One does not simply move to another country. Due to millennia of policies restricting foreigners that evolved into our current global capitalist surveillance states, every nation has rules about who can enter, for how long, and under what conditions. The following is a general overview of your options.

Be sure to check our table that compares countries depending on the types of visas and residency pathways they offer.

Claiming Asylum

There is currently no known case of a US citizen that has successfully claimed asylum based on LGBTQ+ status anywhere in the world. As of now, no government of any country has publicly stated that they would would grant asylum to a US citizen on the basis of their LGBTQ+ status. After discussing asylum as a legal option with people who are knowledgeable in this matter, we absolutely advise against seeking this path. Asylum claims from US citizens have virtually no chance of being granted, and a failed claim may result in being banned from re-entering a country/region, possibly for life.

Internationally, the US is still regarded as having a functional legal system that theoretically gives us recourse to discrimination and violence. It's also assumed persecuted minorities can simply flee internally to a "blue state." Even if granted asylum, the fact remains that many countries' asylum systems are little better than imprisonment; for example, you may not be allowed to bring personal belongings or have the ability to move freely or to work.

Some advocacy groups in countries like Canada are lobbying their governments to start accepting LGBTQ+ US-American asylum claims. As soon as we hear any credible news on this topic, we'll share it here.

Work Permit

You can apply for a job with a company in your desired country. Certain qualifications in tech are very sought after. Typically there is an extra process/registration the company has to complete that will allow you to obtain a work permit and immigrate to that country. Most work permits are for 1-3 years and can be renewed.

Some countries like Canada have special agreements (CUSMA) that allow employers to skip some of the paperwork for US candidates, such as having to justify that they couldn't find anyone else in-country for the job.

If you work for a company with international offices, you may be able to obtain a work permit via an intra-company transfer, as well.

University or Student Visa

Obtaining a student visa is another path you might consider. Many countries have programs for international students and provide long-term visas that allow individuals to live, study, and sometimes even work part-time during their stay. Tuition fees are generally lower than in the United States. Depending on the country, enrolling in a university program, language course, vocational school, or even performing volunteer service may be a viable way to obtain a student visa.

Remote Worker / Digital Nomad

Some countries offer "digital nomad" visas that allow you to work remotely for a job based outside of the country you're staying in. These visas are typically valid for stays up to 180 days to one or two years. Some are renewable. Many countries will want to see proof of employment and that the employer specifically allows you to work remotely.

Family Reunification

Many countries offer a way to obtain a residence permit by proving you have an immediate relative legally living in the country. This includes spouses and sometimes parents or children or other relatives.

Citizenship by Descent

Some countries (especially in Europe) allow you to gain citizenship if you can prove you're a direct descendant of a citizen. Typically you must have a parent or grandparent who was a citizen but some countries have byzantine rules and exceptions that can allow access if you are linked to more distant relatives. This requires legal help. This process also takes time.

Wandering Nomad

This option is for those who just need to leave the country ASAP and either have lots of money or a backpacker spirit. You can simply wander from country to country. You will visit each country as a tourist and will have a limited time to stay in-country. Some countries offer US citizens up to 180-day stays, but many offer only up to 90 days.

Note that when you enter a country as a tourist, border agents may want to see round-trip tickets in/out of the country as well as reservations for lodging.

Also note that performing work while in the country typically will require a visa that specifically allows for that.

Retiree / "Rentista"

Some countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Portugal offer temporary residence visas (that can be renewed indefinitely) for those who can prove they have a certain amount of money in the bank or earn a certain level of passive monthly income. You may or may not be allowed to work for local companies on these types of permits, so check the rules for whatever country you are considering if obtaining local work is important to you.

Golden Visa

These visas allow you instant permanent residence if you make a cultural, business, or real estate investment in-country. They're usually relatively high amounts (think $250k or more).