Birth Tourism: in Which Countries a Newborn is Automatically Granted Citizenship

There are quite a few countries that automatically grant citizenship to a newborn — there are already at least 25 of them in the world. There are even more places where you need to meet certain criteria (usually the parents). In this text, we will list all these countries and find out how much such a birth can cost.

Today, parents have the opportunity not only to give birth abroad but also to give the child citizenship of the desired country. This phenomenon is called “birth tourism.” That is, the child receives citizenship by right of soil (place of birth). In some countries, parents of such children also get the opportunity to get a second passport quite quickly. All the details are below.

Countries Where a Child is Granted Citizenship by Birthright

North, South, and Central America

Most countries in the Americas offer unconditional citizenship by right of soil.

Caribbean countries

Europe

In European countries, a combination of the principles of "jus sanguinis" and "jus soli" is usually applied, supplemented by specific conditions:

Asia

In Asian countries, the principle of jus soli is applied less frequently and usually with additional conditions:

Africa

Some African states practice granting citizenship by right of soil, but often with additional conditions:

Oceania

The following table shows how the law of the soil is applied in the countries of Oceania.

Peculiarities of Obtaining Citizenship in Individual Countries

Let's take a closer look at the process of obtaining citizenship in some popular destinations.

USA

The United States grants citizenship to all children born on its territory, except for the children of diplomats. This right is enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The process of obtaining citizenship:

1. Obtaining a certificate from the maternity hospital.
2. Registration of a birth certificate based on a certificate.
3. Applying for a passport for a child.

Important. You must file tax returns on behalf of your child each year.

Once a child reaches 21 years of age, he or she can apply for U.S. citizenship for his or her parents through the family reunification program.

Canada

Canada also grants citizenship to all children born on its territory, regardless of the citizenship of the parents.

The process of obtaining citizenship:

1. Obtaining a birth certificate.
2. Filling out the passport application form.
3. Submitting documents and receiving a passport in the child’s name.

Mexico

Mexico grants citizenship to all children born in the country.

Important to know:

• Parents can obtain Mexican citizenship 2 years after the child's birth.
• To obtain citizenship, parents must pass exams in Spanish and the history of the country.

Argentina

Argentina grants citizenship to all children born on its territory.

Important to know:

• Parents can obtain Argentine citizenship almost immediately after the birth of their child.
• For the naturalization of parents, the following will be required: passports, birth certificates of parents, birth certificate of an Argentine child, certificate of residence in Argentina, certificates of no criminal record, proof of income, and marriage certificate (if available).

Read Anna and Alina's personal stories about giving birth in Argentina.

Germany

Germany combines the principles of jus sanguinis and jus soli.

Conditions for obtaining citizenship by right of blood:

• The child was born in a marriage where one of the spouses is a German citizen.
• The child was born out of wedlock to a mother who is a German citizen.
• The child was born out of wedlock to a father who is a German citizen, subject to recognition of paternity.

Conditions for obtaining citizenship by right of soil:

• One of the parents has been legally residing in Germany for at least eight years.
• The parent has a permanent residence permit or resides in the country as a Swiss citizen.

France

France has strict rules for obtaining citizenship for children of foreigners.

Conditions for obtaining citizenship:

Portugal

Portugal grants citizenship subject to the following conditions:

• The child was born in the country.
• At least one parent lived in Portugal for a year before the child’s birth (for example, on the basis of a residence permit).

United Kingdom

The UK grants citizenship to children born in the country if:

• The child was born after July 1, 2006.
• At least one of the parents is a British citizen or has permanent residence in the country at the time of the child's birth.
• Children of British Armed Forces personnel born abroad after 13 January 2010 also receive citizenship.

Organization of Childbirth Abroad

Organizing a birth abroad is a responsible process that requires several important steps:

1. Select country and clinic.
2. Preparation of necessary documents:
   • Visa (if required).
   • Passports (national and international).
   • Medical insurance.
   • Agreement with a medical institution (if any).
   • Proof of residence.
   • Financial documents.
   • Marriage certificate (if any).
3. Planning your trip (it is recommended to leave no later than 36 weeks of pregnancy).
4. Childbirth in the selected country.
5. Obtaining a birth certificate from the clinic.
6. Registration of a birth certificate at the local registration authority.
7. Obtaining citizenship and a passport for a child.
8. If necessary, preparation of documents for parents.

Important. In some countries, automatically acquiring citizenship of the home country may disqualify a child from acquiring citizenship of the country of birth. It is important to carefully consider the laws of both countries before making a decision.

Cost of Childbirth Abroad

The cost of giving birth abroad can vary greatly depending on the country, the clinic chosen, and the type of birth. Below is a comparison table showing the prices for giving birth in popular destinations:

What influences the cost of childbirth?

• Type of delivery: natural birth is usually cheaper than a cesarean section which can increase costs by 1.5–2 times.
• Selecting a clinic: private clinics are usually more expensive than public ones.
• Duration of stay: a longer postpartum stay increases the overall cost.
• Additional services: anesthesia, a private room, interpreter services, etc. can significantly increase the costs.
• Complications: any complications during pregnancy or childbirth can greatly increase the final cost.
• Prenatal care: if you plan to spend several months in the country before giving birth, the cost of prenatal care must also be taken into account.

When planning a budget for giving birth abroad, it is important to consider not only the cost of medical services but also related expenses: accommodation, food, paperwork, transportation, etc.

Comparative Table of Popular Countries for Childbirth