In which countries can a child obtain citizenship by birth in 2026?

Citizenship rules for children born to foreign nationals vary significantly from country to country. In some countries, a child automatically becomes a citizen by virtue of being born on the country’s territory, while in others, the parents must have resided there for a certain period or meet additional requirements. Learn more about which countries follow the jus soli principle and what rules apply in 2026

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The birth of a child abroad may automatically grant them citizenship of another country, but the rules vary significantly from country to country. International law recognizes the principle of jus soli—“right of the soil”—under which citizenship is determined by the child’s place of birth. This system is in effect in some countries in North and South America, as well as in certain other nations.

However, in most European countries, automatic citizenship by birth is rarely applied or comes with additional requirements for parents. In recent years, many countries have also tightened their rules due to migration policies and the rise in international travel. That is why it is important to check the current legislation of a specific country before giving birth abroad, as even minor changes can affect the right to obtain a passport.

We previously discussed which European countries will be the hardest to obtain citizenship in by 2026.

In which European countries can a child obtain citizenship at birth?

In most European countries, automatic citizenship by birthplace is rarely applied. In many countries, a child can obtain a passport only if the parents have resided legally in the country for an extended period or after the child has lived in the country for several years. This is why European citizenship rules are considered among the most complex for foreigners.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, a child automatically obtains citizenship only if, at the time of birth, at least one parent:

- Is a British citizen;

- Has settled status;

- Or has the right to indefinite leave to remain.

If the parents do not have such status, the child does not automatically become a citizen. At the same time, British law allows for an application for citizenship after 10 years of the child’s continuous residence in the country.

Greece

Greece does not have a classic automatic jus soli system, but children of foreigners can obtain citizenship under certain conditions. One of the main criteria is the parents’ long-term legal residence in the country.

The child’s integration into the Greek education system also plays an important role. For example, the right to citizenship may arise after several years of attending a Greek school. Due to frequent changes in immigration law, the rules in Greece are regularly updated, so it is important for foreign families to check the current requirements before submitting documents.

Ireland

Ireland was previously one of the few EU countries with nearly unconditional jus soli, but the rules changed after the 2004 referendum. Today, a child born in Ireland can obtain citizenship only under certain conditions.

One of the main rules is that at least one parent must have resided legally in Ireland or Northern Ireland for at least 3 years during the 4 years preceding the child’s birth. Certain categories of residence permits may not be counted toward this period.

France

The French citizenship system is more complex than in the Americas. The birth of a child in France does not, in itself, usually confer automatic citizenship if the parents are foreign nationals.

In many cases, a child may obtain French citizenship later—for example, after a long period of residence in France and upon reaching a certain age. The child’s actual residence in the country for several years is also a factor.

Portugal

In recent years, Portugal has significantly simplified citizenship rules for children of foreigners. Currently, a child born in the country is eligible for Portuguese citizenship if at least one parent has legally resided in Portugal for at least one year prior to the child’s birth.

However, Portuguese citizenship laws change regularly, and political debates regarding stricter immigration rules continue into 2026. That is why it is important to check the latest changes in the law before applying for citizenship.

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In which North American countries can a child obtain citizenship by birth?

North America remains one of the regions where the principle of citizenship by birth is most widely applied. But even here, the rules differ: in the U.S. and Canada, a child usually obtains citizenship automatically, while Mexico has its own system of citizenship by birth, enshrined in the Constitution.

United States

The United States has one of the most well-known examples of jus soli: a child born on U.S. soil generally receives U.S. citizenship automatically. This right is enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which defines citizens as persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction.

At the same time, in 2025–2026, the issue of birthright citizenship in the U.S. became the subject of political and legal debates. The Donald Trump administration attempted to restrict automatic citizenship for children of foreigners with temporary or undocumented status, but the courts blocked such initiatives. Therefore, before planning a birth in the U.S., it is advisable to check the current legal status of the rule, but the basic principle of jus soli remains in effect for now.

Canada

Canada also grants citizenship to most children born on its territory. Canada’s Citizenship Act stipulates that a person is a citizen if they were born in Canada after February 14, 1977. The parents’ status is generally irrelevant: a child can obtain Canadian citizenship even if the parents are in the country temporarily.

The main exception applies to children of foreign diplomats and certain representatives of foreign states. If the parents have special diplomatic status, the child does not acquire Canadian citizenship solely by virtue of being born in Canada. For ordinary foreigners, tourists, students, or workers, the jus soli rule in Canada remains one of the most generous in the world.

Mexico

In Mexico, a child born on Mexican territory is considered a Mexican by birth regardless of the parents’ citizenship. This rule is enshrined in the Mexican Constitution, which classifies individuals born on Mexican territory as citizens by birth.

For foreign families, this means that the birth of a child in Mexico can grant them Mexican citizenship. Parents should also note that a child’s citizenship does not always automatically grant them the right to long-term residency, employment, or social benefits in the country. Such matters are determined by immigration regulations, not merely by the fact of the child’s birth.

Citizenship by Birth in South American Countries

South America remains one of the few regions in the world where the jus soli principle is still widely applied without strict restrictions for foreigners. In most countries on the continent, a child born on the territory of the state automatically receives local citizenship regardless of the parents’ status.

Argentina

Argentina has one of the most liberal birthright citizenship systems in the world. A child born on the country’s territory automatically becomes an Argentine citizen, even if the parents are foreigners or are in the country temporarily.

The country is also known for the fact that the birth of a child in Argentina can simplify the process of obtaining a residence permit for the parents in the future. This is why Argentina has become a popular destination in recent years for so-called birth tourism—traveling abroad specifically to give birth.

Brazil

Brazil also follows the classic principle of jus soli. The country’s constitution stipulates that individuals born on Brazilian territory are citizens of the state regardless of their parents’ nationality or immigration status.

The only exception applies to children of foreign diplomats or official representatives of other states. For most foreign families, the birth of a child in Brazil means automatic acquisition of Brazilian citizenship.

Chile

In Chile, citizenship by birth is granted to most children born in the country. However, there are certain exceptions for children of foreigners who are in Chile temporarily or do not have stable immigration status.

Despite this, Chilean legislation remains significantly more liberal than in most European countries. In many cases, a child born in Chile can still obtain citizenship or the right to subsequent naturalization.

Peru

Peru also recognizes the principle of citizenship by birthplace. Children born on the country’s territory usually automatically receive Peruvian citizenship, regardless of their parents’ origin.

To obtain citizenship after birth, parents must register the child with the civil registry and obtain a local birth certificate.

Uruguay

Uruguay is considered one of the most open countries in the region regarding citizenship by birth. A child born in the country automatically receives citizenship, and the law does not impose strict requirements regarding the parents’ immigration status.

Additionally, Uruguay consistently ranks among Latin American countries with a high standard of living, advanced healthcare, and a relatively straightforward immigration system for foreigners.

Australia, New Zealand, and the countries of Oceania

The countries of Oceania have gradually moved away from unconditional citizenship by birth. Today, Australia and New Zealand have additional requirements regarding parental status, and automatic passport issuance for children of foreigners is no longer guaranteed.

Australia

In Australia, a child automatically receives citizenship at birth only if at least one parent:

- Is an Australian citizen;

- Has Permanent Resident status.

If the parents are in the country temporarily—for example, on a student, tourist, or work visa—the child does not automatically receive citizenship.

At the same time, Australian law includes an important provision: if a child has lived in Australia continuously for the first 10 years of life, they can automatically become a citizen of the country even if their parents do not have citizenship or permanent resident status.

New Zealand

New Zealand abolished automatic jus soli back in 2006. Today, a child receives citizenship at birth only if at least one parent:

- Is a New Zealand citizen;

- Has permanent residency.

Automatic citizenship is not granted to children of foreigners holding temporary visas. This is why the birth of a child in New Zealand no longer guarantees the issuance of a local passport, as was previously the case.

Other Countries in Oceania

Most other countries in Oceania also have mixed or limited models of birthright citizenship. For example, in some island nations, a child can obtain citizenship only if one parent holds citizenship or permanent resident status in the country.

Due to small populations and strict immigration rules, many countries in the region have tightened controls on granting citizenship to foreigners in recent years.

What is important to check before giving birth abroad?

Before planning to give birth in another country, it is important to consider not only citizenship rules but also immigration, medical, and documentation requirements. In many cases, the child’s status does not automatically grant rights to the parents, and the paperwork process can take several months.

It is also worth remembering that citizenship rules around the world change regularly. Some countries are tightening requirements for parents’ legal residency, introducing new checks, or changing the deadlines for submitting documents after the child’s birth.

Before traveling abroad, it is important to check:

- Whether the country follows the jus soli principle;

- What residency status the parents need;

- Whether the country recognizes dual citizenship;

- What documents are required for birth registration;

- Whether an apostille and official translation of documents are required;

- How to process Ukrainian documents for the child through the consulate;

- Whether the child’s citizenship grants the parents the right to a work permit or residency.

Special attention should be paid to health insurance and the cost of childbirth for foreigners. In some countries, the birth of a child for tourists can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance, especially in private clinics in the U.S. or Canada. That is why expectant parents should check the terms of medical care and the rules for staying in the country after the child’s birth in advance.

How does Visit Ukraine help process documents for a child abroad?

The birth of a child in another country often involves not only obtaining local documents but also the subsequent legalization of the birth certificate, translations, apostille, and preparation of documents for Ukrainian authorities or consulates. Errors in the paperwork can lead to delays in obtaining citizenship, a passport, or the child’s right to travel.

Visit Ukraine specialists help Ukrainians abroad prepare the necessary documents for their child and navigate the main bureaucratic procedures more quickly and without unnecessary stress. Services include:

- Apostille of documents;

- Official translation of certificates;

- Consultations on document legalization;

- Assistance with preparing documents for the consulate;

- Travel and medical insurance for families abroad.

Such assistance is particularly relevant for families who have a child during a long-term stay abroad or plan to process documents in two countries simultaneously.

Applying for citizenship in European countries can be a complex process that requires knowledge of the law, proper preparation of documents, and compliance with all naturalization requirements. The lawyers at Visit Ukraine help immigrants navigate the rules for obtaining citizenship, prepare the necessary documents, and assist applicants at every stage of the process.

We remind you! For many Ukrainians, obtaining a foreign passport outside Ukraine has become not just a convenience, but a necessity. However, in 2025, the rules for conscripts changed, and the usual procedures no longer work as before. The new requirements relate to military registration and digital data verification, which raises many questions for applicants abroad. Find out whether it is possible to obtain a foreign passport without ‘Reserve+’ and what nuances are important to consider.

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