6 Countries That Still Offer Birthright Citizenship

As more countries tighten their immigration laws, especially around birth tourism, many Nigerian parents are seeking countries where their children can still gain citizenship by being born there. While the United States has become stricter in recent years, there are still a few nations that uphold jus soli—the legal principle that grants automatic citizenship to anyone born within a country’s territory, regardless of parental nationality.

If you’re considering giving your child the advantage of a foreign passport from birth, here are six countries that still offer unconditional birthright citizenship:

1. Canada

Canada continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for birthright citizenship. Any child born on Canadian soil automatically becomes a citizen, no matter the immigration status of the parents. While parents don’t gain immediate rights through the child’s citizenship, they can apply for residency and eventually naturalization. A Canadian passport gives access to over 180 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival privileges, making it one of the most powerful in the world.

2. Mexico

Mexico offers automatic citizenship to all children born within its borders, except those born to foreign diplomats. Parents can apply for residency afterward and may eventually qualify for citizenship themselves. The Mexican passport is widely respected and grants visa-free access to much of Latin America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

3. Brazil

Brazil maintains a strong birthright citizenship policy. Every child born in Brazil is granted immediate citizenship. The added advantage is that foreign parents can apply for permanent residency and qualify for Brazilian citizenship after just one year of residency. With a Brazilian passport, individuals can travel freely across South America and enjoy access to over 150 countries without the need for a visa.

4. Argentina

Argentina not only offers automatic citizenship to children born in the country but also provides a fast-track path to citizenship for the parents. After just one year of legal residence, foreign parents can apply for Argentine citizenship. The country’s passport ranks among the top 20 globally, providing broad visa-free access to countries across Europe and beyond.

5. Peru

Peru continues to uphold an open jus soli policy, granting citizenship to every child born within its territory. Parents can apply for residency and eventually citizenship by fulfilling the necessary stay requirements. With a Peruvian passport, travelers can access over 130 countries, including the Schengen Area in Europe.

6. Costa Rica

Costa Rica grants birthright citizenship to all children born on its soil. Although the naturalization process for parents is more time-consuming—requiring three years to obtain residency and ten years for citizenship—the country’s strong democratic institutions, excellent healthcare, and high safety ratings make it a desirable choice for families planning long-term settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can parents benefit from their child’s birthright citizenship?
In most cases, parents do not automatically receive citizenship but may be eligible to apply for residency or fast-track naturalization depending on the country.

2. Is birth tourism legal in these countries?
While birth tourism is not illegal in all countries, some have started to implement stricter immigration checks. Always consult local immigration laws or legal experts before making plans.

3. How expensive is giving birth in these countries as a foreigner?
Costs vary. In countries like Canada or the U.S., hospital delivery charges can be high without health insurance. In contrast, Latin American countries like Mexico and Brazil often offer more affordable private healthcare options.

4. Will the child automatically get a passport after birth?
Yes, once birth registration is completed and a birth certificate is issued, the child becomes eligible to apply for a passport in that country.

5. Can the child sponsor the parents later?
This depends on the country’s immigration policy. Some allow sponsorship when the child reaches adulthood, while others have specific restrictions.