COUNTRIES THAT GIVE CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH
In this article, we will discuss the Countries that give Citizenship by Birth. Nations that confer citizenship by birth adopt a policy that grants citizenship to anybody born inside their boundaries, irrespective of the nationality or origin of their parents. This approach is a reflection of their dedication to diversity and their conviction that every person born in their country has the right to citizenship and the opportunity to advance the development of their country. Birthright citizenship is a governmental policy under which any child born within a country’s borders or territory is automatically granted citizenship in that country—even if their parents are not citizens. At present, 33 countries in the world (and two territories) have unrestricted birthright citizenship, also known as jus soli, and another 32 nations have some form of restricted birthright citizenship (see table after body text).
Every Country with Unrestricted Birthright Citizenship (jus soli):
The following countries have unrestricted birthright citizenship: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chad, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Lesotho, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Nuances of birthright citizenship
Interestingly, nearly every nation that offers birthright citizenship is located in North or South America. This is considered by many scholars to have begun in colonial times, in which European countries eager to populate their settlements in the “New World” established more lenient and immigration-friendly citizenship policies. It should also be noted that birthright citizenship often has at least one exception: The children of foreign ambassadors or other diplomats serving in a country for work are frequently excluded. In addition to the nations listed above, various other countries may offer birthright citizenship under certain circumstances. For instance, Luxembourg, Guinea-Bissau, Azerbaijan, and Chad will sometimes grant jus soli when the child is orphaned. Chad extends jus soli, but not until the child reaches the age of 18, when they can choose whether to accept Chadian citizenship or that of their parents. Tanzania has a similar system in which a newborn child is granted jus soli until the age of 18, at which time they must choose one citizenship or the other.
Benefits of living in a country that offers birthright citizenship
One of the most significant benefits to living in a country that upholds birthright citizenship is that it grants citizenship to anyone born in that country with no other requirements. This can give the child valuable legal rights, such as protecting them from unwarranted extradition or enabling them to benefit from social programs that would not otherwise be available to them. Benefits such as this are the reason expectant parents are sometimes compelled to move to a country that offers birthright citizenship. Depending upon their current situation, they can sometimes secure a better life for their children simply by giving birth in a different country—provided it has birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship also has opponents. These are typically citizens of the “host” nation who feel the policy enables foreigners to enter the country for the sole purpose of giving birth to “anchor babies”, a practice which exploits the system and siphons off funds that would otherwise be used to benefit existing citizens. Such “birth tourism” is illegal in the United States, though the procedures used to deter or detect the perpetrators and enforce the laws are not always clear.
The difference between jus soli and jus sanguinis
In contrast to jus soli, nearly every other country on Earth offers jus sanguinis, which grants citizenship as long as one parent (or sometimes both parents) are citizens. Examples of this include Poland (both parents), Andorra (mother), Bahrain (father) and Iran (father). This is sometimes referred to as establishing citizenship through inheritance rather than residence.
How birthright citizenship, jus soli, and jus sanguinis work in various countries
Antigua and Barbuda :There are three ways of receiving citizenship in the Caribbean country of Antigua and Barbuda. Birthright citizenship is one way. Any individual born in Antigua and Barbuda on or before October 31, 1981 (the date the policy went into effect) is considered a citizen by birth. The other two ways of acquiring citizenship are descent (having a parent or grandparent who is a citizen) and naturalization (live three years with a spouse who is a citizen or live unmarried in the country for seven years). These two variations of obtaining citizenship are still valid. Still, they involve playing an active part in getting your citizenship rather than receiving it at the time of your birth.
Pakistan : In 1951, the Pakistan Citizenship Act established an all-encompassing birthright citizenship policy, declaring that anyone born in Pakistan is naturally and officially considered a citizen of the country of Pakistan—even if they were born before the Act had entered into force. The Pakistan Citizenship Act also defines two other ways of obtaining citizenship: descent or legal migration. These three ways of acquiring citizenship in Pakistan are very similar, if not identical, to other countries’ citizenship processes around the world.
United States : The United States of America declared birthright citizenship for USA-born individuals in 1868, as part of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which was created in the wake of the Civil War. In addition to granting citizenship to all former slaves in the United States, the 14th Amendment officially established that any child born on U.S. soil (meaning any U.S. state or territory) was automatically a citizen of the United States.
| Country | Type of Birthright Citizenship | |
| India | Restricted | If one parent is citizen and the other a citizen or legal migrant (as of 2020). |
| Pakistan | Restricted | Children of refugees are ineligible. |
| Japan | Restricted | If born to “stateless” or unknown parents. |
| Egypt | Restricted | If one parent was also born in Egypt. |
| Iran | Restricted | If one parent was born in Iran. |
| Germany | Restricted | If at least one parent has a permanent residence permit and has lived in Germany at least 8 years. |
| Thailand | Restricted | If parents are legal residents for at least five years. |
| United Kingdom | Restricted | If one parent is citizen or legally settled in the country or if child has lived in country for 10 years. |
| France | Restricted | If one parent is French citizen or born in France. Or upon 18th birthday if you’ve lived in France a… |
| South Africa | Restricted | If parents are citizens or permanent residents. |
| Italy | Restricted | If one of parent’s descendant was a citizen, or if child has lived in country untill 18th birthday, … |
| Colombia | Restricted | If one parent is citizen or legal resident. |
| Sudan | Restricted | If father was born in Sudan. |
| Spain | Restricted | If one parent was born in Spain or if parents are stateless. |
| Morocco | Restricted | If parents were born in Morocco, child can register for citizenship. |
| Ukraine | Restricted | If parents have refugee status in Ukraine, or if child is stateless. |
| Malaysia | Restricted | If one parent is a citizen or permanent resident. |
| Australia | Restricted | If one parent is citizen or permanent resident or if child has lived in country for 10 years. |
| Taiwan | Restricted | If parents are Taiwanese citizens or if parents are stateless or unknown. |
| Netherlands | Restricted | If one parent is a citizen and lives in the country at the time of the child’s birth, or if a grandp… |
| Cambodia | Restricted | If parents are living legally in Cambodia. |
| Tunisia | Restricted | If father and grandfather were born in Tunisia. Child must claim citizenship before age 20. |
| Belgium | Restricted | If one parent was born in Belgium and has lived there for 10 years, or 5 years before child’s birth. |
| Dominican Republic | Restricted | Mildly restricted. |
| Sweden | Restricted | If one parent is citizen (for children born before April 1, 2015). |
| Greece | Restricted | If parents live in Greece 5-10 years and child attends preschool, or if child has unknown or no othe… |
| Portugal | Restricted | If child is born with no other nationality, or child petitions for citizenship and one parent lived … |
| Israel | Restricted | Children born in Israel who have no other citizenship can apply for Israeli citizenship between ages… |
| Hong Kong | Restricted | Complicated compatibilities with mainland China. |
| Finland | Restricted | If mother is citizen and born in country or if father is a citizen and married to mother. |
| New Zealand | Restricted | If one parent is citizen or permanent resident or if child is stateless. |
| Ireland | Restricted | If one parent is citizen of Ireland or Britain or is legal resident three of last four years. |
| Mongolia | Restricted | If parents are valid residents or unidentified. Child must accept citizenship at age 16. |
| Namibia | Restricted | If one parent was also born in or regularly lives in Namibia. |
| Bahrain | Restricted | If father was born in Bahrain. |
| Cyprus | Restricted | If one parent is citizen or born in country. |
| Macau | Restricted | Complicated compatibilities with mainland China. |
| Luxembourg | Restricted | If at least one parent was born in country, or if child has lived in country 5 straight years after … |
| Malta | Restricted | If one parent is citizen or born in country. |
| Sao Tome and Principe | Restricted | If parents are residents. |
| United States | Unrestricted | |
| Brazil | Unrestricted | |
| Mexico | Unrestricted | |
| Tanzania | Unrestricted | |
| Argentina | Unrestricted | |
| Canada | Unrestricted | |
| Peru | Unrestricted | |
| Venezuela | Unrestricted | |
| Chile | Unrestricted | Child can choose to opt in or out. |
| Chad | Unrestricted | Unrestricted, but child chooses to opt in or out at age 18. |
| Ecuador | Unrestricted | |
| Guatemala | Unrestricted | |
| Bolivia | Unrestricted | |
| Cuba | Unrestricted | |
| Honduras | Unrestricted | |
| Nicaragua | Unrestricted | |
| Paraguay | Unrestricted | |
| El Salvador | Unrestricted | |
| Costa Rica | Unrestricted | |
| Panama | Unrestricted | |
| Uruguay | Unrestricted | |
| Jamaica | Unrestricted | |
| Lesotho | Unrestricted | |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Unrestricted | |
| Fiji | Unrestricted | |
| Guyana | Unrestricted | |
| Belize | Unrestricted | |
| Barbados | Unrestricted | |
| Saint Lucia | Unrestricted | |
| Grenada | Unrestricted | |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Unrestricted | |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Unrestricted | |
| Dominica | Unrestricted | |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Unrestricted | |
| Tuvalu | Unrestricted |
23 Richest Countries That Give Citizenship By Birth
The Global Economy:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that the world economy will expand by 3.1% in 2024 and 3.2% in 2025. This growth rate, however, is less than the 3.8% average growth rate observed between 2000 and 2019. The IMF identifies lower government expenditure because of high levels of debt, slower productivity development, and higher interest rates set by central banks to combat inflation as the main causes of this slower growth. In most regions, inflation is declining more quickly than anticipated, despite tightening monetary policy and supply-side problems that are gradually being resolved. After a downward revision to the 2025 prediction, global headline inflation is predicted to drop to 5.8 percent in 2024 and 4.4 percent in 2025. According to the IMF, the probability of an economic downturn has decreased due to disinflation and continued expansion, and the risks to the global economy are largely balanced. Positively, accelerated deflation may result in additional financial constraints being eased. Inadequate and unanticipated fiscal policy could lead to short-term economic expansion but at the expense of a more expensive correction down the road. Improved momentum for structural transformation could increase productivity and have beneficial cross-border spillovers.
The United States is estimated to be one of the richest countries, being number 10th with a GDP-PPP per capita of around $80,412, according to Global Finance’s World’s Richest Nations 2024 based on global GDP-PPP per capita. The USA’s economy expanded more quickly in 2023 than it did in 2022, despite a slowdown in inflation, as per the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) The Budget and Economy Outlook 2024 to 2034. In 2024, slower economic growth is anticipated due to more unemployment and reduced inflation. Starting in the middle of this year, the CBO anticipates that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates in response. The CBO projects that economic growth will pick up steam in 2025 before slowing down in the following years. Beginning in 2022 and continuing through 2026, there is a significant increase in immigration that will increase the workforce and boost economic output. In 2024, considering a GDP-PPP per capita of around $143,304, Luxembourg is estimated to be the richest nation in the world, according to Global Finance.
Birthright Citizenship:
As described by the World Population Review, birthright citizenship is a policy implemented by governments to automatically confer citizenship to every child born within their boundaries or territory, regardless of their parent’s nationality. Currently, 33 nations (plus two territories) around the world have jus soli, or unrestricted, birthright citizenship. Citizenship by birthright is unrestricted in several nations. A few of these include Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chad, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba and Dominica. The richest nation in the world, Luxembourg, occasionally awards jus soli to orphans. Interestingly, it is pertinent to note that North and South America are home to almost all of the countries that grant birthright citizenship, usually having at least one restriction to birthright citizenship: children of foreign ambassadors or other diplomats employed in a nation are usually not eligible. The fact that citizenship is granted to anyone born in a nation that maintains birthright citizenship without additional conditions is one of the biggest advantages of residing there. This can grant the child important legal rights, like shielding them from unwarranted extradition or granting them access to social services that they would not otherwise have. In certain cases, parents who have birthright citizenship may ensure a better life for their children by giving birth in a foreign nation, depending on their existing circumstances.
Almost everyone born in the United States or a U.S. jurisdiction is guaranteed citizenship at birth by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, except diplomatic children, native American tribes, and invading armies. According to estimates from the Pew Hispanic Center, 300,000 births annually, or roughly 7.5% of all births in the United States, are to undocumented immigrants, and 4.5 million of these children received citizenship as Americans at birth. Despite the 14th Amendment, former US President Donald Trump has stated time and time again that he is “seriously” reconsidering birthright citizenship. Even though doing so would have gone against Supreme Court precedent, he thought of removing birthright citizenship from the US (CNN). The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) 2023 cost analysis, claims that each illegal alien or child born in the United States of America costs the country $8,776 annually. As a result, giving birth to the child of an illegal foreigner is extremely expensive.
23. Venezuela GDP-PPP per capita ($): 7,985
It is founded on the jus soli principle, which states that all people born in Venezuela, regardless of their parents’ nationality or status, automatically become citizens of this nation. The Nationality and Citizenship Act of 2004 and Section 1 of Chapter 2 of the Venezuelan Constitution govern nationality laws in that country. Venezuela is among the 23 Richest Countries that give unrestricted Citizenship by Birth.
22. Bolivia GDP-PPP per capita ($): 10,340
Bolivian nationality is normally acquired by the jus sanguinis principle—which requires birth abroad to at least one parent who possesses Bolivian nationality—or the jus soli principle, which requires birth in Bolivia. Everyone born in Bolivia has the right to birthright citizenship, except those born to foreign diplomats.
21. Guatemala GDP-PPP per capita ($): 10,595
A person can become a citizen by birth (anyone born in Guatemala, regardless of their parents’ nationality), by descent, or by naturalization, according to the US Office of Personnel Management.
20. Belize GDP-PPP per capita ($): 10,939
No matter what the parent’s immigration status is, a person born in Belize is immediately considered a Belizean. Furthermore, any person with one parent who is a citizen of Belize, born in any jurisdiction or any undefined jurisdiction, is immediately considered a citizen of Belize by descent. Hence, Belize is one of the countries that gives nationality by birth.
19. Jamaica GDP-PPP per capita ($): 12,995
As per the provisions of Chapter Two of the Jamaican Constitution, individuals who are born in Jamaica, or outside the country but have Jamaican parents are automatically entitled to its citizenship.
18. Ecuador GDP-PPP per capita ($): 13,285
Ecuadorian nationality is acquired by birth or naturalization and cannot be lost through marriage, the dissolution of a marriage, or obtaining another nationality, according to Ecuador 2008 (rev. 2011) Chapter 2, Article 6.
17. Paraguay GDP-PPP per capita ($): 15,533
By law, almost every child born in Paraguay is a Paraguayan. Thus being one of the richest countries that gives citizenship by birth. Every birth needs to be registered with the government of Paraguay.
16. Fiji GDP-PPP per capita ($): 15,564
The Fijian Citizenship Act 2009, effective April 10, 2009, serves as a guide for obtaining citizenship. According to the act, a child can become a citizen of Fiji every time they are born on or after the commencement date, unless on that date of birth: one or both of the parents have the diplomatic immunity granted to envoys of sovereign foreign powers accredited to Fiji, and none of the parents is a citizen. Without evidence to the contrary, an infant discovered abandoned in Fiji is considered to have been born there.
15. Peru GDP-PPP per capita ($): 15,894
Under the 1996 Peruvian Constitution, nationality laws, and an executive order issued in 1997, a person can acquire Peruvian nationality by birth through jus soli or, if born abroad, by registration at a Peruvian embassy or consulate and properly registered before the child turns 18 years old.
14. Brazil GDP-PPP per capita ($): 20,079
According to Article 12, item I of the Federal Constitution, those born in Brazil are regarded as Brazilians regardless of their parents’ nationality as long as they are not serving their nation. It has one of the best citizenships in the world.
13. Grenada GDP-PPP per capita ($): 20,195
The basis for citizenship is the December 19, 1973, Grenada Constitution Order. Citizenship is awarded to individuals: by birth: every child born inside the borders of Grenada on or after February 6, 1974, regardless of the nationality of their parents. An exception would be a child born to a particular diplomat. Grenada is one of the richest countries in the world.
12. Mexico GDP-PPP per capita ($): 24,976
According to the Mexican Constitution, individuals who are born in Mexico, regardless of the nationality of their parents, are considered Mexican citizens by birth. Individuals who are foreign-born with at least one parent who holds Mexican nationality are also considered Mexicans. Mexico is one of the richest countries in the world by net worth.
11. Antigua and Barbuda GDP-PPP per capita ($): 25,449
A child obtains citizenship by birth on the principle of jus soli under Section 3 of the Citizenship Act and Article 113 of the Constitution. Of the 23 richest nations that grant citizenship by birth, Antigua and Barbuda is one of them.
10. Dominican Republic GDP-PPP per capita ($): 25,523
In the Dominican Republic, nationality is normally acquired by either the jus sanguinis principle, which allows birth abroad to a parent who possesses Dominican nationality, or the jus soli principle, which allows birth within the country.
9. Argentina GDP-PPP per capita ($): 26,506
Citizenship and Naturalization Law 346 states that the only ways to become an Argentine citizen are by naturalization, birthright, or descent. There isn’t a citizenship-by-investment scheme in the nation. Argentina is one of the countries with the fastest nationality.
8. Costa Rica GDP-PPP per capita ($): 26,809
Individuals must meet specific residency requirements and have legal status in Costa Rica to become citizens by birth. Together with the necessary paperwork and fees, they must also apply to the Department of Immigration. Citizens of Costa Rica are permitted to possess dual citizenship.
7. Uruguay GDP-PPP per capita ($): 28,984
The Uruguayan Constitution states that anyone born in Uruguay and children born abroad to Uruguayan parents who were born in Uruguay are entitled to Uruguayan nationality.
6. Chile GDP-PPP per capita ($): 29,935
The nationality of any person born in Chile is acquired at birth. The only two exclusions are for children of foreign nationals who do not live in the nation and for children of foreign nationals employed by a foreign government, such as foreign diplomats.
5. Trinidad and Tobago GDP-PPP per capita ($): 30,719
In the 1976 Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Constitution, every person born in Trinidad and Tobago is automatically granted citizenship on the date of birth. If, at the time of the person’s birth, either of his parents is an enemy alien and the birth took place in an area that is currently under the occupation of the foreign sovereign power accredited to Trinidad and Tobago, or if both of his parents are citizens of another country and have immunity from suit and legal process granted to an envoy of that country, the person will not be granted citizenship.
4. Panama GDP-PPP per capita ($): 42,738
According to the Panama Nationality Law, every individual born in Panama is entitled to birthright citizenship, regardless of the immigration status or nationality of their parents. All you need is proof of birth. Due to the nation’s jus soli, or “right of the soil,” principle, a child is automatically regarded as a citizen of Panama upon birth.
3. Canada GDP-PPP per capita ($): 59,813
The Canadian government grants citizenship privileges to those who are citizens by birth, naturalization, or descent. Irrespective of parental status, an individual born within the borders of Canada is considered a citizen. Many foreign parents visit Canada to give birth and then leave to return home.
2. Guyana GDP-PPP per capita ($): 61,099
The two main ways to acquire Guyanese nationality are through the principles of jus soli, which means being born in Guyana, or jus sanguinis, which means being born outside of the country to Guyanese parents.
1. United States of America GDP-PPP per capita ($): 80,412
The U.S. Constitution’s Amendment XIV, Section 1, Clause 1, states that everyone born in the United States is a citizen. This holds irrespective of an individual’s parent’s immigration or tax status. As per our ranking, the United States of America is the wealthiest nation on Earth that bestows citizenship by birth or birthright citizenship.
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