Birth Tourism: 32 Countries Giving Birthright Citizenship

As an adult, there are several routes you can take to obtain a second passport, including through investment, naturalisation‌ or marriage. 

But, if you have them, obtaining a second citizenship for your children and future generations is just as important. 

For years, surveys such as the Human Development Report and other quality of life indices have uncovered locations where children are likely to have the best quality of life.

Here at Nomad Capitalist, we’ve often discussed how parents applying our principles of international diversification can explore something called ‘birth tourism’.

If you live in the United States, you’ve probably heard of the term ‘anchor baby’, where a non-citizen gives birth to a child in a country with birthright citizenship, to gain residence and citizenship advantages.

In reality, some parents have a unique opportunity to choose the best country to give birth in, especially if they are interested in citizenship there.

So, how can you take advantage of the quality of life in other countries to secure your child a better future?

How Does Birth Tourism Work?

When it comes to determining a child’s citizenship at birth, countries usually apply one of two rights: ‘jus soli’ (right of soil) or ‘jus sanguinis’ (right of blood). 

‘Jus soli’ grants citizenship through simply being born within the country’s borders, while ‘jus sanguinis’ bases it on the parents’ nationality. 

Birth tourism is simple: it means giving birth in a country that grants citizenship based on ‘jus soli’ and provides benefits to all children born there. 

This entitles them to an immediate second passport. In many cases, the parents of such children also enjoy a faster naturalisation timeline.

The process of ‘jus soli’ is generally available to anyone who has a child within the territory of a country with birthright citizenship, even if they are a temporary resident or an illegal alien. 

The only people whose children do not qualify for instant citizenship are diplomats.

The biggest hurdle you’ll face in some of these countries is registering your bundle of joy with the local authorities to secure a passport.

The US and Canada are among the few developed nations that offer unconditional citizenship to children born in the territory. However, there are many other desirable countries that offer this right too.

Mainland Chinese parents often seek to give birth in Hong Kong to obtain the ‘right of abode’ for their children. This grants them Chinese citizenship with special privileges to reside in Hong Kong. 

Of course, we know that the US offers birthright citizenship for the same reasons that ancient Rome did: to increase the number of US taxpayers needed to pay off the country’s catastrophic debts.

Giving birth to a child in the US is setting them up for a lifetime of heavy taxes, which they can’t get out of without renouncing their citizenship. 

It means even simple actions like opening a bank account for their college savings will require you to file paperwork with the US government.

Which Countries Have Birthright Citizenship?

Just 30 years ago, you would’ve been spoiled for choice, but nowadays many countries have adjusted their stance to limit abuse of these laws. 

For example, more than two decades ago, Ireland, the last European country offering unconditional citizenship rights to children born to two foreign parents, amended its constitution to end this practice. 

Other countries, such as Malta and Australia, have similarly tightened up their laws.

While the number of countries offering unconditional birthright citizenship has reduced in recent years, there are still many options available to parents seeking a second citizenship for their child. 

Here is the complete list of the best birth tourism countries:

• Argentina
• Belize
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Fiji
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Honduras
• Jamaica
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Pakistan
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Portugal
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tuvalu
• United States
• Uruguay
• Venezuela.

The Best Birthright Citizenship Countries

While all the countries listed offer birthright citizenship, some stand out as particularly advantageous.

Panama, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina offer high-quality medical care, making childbirth safe and often more affordable than in many Western countries.

Two of the countries, Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis, offer citizenship-by-investment programs that are well suited to families. Other countries, such as Belize, also have attractive birth tourism options.

Several countries on our list offer parents the ability to fast-track naturalisation. 

For instance, Brazil has a one-year waiting period, even for those on tourist visas. This means your child gains immediate Brazilian citizenship, and you can apply for naturalisation after just one year. For more, read our detailed guide to t Brazil’s birthright citizenship.

Most of the other countries will fast-track the parents’ naturalisation, but you can still expect to wait anything from two to seven years. 

Surprisingly, some of these countries offer remarkably good passports. 

Holders of passports from Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, St Kitts and Nevis, Uruguay and Venezuela enjoy visa-free travel to all of Central and South America as well as Europe’s borderless Schengen Area. 

Some even offer travel privileges to countries that most Westerners do not have visa-free access, such as China and Russia.

Even some lower-ranking passports on this list allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the UK, Ireland, Malaysia and Singapore.

For someone interested in raising their family in the world’s emerging markets, the Peruvian passport allows for better visa-free travel to Southeast Asia and South American countries.
It’s important to note that outside of Canada and Chile, none of these citizenships will allow your child to visit the United States visa-free.

Birthright Citizenship Countries: FAQs

Give Your Children a World of Opportunities from Birth

Children are the future and deserve the very best opportunities you can give them. 

Giving birth in one of the nations that recognise ‘jus soil’ is an excellent way to open doors for your children.

However, you’ll need to do the research, follow all the rules and meet any requirements that a government may have.

You’ll need the most up-to-date information and analysis before giving birth overseas. A number of countries have ended their policy of giving citizenship based on birthplace, including Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Malta, the Dominican Republic and India.

If you’re interested in learning more about gaining citizenship, then read these guides:

• The Ultimate Guide to Citizenship by Investment
• The World’s Easiest Citizenships and Passports for 2024
• Why You Need a Second Passport… and How to Create One.

 At Nomad Capitalist, we’re in the business of helping high-net-worth individuals to ‘go where they’re treated best’. 

Our clients are paired with experts in tax, investment strategy, asset protection and immigration to create and execute plans that are as unique as their goals. 

We’ve helped clients obtain citizenship and enjoy low tax benefits in countries around the world. 

More importantly, we can help you do the same. All you need to do is reach out to us.