Blog • Published on:November 14, 2022 | Updated on:February 18, 2025 • 23 Min
Birthright citizenship, or jus soli, is a concept that has been applied for centuries throughout various countries. The premise is simple: those born within a country’s borders are granted direct citizenship.
However, in practice, birthright citizenship can get quite complicated, as each country continues to set its own laws and restrictions. Across continents, families are making choices based on a country’s birthright citizenship regulations.
In this guide, we’ll break down birthright citizenship in 2025: where it’s fully available, where it comes with conditions, and what parents should consider if they’re looking at birthright citizenship as part of a broader mobility strategy.
Despite the growing global debate around birthright citizenship and increasing restrictions in some regions, several countries still uphold pure jus soli—granting automatic citizenship to any child born on their soil, regardless of their parents’ nationality or legal status.
Many of these countries are historically immigration-friendly and see jus soli as a way to maintain inclusive national policies. However, laws can change, particularly in political climates that are increasingly focused on tightening immigration regulations.
Below is a continent-based breakdown of the countries where birthright citizenship remains unrestricted.
At its essence, birthright citizenship means that a person’s nationality is determined by their place of birth. There are two main ways this is applied:
This system contrasts with jus sanguinis (“right of blood”), where nationality is inherited from a parent rather than being determined by birthplace. Many countries today blend both principles, creating a complex web of citizenship laws that vary widely across the world.
Many restricted jus soli countries also have exemptions, such as not granting citizenship to children of foreign diplomats or visitors on temporary visas. These rules reflect a country’s broader stance on nationality, migration, and social policies.
While jus soli focuses on birthplace, jus sanguinis is all about lineage. A child can inherit citizenship from their parents even if born abroad. However, like birthright citizenship, each country has its own rules, which may include:
This means that while some individuals are entitled to a second citizenship through their family background, they might still have to go through legal processes to formalize it.
The idea of securing a stronger passport and better opportunities for one’s child has led to the rise of birth tourism, a strategic approach where expectant parents travel to a country with jus soli laws to ensure their child acquires automatic citizenship at birth.
In an era of shorter travel times and increased visa accessibility, this practice has gained popularity among globally minded individuals seeking enhanced mobility, economic advantages, and long-term benefits for their children.
Birth tourism involves traveling on a temporary visa, typically a tourist or medical visa, to give birth in a country that grants birthright citizenship. Once the child is born, they automatically receive citizenship if the country follows unrestricted jus soli policies.
This strategy not only provides the child with a strong passport and access to education, healthcare, and social benefits, but in some cases, it may also create a pathway to residency or citizenship for the parents.
However, birth tourism is not a loophole, it is a legal process, provided that individuals follow all immigration laws and do not misrepresent their travel intentions.
Among countries that grant unrestricted birthright citizenship, the United States is the most popular choice for birth tourism. With its powerful passport, economic opportunities, and strong legal protections, obtaining U.S. citizenship at birth is considered an exceptional advantage.
Other nations with strong passports and jus soli laws, such as Canada and Brazil, have also become notable birth tourism destinations. Canada, in particular, offers birthright citizenship combined with universal healthcare, making it a top choice for parents considering a second citizenship for their child without large medical expenses.
Several countries around the world continue to grant birthright citizenship (jus soli), either unconditionally or with minimal restrictions. In these nations, children born within the country’s borders can acquire citizenship automatically, regardless of their parents’ nationality or immigration status. While some places have introduced conditions, such as requiring parental residency, others maintain a pure jus soli approach, making them attractive options for families considering global mobility.
Birthright citizenship is granted to any child born within U.S. territory, including the 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For countries with restricted birthright citizenship, common requirements may include:
Acquiring birthright citizenship in a particular country can offer a range of personal, social, and economic advantages. While circumstances vary greatly depending on the nation, many of the following benefits are commonly associated with birthright citizenship:
Birthright citizenship can pave the way for dual or multiple nationalities if the child also inherits a parent’s citizenship via jus sanguinis or if the family seeks additional citizenship through investments, naturalization, or other legal avenues. Multiple passports offer:
Possessing the citizenship of a country with a strong passport significantly streamlines international travel. For instance, a child born in Canada or the United States can typically visit many nations without a visa. This can also benefit parents who may find it easier to visit or live in a country where their child is a citizen, especially for family reunification purposes.
Many countries offer subsidized or free public education to citizens, from primary school all the way through university. In the United States, for example, in-state tuition rates at public colleges are far more affordable for citizens than for international students. Similarly, many European countries provide low-cost or even tuition-free higher education to their citizens.
Birthright citizenship can grant access to various social benefits, including public healthcare, social security, unemployment benefits, and other state-sponsored welfare programs. In Canada, for example, citizens typically enjoy universal healthcare coverage funded through taxes. Having a child with birthright citizenship can be advantageous for families, as it may offer a more secure and supportive environment.
In countries where citizenship status heavily influences legal work opportunities, having citizenship from birth eliminates many bureaucratic obstacles. A citizen can apply for any job without the complexities of work visas or sponsorship, and they often enjoy labor law protections, can join public sector roles, or even run for public office.
While birthright citizenship remains a powerful tool for global mobility, its potential multiplies when combined with citizenship by investment (CBI).
For those who have already secured a second passport through investment, birth tourism becomes an even more strategic option, offering their children the chance to inherit multiple nationalities and, with them, a lifetime of opportunities.
Take, for example, Maltese citizenship by investment. Malta’s passport provides visa-free access to the United States and Canada, two countries that still uphold birthright citizenship policies. In Canada, this also comes with the added advantage of free healthcare.
A family that secures Maltese citizenship can structure their plans so that their child is born in the U.S. or Canada, instantly granting them a third nationality, Maltese, their original nationality, and their newly acquired birthright citizenship.
This strategy eliminates major mobility barriers, giving the child access to multiple economies, education systems, and unrestricted global travel.
Another simplified path to dual citizenship for children comes through the Portuguese Golden Visa program. Investors in Portugal receive a residency permit for themselves and their family members, and while Portugal does not offer unrestricted birthright citizenship, a child born in the country to a Golden Visa holder can become a citizen just one year after birth.
Given that Portugal’s Golden Visa leads to full citizenship after five years with minimal residency requirements (only seven days per year), this route offers families an efficient and strategic way to secure a second citizenship for their children while paving the way for their own future naturalization.
Birthright citizenship on its own is an attractive option, but when combined with citizenship by investment, it becomes a powerful tool reserved for a select few.
By carefully structuring their mobility strategy, families can unlock a world of advantages, providing their children with multiple citizenships, enhanced freedom, and access to some of the strongest passports in the world.
Whether you’re planning for your child’s future or curious about the steps involved, understanding the practical processes for claiming birthright citizenship is essential. Although the specifics vary from country to country, general procedures and common challenges often overlap.
Regardless of whether a country follows pure or restricted jus soli, parents will usually be required to provide specific documents to register their child’s birth and claim citizenship. Typical documents include:
It’s imperative to complete these registrations and document submissions within the timeframe stipulated by local laws (often within the first few weeks or months of the child’s life).
In many cases, the process begins at the hospital or local municipal office:
Keeping abreast of local regulations and seeking guidance from legal experts, especially if you’re engaged in “birth tourism,” is essential to avoid any legal pitfalls.
Birthright citizenship (jus soli) is one of the most straightforward ways to obtain nationality, but it’s not the only route. Many people acquire citizenship through naturalization, investment, or marriage, each with its own advantages and challenges.
Understanding these alternatives can help families make informed decisions about securing a second passport or expanding global mobility.
Naturalization is the process through which immigrants become citizens after living in a country for a required number of years. This route often includes meeting language requirements, passing cultural or civic tests, and proving integration into society.
Advantages:
Challenges:
Birthright citizenship, by contrast, is immediate and automatic, but it depends entirely on where the child is born and whether that country allows unrestricted jus soli.
For those who can afford it, citizenship by investment (CBI) is one of the fastest ways to obtain a second passport. Countries offering CBI programs typically require a significant financial contribution, such as investing in real estate or government bonds, in exchange for a passport.
Examples of CBI programs:
Advantages:
Challenges:
For families already holding a second citizenship through investment, birthright citizenship can be a strategic complement. A child born in a jus soli country can gain an additional nationality, further expanding global mobility options.
Many countries offer a fast-track to citizenship for spouses of citizens, though policies vary widely. While this can be an efficient route for individuals seeking a second nationality, it does not always apply to children.
Advantages:
Challenges:
For families looking to expand citizenship options for their children, birthright citizenship is often a more direct solution, as it does not require the legal complexities associated with marriage-based nationality.
Birthright citizenship offers a unique set of advantages that set it apart from other options.
Advantages:
Challenges:
Birthright citizenship has long been a cornerstone of American nationality law, protected under the 14th Amendment, which grants U.S. citizenship to nearly all individuals born on U.S. soil. However, in 2025, this fundamental principle is once again under scrutiny.
President Donald Trump has revived his push to limit birthright citizenship, a policy stance he previously championed during his first term. Now, in his latest move, an executive order signed on January 20, 2025, seeks to end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents without legal immigration status.
The order argues that the existing interpretation of the 14th Amendment has been misapplied and that citizenship should not be granted automatically to children of undocumented immigrants or those on temporary visas.
This move has triggered an immediate legal and political battle, as birthright citizenship has historically been considered a constitutional right rather than an executive policy that can be altered unilaterally.
If successfully implemented, the executive order would dramatically change U.S. immigration and nationality law, shifting the country away from its long-standing jus soli tradition. The proposed restrictions would:
This approach mirrors policies seen in several European and Asian nations, where birthright citizenship is conditional rather than absolute.
However, in the U.S., such a change would face immense constitutional hurdles, as the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment has been consistently interpreted by courts to guarantee birthright citizenship regardless of parental status.
Amending the U.S. Constitution or passing significant immigration reform requires substantial consensus in Congress, a high political hurdle. As of 2025, no definitive legislative changes have succeeded in revoking or fundamentally altering the law.
If any executive action is taken to limit jus soli for children of non-citizen parents, experts predict immediate lawsuits that could escalate to the Supreme Court. The outcome would set a significant precedent for future interpretations of birthright citizenship.
A high-profile shift in U.S. policy could influence other nations. Countries that already grapple with large immigration flows or birth tourism might feel emboldened to re-examine their own laws or intensify enforcement of restricted jus soli rules.
Overall, the future of birthright citizenship in the United States, and by extension, its global perception, remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the principle of jus soli in the U.S. is deeply rooted in constitutional law, making any radical change a protracted and legally complex endeavor.
As birthright citizenship laws continue to evolve, it is essential for globally mobile individuals and prospective parents to stay informed and make well-planned decisions. While jus soli may seem like a straightforward path to securing a second citizenship, the reality often involves legal nuances, administrative processes, and shifting regulations.
Not all jus soli policies are the same. While some countries offer unrestricted birthright citizenship, others impose residency or parental status requirements. It’s important to research and verify the exact legal framework of the chosen destination.
Immigration and nationality laws can be complex, and misinterpretation could lead to complications. If considering birthright citizenship for your child, it is advisable to consult immigration attorneys or government sources to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Birthright citizenship remains a politically sensitive issue, especially in countries experiencing debates over immigration policies. Keeping track of legislative developments is crucial, as laws can change quickly, potentially altering eligibility criteria.
For those unable or unwilling to pursue birthright citizenship, alternative pathways such as naturalization, marriage-based citizenship, or investment programs offer viable options. Each route comes with its own advantages, timelines, and requirements, making it important to assess which best aligns with long-term mobility goals.
Birthright citizenship remains one of the most powerful ways to unlock opportunities for a child, providing access to education, healthcare, employment rights, and expanded travel freedom.
However, as laws shift and debates continue, careful planning is essential to ensure compliance with evolving policies.
For families looking to secure a second citizenship through birth or other legal pathways, understanding the options and taking a strategic approach can make all the difference.
To know more about birthright citizenship, contact us today to talk with one of our second citizenship experts.
In this section, we address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding countries that offer birthright citizenship, either purely or with certain restrictions. While every case can differ based on personal circumstances, these answers aim to clarify common queries.
Yes, in countries with pure jus soli (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Brazil), any child born on the territory is typically a citizen at birth, regardless of the parents’ immigration status or nationality. However, diplomatic exceptions might apply.
In pure jus soli nations, temporary or tourist status of the parents usually does not impede the child from acquiring citizenship. However, parents should be aware of any local rules about obtaining medical insurance, covering birth expenses, or any special regulations about pregnancy-related travel.
Yes. Most embassies offer consular services to register births abroad, thereby ensuring the child also inherits the parents’ citizenship under jus sanguinis (if allowed by the parents’ home country). This process does not negate birthright citizenship from the host country if it is a pure or restricted jus soli jurisdiction.
It depends on the country. Some nations require a valid medical visa or pre-approval for birth-related stays. For instance, the U.S. typically scrutinizes B2 (tourist) visa applications more heavily if the applicant is clearly in late pregnancy. Failure to disclose pregnancy or the intent to give birth may lead to complications at the port of entry.
This varies. Some countries allow multiple nationalities without restrictions, while others require renunciation of prior citizenship(s) upon adulthood. Always check both the host country’s and your home country’s laws regarding dual citizenship.
Technically, citizenship via jus soli is not a product you “purchase”, the main costs are related to childbirth expenses (hospital fees, travel costs, accommodation) and administrative fees for documentation. In countries like Canada with publicly funded healthcare, giving birth can still incur substantial expenses for non-residents. Travel, lodging, and any legal consultation fees add to the overall expenditure.
Most countries do not strip citizenship from individuals who obtained it at birth unless there is a case of fraud or misrepresentation of facts. However, if your child also holds another nationality, some states might ask them to choose one citizenship upon reaching the age of majority. Instances of revocation remain rare and typically involve serious legal grounds.
No. While the concept of jus soli is universal, granting citizenship based on location of birth, implementation varies widely. Each country enacts its own rules, exceptions, and eligibility criteria, so outcomes differ significantly from one jurisdiction to another.
Government of Canada. (n.d.). Born in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/born-canada.html
U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). Acquisition of U.S. citizenship by birth. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/travel-legal-considerations/us-citizenship-laws-policies.html
Center for Immigration Studies. (2023). Birth tourism. https://cis.org/Topic/Birth-Tourism
Government of Brazil, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (n.d.). Nationality and naturalization.http://www.portalconsular.itamaraty.gov.br (Navigate to “Nationality and Naturalization” section.)
Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). (n.d.). Portuguese nationality by birth: Requirements and processes. https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/ (Navigate to “Nationality” section.)
Written By
Laura Weber
Laura Weber is a legal expert in international tax planning and citizenship by investment. With over a decade of experience, Laura helps individuals and families navigate complex legal frameworks to secure dual citizenship and global residency options, particularly in the Caribbean and Europe.