As of 2025, fewer than 30 countries around the world still grant automatic citizenship by birth (jus soli). Here’s a detailed list of nations where Nigerians can give birth and secure citizenship for their children — including Canada, the U.S., Brazil, and more.
Global Birthright Citizenship: Where Nigerians Can Secure Citizenship by Birth
In today’s world of strict visa regimes and closed borders, the idea that a baby can become a citizen of a country simply by being born there feels almost like a relic from a bygone era. Yet, for Nigerians and millions of other families across the globe, this right — known as jus soli, or “right of the soil” — remains one of the most powerful gateways to global opportunity.
As of 2025, fewer than 30 countries still practice unconditional citizenship by birth, meaning that any child born on their territory automatically becomes a citizen — regardless of the parents’ nationality or legal status. Most of these countries are located in the Americas and the Caribbean, with a few in Oceania and Africa maintaining limited forms of the policy.
What Is Citizenship by Birth?
The term jus soli (Latin for “right of the soil”) refers to the automatic acquisition of citizenship by virtue of being born within a country’s borders. This principle contrasts with jus sanguinis (“right of blood”), which ties nationality to parental descent rather than birthplace.
While Nigeria follows the jus sanguinis model — meaning a child’s citizenship is determined by the nationality of the parents — many Nigerians look abroad to countries where birthright citizenship remains in force. This allows their children to hold dual nationality, combining Nigerian citizenship by descent with another nationality by birth.
Why Nigerians Seek Birthright Citizenship Abroad
For many Nigerians, citizenship by birth is not about luxury but access. A child born in a country like Canada, the United States, or Brazil automatically receives rights that can open doors to:
- World-class education and public healthcare
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to dozens of countries
- Permanent residency options for parents
- And in many cases, a pathway to dual nationality
With these benefits in mind, birthright citizenship has become a strategic consideration for many families seeking to secure a global future for their children.
Full List of Countries That Grant Citizenship by Birth (2025)
1. North America
Countries: United States, Canada, Mexico
- United States: Under the 14th Amendment, any child born on U.S. soil automatically becomes an American citizen, except those born to diplomats.
- Canada: Grants unconditional citizenship to any child born in the country.
- Mexico: Constitutionally guarantees citizenship to all children born within its borders.
2. Central America and the Caribbean
The Caribbean remains a stronghold of jus soli, with many island nations continuing to grant citizenship by birth.
| Country | Policy Type | Notes for Nigerians |
|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | Unconditional | Except for diplomats’ children |
| Bahamas | Automatic | Applies to all births |
| Barbados | Unconditional | Diplomatic exemptions apply |
| Belize | Automatic | Guaranteed by constitution |
| Dominica | Unconditional | Applies regardless of parents’ status |
| Grenada | Automatic | Diplomats excluded |
| Jamaica | Unconditional | Fully recognized |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | Unconditional | Citizenship at birth |
| St. Lucia | Automatic | Applies to all births |
| St. Vincent and the Grenadines | Unconditional | No parental restrictions |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Automatic | Diplomatic cases excluded |
These island nations collectively form one of the most accessible clusters of citizenship-by-birth destinations for Nigerians, particularly for families seeking dual nationality options without complex residency requirements.
3. South America
South America continues to uphold some of the world’s most liberal citizenship laws, with most countries still following unconditional jus soli.
| Country | Citizenship Rule | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Automatic | Diplomatic exceptions only |
| Brazil | Automatic | Citizenship granted at birth; parents can apply for residency |
| Chile | Automatic | Full jus soli remains in place |
| Paraguay | Automatic | Constitutional guarantee |
| Peru | Automatic | Applies to all births |
| Uruguay | Automatic | No parental restrictions |
| Venezuela | Automatic | Diplomatic cases excluded |
Among these, Brazil stands out for Nigerians. Beyond granting automatic citizenship to children, it offers residency pathways for the parents, which can lead to permanent residence and eventual naturalization.
4. Oceania
A handful of Pacific nations maintain unconditional birthright citizenship, although most larger economies like Australia and New Zealand have repealed such laws.
| Country | Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fiji | Unconditional | Except diplomats’ children |
| Samoa | Unconditional | Citizenship at birth |
| Tonga | Unconditional | Diplomatic exceptions apply |
| Tuvalu | Unconditional | Applies to all births |
While less common destinations for Nigerians, these island countries still uphold the traditional “right of soil” in its purest form.
5. Africa (Conditional Jus Soli)
Africa, including Nigeria, primarily follows the jus sanguinis principle. Only a few African nations have retained limited versions of jus soli.
| Country | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lesotho | Conditional | Parent must be citizen or permanent resident |
| Chad | Conditional | Requires one parent to be legally resident |
| Tanzania | Conditional | Based on parental citizenship |
| Cape Verde | Conditional | Residency-based rights apply |
No African country currently offers unconditional citizenship by birth to foreigners.
Regional Summary
- North America: 3 countries
- Central America & Caribbean: 11 countries
- South America: 7 countries
- Oceania: 4 countries
- Africa (conditional): 4 countries
Total: Approximately 29–30 countries worldwide still uphold unconditional or near-unconditional birthright citizenship.
Dual Citizenship and Nigerian Law
Nigeria allows dual citizenship only for citizens “by birth.” That means a Nigerian child born abroad in a jus soli country like Canada or the U.S. can legally hold both nationalities.
However, adults who later acquire foreign citizenship by naturalization (not birth) may face restrictions unless they officially renounce one citizenship. Nigerian parents planning births abroad should therefore ensure:
- The Nigerian parentage is legally documented,
- The child’s foreign citizenship is properly registered, and
- Both countries’ laws on dual nationality are observed.
The Global Decline of Birthright Citizenship
Over the past three decades, several countries — including Ireland, India, Australia, and New Zealand — have ended automatic jus soli. These governments argue that the policy encourages birth tourism and strains public systems.
For instance:
- Ireland abolished automatic birthright citizenship in 2004 after a national referendum.
- Australia restricted citizenship to children of citizens or permanent residents in 1986.
- The UK replaced unconditional jus soli with a conditional model in 1983.
This trend means the remaining jus soli nations are now the exception, not the rule — offering a rare advantage for Nigerians who qualify.
Benefits of Citizenship by Birth for Nigerians
- Global Mobility: Children born in jus soli countries enjoy easier travel, often with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 nations (in cases like the U.S. or Canada).
- Education and Healthcare: Citizenship ensures access to local public education systems and health benefits.
- Economic Opportunity: Later in life, these citizens can work, own property, and start businesses without restrictions.
- Parental Residency: In some nations, parents of citizen children can apply for residency rights.
- Dual Identity: The child retains a connection to Nigeria while enjoying the privileges of a developed-country passport.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Despite its appeal, birthright citizenship raises legal and ethical debates globally. Critics argue it can incentivize birth tourism, where foreigners travel primarily to secure citizenship for their children. Others see it as a fundamental human right — ensuring every child has a nationality and preventing statelessness.
For Nigerians, it’s vital to approach the issue responsibly. Governments are increasingly tightening visa and healthcare entry rules for expectant mothers to prevent misuse of jus soli policies.
Final Thoughts
While the number of countries offering unconditional citizenship by birth has dwindled, the principle of jus soli remains a lifeline for global inclusivity. For Nigerians navigating a world of closed borders, it represents one of the last avenues for immediate access to dual citizenship and the privileges it brings.
In 2025, around 30 countries — mostly in the Americas, Caribbean, and Pacific — still uphold this centuries-old practice. From the skyscrapers of Toronto and New York to the beaches of Barbados and Rio de Janeiro, the right of the soil endures as a rare and powerful bridge between nations.
For Nigerian parents seeking a global start for their children, understanding these options isn’t just about opportunity — it’s about choice, legacy, and a future that truly belongs to the world.
