6 Countries Where Your Child Automatically Becomes a Citizen by Birth

With the United States tightening its rules on birth tourism, warning that pregnant visitors may be denied visas, Nigerian parents looking to secure foreign nationality for their newborns without complex paperwork may turn to other options. 

Six countries still grant jus soli (right of the soil) citizenship: any child born on their territory, regardless of parental status, is automatically a citizen. 

Here’s where you can still rely on birthright citizenship in 2025.

1. Canada

Canada remains one of the world’s most generous in granting citizenship by birth. A child born on Canadian soil instantly becomes a Canadian citizen. While parents must follow separate immigration routes, often through family sponsorship, to settle permanently, their newborn carries one of the top‑ranked passports worldwide, offering visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to over 180 countries.

2. Mexico

Mexico also practices unrestricted birthright citizenship, excluding only children of accredited foreign diplomats. Babies born in any Mexican state are citizens at birth. Parents can later apply for residency and, after a specified period, pursue naturalisation. Mexico’s passport grants broad travel freedom across the Americas and Europe.

3. Brazil

Under Brazil’s constitution, every child born within its borders is immediately a Brazilian citizen. Foreign parents may apply for permanent residency right away and can qualify for full naturalisation after just one year in the country. Brazil’s passport ranks strongly among global travel documents, easing global mobility for its holders.

4. Argentina

Argentina offers automatic citizenship to all children born locally. Parents need only reside in the country for a single year to begin their path to citizenship, making the process remarkably swift. Argentine passports are among the top 20 in the world, providing excellent international access.

5. Peru

Peru grants citizenship at birth under its jus soli law, no questions asked. After birth, parents can apply for legal residency and, after meeting residency requirements, seek naturalisation. Peruvian passports now allow visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival entry to more than 130 countries, including the entire Schengen Area.

6. Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s constitution confers citizenship on any child born within its territory. Parents can apply for residency after three years and become eligible for full citizenship after a total of ten years (three years to qualify, plus seven years of residency). Though the path is longer, Costa Rica’s political stability and quality of life make it an attractive option.