Top Countries for Birthright Citizenship in Latin America

In the world of second passports, citizenship-by-investment steals most of the limelight.

Glossy brochures, fast-track processing, and six-figure price tags have long made it the go-to option for the wealthy.

But cracks are beginning to appear in that model – in the West, at least.

In early 2025, the European Court of Justice’s landmark ruling against Malta’s MEIN program declared the program illegal and effectively dismantled the last EU scheme that linked, among other factors, the issues of citizenship and investment.

Malta had hotly disputed the claim that MEIN was CBI by other means, but the ECJ ruling has ended the controversy once and for all, resulting in many second-passport hunters being forced to look beyond the traditional pay-to-play route.

For some of those thinking beyond immediate needs to the next generation, there’s a smarter, low-cost strategy hidden in plain sight: birthright citizenship or jus soli.

In the Western hemisphere, Europe has all but eliminated unconditional jus soli, and in the US, it’s become a hot topic for the Trump administration.

The president has already signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship in specific cases, and it’s now up to the US Supreme Court to decide whether the government can deny citizenship to certain children born on U.S. soil.

But across Latin America, unrestricted birthright citizenship remains a powerful legal tool – granting a passport to almost any child born on the country’s soil.

For globally-inclined families, that’s an opportunity that’s hard to ignore. A Latin American birth can unlock a valuable second passport for your children. 

Mexico’s passport, for example, lets you travel to 154 countries, while Brazil’s offers access to 164 nations, including those in Europe’s Schengen Area. 

What’s more, in several Latin American nations, a child’s citizenship can speed up the process for parents to gain residency and potential citizenship.

This guide unpacks how jus soli works, which countries deny citizenship via this route, which countries still offer it, and how to use it as part of a long-term, generational strategy for global freedom.

Birthright Citizenship in Latin America: Pros and Cons

Acquiring birthright citizenship in Latin America comes with a host of benefits and drawbacks to consider. 

The Strategic Advantages 

The most obvious gain is dual citizenship for your child from birth, potentially offering them the rights and protection of two nations and the ability to travel more freely. 

Citizenship also grants access to opportunities within the country of birth – think education, employment and social security, sometimes extending to entire regional economic communities.

In some cases, the child’s citizenship acts as a catalyst for parental residency and eventual citizenship. Many Latin American countries offer faster paths for parents of citizens. 

Finally, it offers a higher degree of diversification – with better options in the event of political or economic instability in one jurisdiction by securing a foothold in another.

The Practical Challenges

Planning a birth abroad involves travel, finding suitable medical care in a foreign system, perhaps extended stays and dealing with the often cumbersome birth registration and passport process. 

While not as expensive as the investment route, birthright citizenship still has costs associated with it. These include travel, housing, medical expenses and legal fees, for example. 

Whether the parents’ home country permits dual citizenship is another factor to consider. 

The potential tax implications also require attention. 

Depending on the parents’ citizenship – particularly for US citizens subject to citizenship-based taxation – and the child’s future circumstances, dual nationality can create complex, lifelong tax reporting obligations. 

This remains true even if the child never resides in the US. 

Careful planning is non-negotiable here, as you don’t want to become an accidental American. 

Ultimately, while perfectly legal in some countries, the benefits can attract ‘birth tourism‘, which means more scrutiny, tighter administrative checks and unwelcome attention. 

Having genuine ties to the country, where possible, is therefore advised.

Top Countries with Birthright Citizenship in Latin America 

Now that you understand the concept, the benefits and potential downsides, let’s explore the Latin countries that make birthright citizenship possible. 

Brazil’s Birthright Citizenship 

For most people, Brazil offers unconditional jus soli. The Federal Constitution states that babies born on Brazilian soil are citizens from birth, with only very limited exceptions (like the children of foreign diplomats working there). 

This rule applies regardless of the parents’ nationality or visa status when the child is born.

Getting citizenship for the child is straightforward. After birth in Brazil, you must register at a local civil registry office (cartório). Once you have the Brazilian birth certificate, parents can then apply for the child’s Brazilian passport and national ID card.

They obtain all the rights given to Brazilian citizens, including access to public healthcare and education.

Parents of a Brazilian-born child can then apply for permanent residency almost straight away, which is usually approved quickly. 

This is a direct route to Brazilian citizenship after just one year of holding permanent residency – one of the shortest citizenship routes of its kind across the globe.

Having said that, you will need Portuguese language fluency, or help if you don’t have it, to ensure the process is hassle-free. 

Argentina Birthright Citizenship 

Argentina’s commitment to jus soli is deeply rooted in its constitution. Echoing its history as a nation shaped by immigration, Argentine law generally grants citizenship to anyone born on its soil. 

The citizenship process for the newborn follows a similar sequence to that of Brazil. 

After the birth occurs in Argentina, it needs to be registered with the local Civil Registry (Registro Civil). After this, the child’s parents will receive the child’s national identity document (DNI) and, soon thereafter, the child’s Argentine passport.

The Argentine passport offers full citizenship rights as well as access to 162 countries, including those in the Mercosur bloc. 

Similar to Brazil, having an Argentine child means parents can apply for Argentine citizenship through naturalisation. 

While Argentina generally requires two years of residency for naturalisation, having an Argentine child can help to speed things up.

Following high-profile cases in recent years, be aware that Argentine authorities have increased scrutiny on arrivals perceived as engaging solely in birth tourism.

While jus soli remains within the law, entry procedures can be stricter, particularly for those arriving late-term without clear tourism plans or ties to the country. 

Mexican Birthright Citizenship 

Mexico’s legal framework states that babies born on Mexican soil are considered Mexican citizens from birth, regardless of their parents’ nationality or visa status. 

The citizenship process for a child born in Mexico is usually efficient. It requires registering the birth at the local Registro Civil to get the official birth certificate (Acta de Nacimiento). 

After this, parents can get the child’s CURP (Unique Population Registry Code – a key ID number) and Mexican passport. 

However, having a Mexican child doesn’t usually lead to an immediate fast track to citizenship for the parents. 

It does offer a direct route to getting permanent residency in Mexico without the need for a temporary residency first. 

After two years of legal residency, parents can apply for Mexican naturalisation – much quicker than the standard five years required for most other residents. 

Panama Birthright Citizenship 

Panama also acknowledges the principle of jus soli, but with a special condition that sets it apart. 

Unlike Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, automatic Panamanian citizenship at birth generally requires that at least one parent is already a Panamanian citizen or permanent resident. 

The citizenship process for the child is standard (birth registration, etc.) if the required parental status is met. 

Should citizenship be secured, the child’s benefits include a Panamanian passport (granting access to 140 countries. 

Simply having a child in Panama as a non-resident does not provide an accelerated track to citizenship for the parents. 

However, the birth of a Panamanian child can serve as a basis for foreign parents (even those without prior legal status) to apply for residency. 

In this case, you still need to meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating financial solvency. 

Once residency is obtained, parents can then pursue naturalisation, typically after the standard period of five years.

Spanish-speaking Panama uses the US dollar, and its modern infrastructure and quality healthcare in Panama City are attractive. 

However, the promise of birthright citizenship is more relevant for those already holding or planning to obtain permanent residency through other popular routes before having a child. 

Birthright Citizenship in Latin America: FAQs

A Brighter Future for Your Family?

Are you looking to secure a robust Plan B for you and your loved ones to unlock future residency or citizenship pathways?

If so, then exploring Latin America’s birthright citizenship options could hold significant merit.

However, it’s important to know that birthright citizenship is just one route to a new life in Latin America.

If you have passive income, the Rentista Visa route could also be a good fit, while investor visas are also available if you’re willing to outlay some capital.

On the other hand, for location-independent professionals, countries like Brazil, Costa Rica and Colombia now offer digital nomad visas.

In some cases, you’ll have the option to gain citizenship by naturalisation after some years of residency. 

Whatever path you choose to go down in pursuit of a second passport, the range of choices reinforces the need for careful planning. 

That’s where we come in. Nomad Capitalist creates holistic plans for successful individuals who seek more freedom and opportunity in other countries. 

To see how Latin America – whether through birthright citizenship or another route – can feature in your global future, get in touch today.