Top 11 Most LGBTQ Friendly Countries in 2025 – Get Golden Visa

LGBTQ+ Rights and Sustainable Development Goals in Finland

Overview of LGBTQ+ Legislation in Finland

Finland is recognized as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries globally, with some of the most advanced laws protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), Finnish legislation on LGBTQ+ rights is the most developed and comprehensive in Europe. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by promoting equality and inclusive legal frameworks.

LGBTQ+ Rights and Public Opinion

1. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1971, with equal age of consent established in 1999.
2. The Finnish government approved same-sex marriage and adoption rights in 2014; the law took effect in 2017.
3. In vitro fertilization (IVF) has been accessible to lesbian couples since 2007.
4. According to Eurobarometer, 74% of Finnish citizens support equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, reflecting SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10.

Healthcare Access for LGBTQ+ Individuals

In 2023, Finland reformed its Trans Law to allow transgender individuals to change their legal gender based on self-determination, without requiring medical procedures or psychiatric evaluations. This reform supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 by ensuring access to healthcare and legal recognition. However, the law currently recognizes only binary gender identities and does not yet include non-binary individuals.

Additionally, HIV testing and treatment services are available and covered under public health programs, further supporting inclusive healthcare access.

Residency and Citizenship Opportunities for LGBTQ+ Expats and Retirees

Non-EU LGBTQ+ individuals planning to move to Finland must obtain a residence visa. While there is no specific retirement visa, applicants can apply for a temporary residence permit. The application requires the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Proof of residence
• Source of income
• Health insurance

Applicants may apply for permanent residence after four years of continuous stay. This process aligns with SDG 10 by promoting inclusive migration policies.

Attractions and Community Support for LGBTQ+ Individuals

Finland offers a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering inclusive societies. Helsinki hosts the annual Helsinki Pride event in the last week of June, featuring vibrant parades, celebrations, and sporting events. Other cities such as Tampere and Turku also organize regional pride festivals.

The country has active LGBTQ+ organizations like SETA, which promote acceptance and respect for all gender identities and sexual orientations, supporting SDG 16 by encouraging peaceful and inclusive societies.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Healthcare access and HIV testing and treatment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
   • Legal gender recognition based on self-determination improving mental health and well-being.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Legal recognition of transgender individuals and equal rights for LGBTQ+ community.
   • Access to reproductive technologies like IVF for lesbian couples.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Equal rights legislation for LGBTQ+ people, including marriage and adoption rights.
   • Social acceptance and anti-discrimination measures reflected in public opinion.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Legal frameworks for LGBTQ+ rights and protections.
   • Residency and citizenship opportunities for LGBTQ+ expats ensuring inclusion and justice.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.3: End the epidemics of AIDS and other communicable diseases through accessible testing and treatment.
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being, including for marginalized groups such as transgender individuals.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere, extended here to include LGBTQ+ individuals.
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, including IVF access for lesbian couples.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including legal protections for LGBTQ+ people.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 3.3: Number of people receiving HIV testing and treatment under public health programs.
2. Indicator for SDG 3.4: Legal recognition of gender identity without medical or psychiatric requirements (e.g., transgender legal gender change based on self-determination).
3. Indicator for SDG 5.1 and 5.6: Legal status of same-sex marriage, adoption rights, and access to IVF for lesbian couples.
4. Indicator for SDG 10.3: Percentage of population supporting equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals (e.g., 74% of Finnish people according to Eurobarometer).
5. Indicator for SDG 16.b: Existence and enforcement of laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights and residency/citizenship policies inclusive of LGBTQ+ expats.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: getgoldenvisa.com