Iceland ranks top for most trans-friendly countries in Europe

A 2026 ranking of trans-friendly countries in Europe and Central Asia places Iceland at the top. The Trans Rights Index and Map evaluates protections and opportunities for trans and non-binary people across countries. Scores are based on indicators including legal gender recognition, asylum, hate crime and speech, non-discrimination, health, and family. Iceland earns 30 out of 32, with deductions in asylum policy measures and hate crime and speech policy tackling hatred. Malta ranks second with 28 out of 32, and Spain ranks third with 27.18 out of 32. Belgium and Norway follow, while Germany scores 24.57. Only Austria, Germany, Iceland, and Malta fully meet criteria for non-binary recognition.

"Iceland scored 30 out of 32, with full marks in all but two categories. One point was deducted in both Asylum (Policy/other positive measures) and Hate Crime/Speech (Policy tackling hatred). The country has now scored the same for three years in a row, and has improved by 18 points since the index began in 2019."

"In second place is Malta, with 28 out of 32 indicators met, and achieving full marks in the Legal Gender Recognition, Hate Crime/Speech, Health and Family categories. Spain comes in at number three, with 27.18 out of 32 and full marks in the Asylum and Health categories."

"The 2026 Trans Rights Index and Map shows more visible legal shifts than in recent years. However, most of these changes do not reflect new political commitment. The developments mostly stem from the tireless work of activists and court rulings rather than governments taking proactive steps to advance rights. Despite visible public attacks on trans people across much of the region, the lack of political response is alarming."

"Notably, Austria, Germany, Iceland and Malta are the only countries to fully meet the criteria for non-binary recognition."

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