10 Countries Where Nigerians Can Get Citizenship by Birth (2025)

Fewer than ten countries still grant automatic citizenship to any child born on their soil. For Nigerian families planning births abroad, this guide outlines where birthright citizenship remains in force, what it means, and how it interacts with Nigeria’s dual-citizenship laws.

Here are the 10 Countries Where Nigerians Can Get Citizenship by Birth (2025):

United States

A child born on U.S. soil (hospital or legally recognised territory) is a U.S. citizen at birth. Parents typically secure a state-issued long-form birth certificate from Vital Records and then apply for the child’s U.S. passport. Nigerian law permits a child to hold dual citizenship by birth.

To obtain a Nigerian passport, the birth must be registered at the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate. Note that a child’s citizenship does not automatically grant the parents U.S. status; any parental immigration benefits follow separate rules.

Canada

Canada grants citizenship to anyone born in the country (except accredited diplomats). After delivery, you’ll obtain a provincial/territorial birth certificate, then apply for the infant’s Canadian passport.

As with the U.S., parents should also register the birth in Nigeria to preserve the child’s Nigerian citizenship by descent. Parental immigration options (if any) are not automatic and depend on Canadian law.

Jamaica

Birth in Jamaica typically confers Jamaican citizenship. You’ll register the birth with the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) to obtain the certificate, then process a Jamaican passport for the child if needed.

Many Nigerian families choose Jamaica for its straightforward documentation and strong cultural ties. As always, dual nationality is fine for a Nigerian child by birth; register with the Nigerian mission.

Barbados

Children born in Barbados are Barbadian citizens at birth (standard diplomatic exception). Register promptly at the Civil Registry to get the birth certificate; you can then apply for a Barbadian passport.

Barbados offers stable documentation processes and robust travel links. Parents should register their child separately with the Nigerian mission to maintain a clear dual status.

Brazil

Brazil follows full jus soli: a child born in Brazil is Brazilian at birth (children of foreign officials on duty are excluded). Hospitals issue a Declaração de Nascido Vivo (DNV), then you record the birth at a cartório (civil registry) to receive the official Certidão de Nascimento.

Brazil’s system is efficient for passports and national IDs; some family-based residence avenues may exist for parents of Brazilian children, but these are not automatic, and you should take legal advice. Register with Nigeria to retain dual citizenship.

Argentina

Birth in Argentina generally grants Argentine nationality. You register the birth at the Registro Civil to obtain the certificate, then request the child’s DNI (national ID) and passport. Argentina can be attractive due to smooth civil registration and good healthcare in major cities.

Parental status is separate; explore family-link residence options locally if relevant, and register the birth with the Nigerian mission for dual status.

Fiji

A child born in Fiji is a Fijian citizen at birth (diplomat exception). Register with Births, Deaths & Marriages (BDM) to obtain the birth certificate, then apply for a Fijian passport.

Fiji is less common for Nigerians due to distance, but procedures are predictable. Complete Nigerian consular registration to secure dual nationality documentation.

Tuvalu

Children born in Tuvalu acquire Tuvaluan citizenship at birth (subject to the usual exception). After hospital records are issued, register the birth with the civil registry and proceed to passport issuance.

Given Tuvalu’s remoteness, plan ahead for flights, accommodation, and documentation timelines. Register with Nigeria to maintain dual citizenship.

Lesotho 

Citizenship by birth typically applies if at least one parent is a Lesotho citizen or permanent resident (and not a diplomat). If both parents are foreigners without status, the child may not automatically qualify, except in limited scenarios (e.g., statelessness protections). Always verify specifics locally.

Chad 

Chad’s nationality framework is mixed. Birth in Chad can contribute to nationality under defined conditions, for example, where a parent was also born in Chad, holds legal status, or to avoid statelessness. Pure, unconditional jus soli for children of short-term visitors is not the norm; confirm requirements before planning.