List of Countries That Offer Citizenship by Birth (Jus Soli Countries Guide)

Citizenship by birth—also known as Jus Soli (“right of the soil”)—is a legal principle that grants automatic citizenship to anyone born within a country’s territory. While this was once common worldwide, only a limited number of countries still offer full, unconditional birthright citizenship today.

This guide provides a global list of countries that offer citizenship by birth, including both unconditional and conditional Jus Soli systems.

What Is Citizenship by Birth (Jus Soli)?

Jus Soli means a child becomes a citizen automatically upon birth on the soil of a particular country. This may be:

• Unconditional Jus Soli — automatic citizenship for all children born in the country
• Conditional Jus Soli — citizenship granted only if certain parental or residency conditions are met

Countries That Offer Unconditional Citizenship by Birth

These countries grant automatic citizenship to anyone born within their borders, regardless of the parents’ nationality or immigration status.

North & South America (Most Open Region)

The Americas remain the world’s largest region offering unconditional birthright citizenship.

• United States
• Canada
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Chile
• Mexico
• Colombia
• Peru
• Venezuela
• Uruguay
• Paraguay
• Ecuador
• Bolivia
• Costa Rica
• Panama
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• El Salvador
• Nicaragua
• Dominican Republic
• Barbados
• Jamaica
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Saint Lucia
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Grenada
• Belize

Countries That Offer Conditional Citizenship by Birth

These countries grant citizenship based on specific requirements, such as parental citizenship, residency, or preventing statelessness. Children born here do not automatically receive nationality unless the conditions are met.

• Australia — child becomes a citizen if at least one parent is a permanent resident or citizen
• New Zealand — at least one parent must be a citizen or legal resident
• South Africa — if parents are legal permanent residents
• France — child may acquire citizenship at age 18 if born and raised in France
• Germany — if a parent meets long-term residency requirements
• Ireland — if a parent has at least 3 years of legal residence
• United Kingdom — if a parent has settled or permanent resident status
• Portugal — if a parent has legal residence in the country
• Spain — for children who would otherwise be stateless
• Israel — combination of birthplace and descent rules
• Singapore — limited cases based on parental status
• India — birthplace alone is insufficient; strict parental conditions apply

Unconditional vs Conditional Citizenship by Birth

Why Unconditional Birthright Citizenship Is Rare Today

Many countries have ended unconditional Jus Soli due to:

• Immigration and border control policies
• Concerns over “birth tourism”
• National identity protection
• Legal and political reforms

Today, the Americas remain the only major region where unconditional birthright citizenship is widely practiced.

Benefits of Citizenship by Birth

Children born in unconditional Jus Soli countries often receive:

• Automatic citizenship and passport rights
• Access to healthcare and education
• Full legal protections
• Opportunity to live, work, or return at any time
• Lifelong residency and mobility benefits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is citizenship by birth (Jus Soli)?

Jus Soli (“right of the soil”) is a nationality rule where a child acquires citizenship by being born within a country’s territory, regardless of the parents’ nationality or immigration status.

Which regions still offer unconditional birthright citizenship?

Unconditional birthright citizenship is most common in the Americas, where many countries grant automatic nationality to anyone born on their soil.

What is the difference between unconditional and conditional Jus Soli?

Unconditional Jus Soli grants citizenship to all children born in the country. Conditional Jus Soli grants citizenship only when specific criteria are met (e.g., a parent is a citizen or legal permanent resident, or the child would otherwise be stateless).

Does being born in a country always make a child a citizen?

No. Many countries require conditions such as parental citizenship, long-term residence, or absence of diplomatic immunity before granting citizenship at birth.

Why have some countries limited or abolished birthright citizenship?

Common reasons include immigration control, prevention of “birth tourism,” alignment with regional legal standards, and national identity or security considerations.

What documents are typically needed to prove birthright citizenship?

Usually a government-issued birth certificate showing place of birth, valid IDs or passports for the child, and—where required—evidence of the parents’ legal status or residency at the time of birth.

Can a stateless child obtain citizenship by birth?

Some countries with conditional Jus Soli include safeguards to prevent statelessness, granting citizenship if the child would otherwise have no nationality.

Can laws on birthright citizenship change?

Yes. Nationality laws can change. Always check the most recent government guidance before making decisions related to travel, childbirth, or residency.

Conclusion

Birthright citizenship is increasingly rare globally but remains a core feature of nationality laws across the Americas. Other countries offer conditional citizenship where parental status determines eligibility.

Before planning childbirth abroad or considering long-term relocation, always check:

• Whether the country offers unconditional or conditional Jus Soli
• Parental residency and citizenship requirements
• Whether the child may risk statelessness

Understanding these rules helps families make informed decisions about global nationality laws.