€ a month.
3. Arroios
In 2019, “Timeout” magazine announced Arroios as one of the “coolest neighborhoods” in the world. It’s mostly trendy with young LGBT members due to its queer-friendly cultural centers such as Casa Independte and Anjos 70.
It is still quite expensive compared to other areas in Lisbon due to its various cultural centers, clubs, and bars. In Arroios, you should be prepared to pay an average of €6,224 per m2 if you wish to buy a property.
Rents are a bit more reasonable. You can rent a 50m2 apartment for an average of €900 a month.
4. Porto
Well-known for its Port wine, Porto is one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in Portugal. Accordingly, the first Pride Week took place in 2001. With its visible gay scenes, Avenida dos Aliados, the main avenue, opens itself to LGBT expats.
You can easily find gay-friendly hotels and experience the nightlife via LGBT-friendly bars. While being accepted as who you are, not your performative gender, you can feel the Portuguese people’s kindness and their culture’s uniqueness.
Gay men can prefer going to gay-friendly bars and clubs in areas such as The Galleries. You can enjoy the DJ performances, tasty cocktails, and themed events, reflecting the gay culture.
5. Costa da Caparica
As one of the LGBT-friendly neighborhoods of Lisbon, Costa da Caparica hosts Europe’s largest gay beach since the 1980s. Transgender and intersex people can visit the coastline and enjoy the beach’s sublime beauty, swim, and sunbathe without being disturbed by any locals.
The Portugal Golden Visa for Gay Couples
Your tourist visa or visa-free access will allow you to stay in Portugal up to 90 days. If you want to extend your stay, you need a residence visa. At this point, you might consider applying for the Portugal Golden Visa.
It is a citizenship-by-investment program that allows the investor to obtain permanent residence in Portugal in exchange for an investment. After five years of residency, you become eligible for Portuguese citizenship.
This scheme is trendy with investors thanks to its many benefits, mostly its “Family Reunification” benefit. This states that the main applicant can include their spouses and children in this program. They can obtain residence and, eventually, citizenship. This also extends to same-sex couples, with all the rights and privileges.
There are various investment routes to qualify for this program, such as:
- Making a €500,000 investment in a fund in Portugal
- Creation of 10 Jobs in Portugal
- Creation of 8 jobs in a low-density area in Portugal
- Making a €500,000 capital transfer to increase shares of a company and the creation of 5 jobs
- Making a donation of €250,000 to arts/national heritage/culture
- Making €500,000 investment in scientific and technological research
Contact Form
Frequently Asked Questions About LGBT Life in Portugal
Why is Portugal among the LGBT-friendly countries?
Similar to Western Europe countries, the Portuguese Government has progressive anti-discrimination legislations that protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer people, which makes it one of the most lgbt friendly countries.
Does Portuguese law protect individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation?
Yes, Portuguese law protects individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation. It is illegal to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation in areas like employment, housing, and access to services.
Does Portuguese law protect individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation?
Yes, Portuguese law protects individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation. It is illegal to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation in areas like employment, housing, and access to services.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Portugal?
Yes, same-sex marriage has been legal in Portugal since 2011.
Can I get citizenship in Portugal through same-sex marriage with a Portuguese citizen?
Homosexual marriages in Portugal have precisely the same rights as heterosexual marriages. You’ll receive your permanent residence there, and then after three years of marriage, you may apply for citizenship.
Is Portugal a good place for retirement as an LGBT person?
Portugal is very popular among expats for retirement, thanks to its low cost of living and high ranking on the safety index (third globally). Retiring in Portugal as an LGBT member is also a smart idea thanks to the government’s vigilance in fighting for LGBT rights.
Does Portugal allow gender-affirming care?
Yes, gender-affirming care is allowed in Portugal with self-determination for transgender people. Plus, people who are 16 can change their legal gender through parental consent.
