Citizenship is the political and legal belonging of a person to a state, which guarantees a list of rights and freedoms on its territory, as well as protection when in other parts of the world.
At birth, a person is granted citizenship in one of two ways:
Some jurisdictions require both conditions for citizenship and some require only one.
In recent years, families have increasingly chosen to travel to another country to give birth in order to obtain citizenship for the child, and sometimes for the parents, siblings and children where the law allows it. We will tell you about the states that grant citizenship by birth on their territory, i.e. by right of soil.
Giving birth abroad in some cases allows you to legally stay in the country of your child’s nationality. In some countries, citizens are guaranteed free medical services and education. You can choose the best hospital with the most modern technology to minimise risks for mother and newborn.
Citizenship of another country opens the door to a new culture and provides new opportunities for the child and his or her family. For example, a passport from some jurisdictions allows you to cross the borders of many countries around the world without a visa or through a simplified procedure where entry permits are issued immediately upon arrival.
Citizenship jus soli is granted without conditions or with conditions if provided for by local law. For example, in the USA, absolutely any person who was born on American soil becomes a citizen of the country. In the UK and Colombia, a child becomes a citizen if two conditions are met:
Some states in Africa (Tanzania, Lesotho, Chad) also grant their subjectship by right of soil.
Here are the 5 most promising countries for jus soli citizenship, where a child can become a citizen simply for the fact of being born on the territory of the country, even if both parents are foreigners and came to give birth as tourists.
An American passport is a cherished wish of people in different parts of our planet. After giving birth in the United States, you will receive a birth certificate with which you can apply for U.S. citizenship for your baby.
However, the parents themselves will have to wait until their child turns 21. After that, he or she can start the process of family reunification, and the parents will have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit (green card), and after a few more years — citizenship. The US passport is considered one of the strongest in the world. “The strength of a passport” is measured by the number of jurisdictions that its holder can visit without complicated bureaucratic procedures.
Canada’s laws are similar to those in the United States with respect to jus soli citizenship. A newborn receives citizenship by being born on Canadian soil, but for the parents to become Canadians as well, they will have to reach adulthood, begin the process of family reunification, and sponsor the parents. The Canadian passport is one of the top ten most influential passports in the world.
This South American country is attractive for foreigners because a child born here receives citizenship by right of soil immediately, and his parents have the opportunity to become Argentine citizens after only 1 year of residence in the country. The Argentine passport is included in the list of the 20 strongest passports in the world.
Another Latin American country that is attractive because it not only grants citizenship to a child born here, but also gives parents the opportunity to apply for a residence permit, and after another year to proceed to naturalisation. The Brazilian passport is also one of the twenty strongest passports.
A small country in Central America that grants full citizenship by right of soil to children born on its territory. Foreign parents can apply for a residence permit 3 years after the birth of a child in Costa Rica, and after another 7 years they become eligible for citizenship.
The table summarises the pros of country citizenship and parental status.
It is important to prepare for your trip responsibly, collect all the documents and, if necessary, get a visa. If you are travelling to the USA or Canada to give birth, you will need a tourist visa.
When planning to give birth abroad, it is important to organise your flight well and remember that depending on the airline, a pregnant woman may not be allowed on board as early as 34 weeks of pregnancy, or as late as 32 if she is multiple pregnancies. In many cases, you will need to provide a certificate from your gynaecologist stating your gestational age at check-in.
You also need to consider the climate, cuisine, cost of living and basic expenses in the country you want to give birth in.
Be sure to make a list of the documents you will need to obtain citizenship by right of soil, as well as documents from the parents’ home country, so that you can return home with your child. It is convenient if the embassy or consulate of your country is close to where you are going to stay in the country of birth. This way, you will get all the documents you need to leave the country quicker.
The cost of childbirth varies considerably from country to country. In the United States, expectant parents will have to pay the most. In South American countries, it is possible to give birth in a public hospital free of charge. The total cost of labour will depend greatly on the hospital, the presence or absence of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, the level of comfort and location. The table summarises the cost of childbirth and accommodation in 5 countries.
You also need to keep in mind the costs of paperwork, an interpreter, transport, plane tickets and obtaining visas to countries where they are required.
Miami This city combines top-notch hospitals, a good climate, and oceanfront holidays, so if your goal is to spend your pre and postpartum time relaxed and peaceful, consider Miami. The most popular hospitals for childbirth in Miami are Mount Sinai Medical Centre, South Miami Hospital, and Baptist Hospital.
New York A city that many people dream of visiting. If you want to combine a trip to give birth and at the same time, get to know one of the most iconic places in America — choose New York. One of the main advantages of this city is the JFK airport, where you can fly in from most countries of the world. The most popular hospitals where people from other countries come to give birth are Coney Island Hospital, Maimonides Medical Hospital, Methodist Hospital.
Toronto The largest city in Canada is attractive for its developed infrastructure, architecture, museums, and, of course, quality health care. Toronto has many hospitals with excellent services. Some of the popular ones are Toronto Birth Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto, and St Michael’s Hospital.
Vancouver Known for its positive attitude towards families with children. The city has many playgrounds, parks, museums, cafes and restaurants that can be visited with little ones. The most popular hospitals for childbirth in Vancouver are BC Women’s Hospital, Richmond Hospital or Burnaby General Hospital.
Buenos Aires One of the largest cities in South America, combining interesting culture and good hospitals with modern equipment. It also has a good climate and about 362 days of sunshine a year. Hospital Alemán, Hospital Italiano, Clinic and Maternity Swiss Argentina are popular hospitals for childbirth in the capital.
Florianópolis A modern, developed oceanfront resort town with a high level of service, medical care and a low crime rate. There are inexpensive products and a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and seafood. Popular hospitals for childbirth are Hospital Baia Sul, Maternidade Carmela Dutra. Home births with a midwife are also actively practised among foreigners who come to give birth.
São Paulo This city has the best hospitals in the country — Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein and Hospital Oswaldo Cruz. There are also consulates of many countries located here, which is very convenient if you will be applying for citizenship of your country for your newborn.
The capital of the country, San Jose, is often chosen for childbirth. Many people give birth for free, because Costa Rica has a high level of quality of medical services in public clinics. There is also very well-developed public transport and a favourable environmental situation.
La Catolica and Clinica Biblica are considered the best clinics in San Jose.
In many countries you only need a hospital certificate to be issued with a birth certificate, but for a residence permit for parents (where this is possible), you need to collect a package of documents in advance.
All documents must be originals, copies will not be accepted. Many countries also require proof of knowledge of the national language. For example, in Brazil you will need to pass a Portuguese language test.
The Chilean government offers its citizens subsidies for education and health services, and it is also the safest country in Latin America. A Chilean passport allows you to visit 177 countries without a visa, including the European Union, the United States, Canada and Japan. Chilean citizens who do not live in the country are not subject to income tax.
Chile has good hospitals with modern technology and qualified doctors. It will cost you about $5,500 to give birth in Chile.
A newborn child can obtain Chilean nationality jus soli, but to do so at least one of his or her parents must either reside or demonstrate an intention to reside in the country.
To prove that you intend to move to Chile, apply for a residence permit on the Migration Service’s website. You will then receive a letter confirming your intention to become a resident, which you will be asked to present when your child’s birth certificate is issued. If you intend to move to Chile after the birth of your child, you will be able to obtain a passport after 2 years of permanent residence.
In 2020, this European country introduced new rules regarding citizenship. Foreign citizens whose children were born in Portugal can acquire citizenship for their child if at least one of the parents has been legally resident in the country for at least one year before the child’s birth.
The Portuguese passport is ranked 4th in the world’s passport rankings and grants visa-free entry to 191 countries. The country is also popular with expats due to its good climate and relatively low cost of living for Europe.
Giving birth abroad is a great way to ensure that your baby and you have a wide range of options for the future. A second or third passport will always come in handy. If you’re not afraid to travel when you’re very pregnant, consider this opportunity to expand your family’s boundaries.
However, remember that immigration laws change constantly, so if you decide to give birth abroad and obtain citizenship, it is important to consult a competent immigration lawyer before travelling. He will tell you about the conditions for obtaining a second citizenship and the obligations it imposes on the child. The lawyer will help you to prepare a list of necessary documents and not to find yourself in an unpleasant situation when you arrive in the country where you are going to give birth.
Mexico also practices jus soli, however, if you have given birth to a child in Mexico, naturalised, obtained a Mexican passport, but do not live in the country, after 5 years of absence your naturalisation citizenship can be revoked. Also, Mexico is tightening immigration laws from 2021, so foreigners coming to the country to give birth risk getting a short stay stamp or even being refused entry.
It depends on the country, city and neighbourhood you will be living in. Foreigners prefer cities that are popular with expats and neighbourhoods with developed infrastructure and where security is carefully considered.
6-7 months of pregnancy is the best time to travel. This way, you will have an easier time travelling, and you will have enough time to get used to the country and prepare for the birth. Always consult your gynaecologist before travelling.
In some countries, such as Brazil and Costa Rica, vaccination of the newborn is mandatory by law. In jurisdictions such as the United States, parents decide whether to vaccinate their child.
We will work with you to find a customised solution for your immigration, second citizenship, business, tax and other needs.
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