Birthright Citizenship in 2025: Where and How It Works

• Posted on Jan 30, 2025
• In Industry News

Countries offer birthright citizenship in 2025

Obtaining a second citizenship or residency is becoming the center of attention worldwide. It’s even making headlines for those who are interested in securing a better future for themselves and leaving behind a lasting legacy for their children.

In times of change, those who are prepared, create opportunities; those who are not, face limitations. Those who embraced this mindset are now gaining the rewards of becoming global citizens.

There are many unique pathways to obtaining a second citizenship or residency, but it’s crucial to consider that it’s not only about getting a second passport or traveling visa-free; it also offers several benefits and advantages.

Birthright citizenship

Birthright citizenship, also known as jus soli (Latin for “right of the soil”), is the legal principle granting citizenship to individuals born within a country’s territory, regardless of their parents’ nationality or immigration status.

As of 2025, the following countries offer unconditional birthright citizenship (jus soli):

North America:
Canada
Mexico
United States (with some restrictions)

Central America and the Caribbean:
Antigua and Barbuda
Barbados
Belize
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominica
El Salvador
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Jamaica
Nicaragua
Panama
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago

South America:
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Ecuador
Guyana
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay

Europe:
Portugal (with restrictions)

Africa:
Chad
Lesotho
Tanzania

Asia:
Pakistan (with some restrictions)

Oceania:
Fiji
Tuvalu

Policy Changes for Birthright Citizenship in the United States

The U.S. historically granted citizenship under jus soli. However, on January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents without legal immigration status.

U.S. District Judge John Coughenour temporarily blocked the order, with further briefings scheduled on a preliminary injunction to permanently halt its enforcement while the case proceeds.

Birthright Citizenship: A double win

Countries that offer both Residence and Citizenship by Investment (RCBI) programs and birthright citizenship provide a win-win strategy for future plans due to several key benefits:

• Dual paths to citizenship: Families can obtain citizenship through investment while their children born in the country automatically receive citizenship by birth.
• Enhanced global mobility: RCBI programs often provide passports with visa-free access to many countries, improving travel options for the whole family.
• Financial advantages: RCBI programs can offer tax benefits and new business opportunities, while birthright citizenship ensures children have access to these benefits from birth.
• Education and healthcare access: Children with birthright citizenship can attend public schools and access healthcare services, often at reduced or no cost.
• Long-term security: Birthright citizenship ensures future generations have a secure legal status in the country.
• Diversification of assets and opportunities: Combining RCBI and birthright citizenship allows families to spread their investments and future prospects across multiple countries.
• Quality of life improvements: Many countries offering these programs have high standards of living, benefiting both investors and their children born there.

Countries with RCBI Programs and Birthright Citizenship

While birthright citizenship and RCBI (Residency and Citizenship by Investment) are distinct, countries with RCBI programs often provide pathways for citizenship, which may include citizenship for future generations (jus sanguinis).

Portugal

As of January 2025, Portugal grants Portuguese citizenship at birth to children born in the country to foreign parents who have held residency for at least one year.

Investment options

• Capital transfer of €500,000 into investment or venture capital funds.
• €250,000 in artistic production or cultural heritage.

Benefits of Portuguese residency

• Right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
• Family members can be included in the application.
• Eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years.
• Eligibility for citizenship after 5 years from application.
• Minimum stay of 14 days every two years.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda grants citizenship by birth to children born on its soil (jus soli), regardless of their parents’ nationality. Additionally, children born abroad to at least one Antiguan and Barbudan citizen parent are eligible for citizenship by descent.

Investment Options

• National Development Fund (NDF): Minimum US$230,000 for a family of up to four.
• Real Estate Investment: Minimum US$300,000 in pre-approved developments.
• Business Investment: Minimum US$1.5 million in an approved business project.
• University of the West Indies Fund: Minimum US$260,000 for a family of six or more.
• Processing time: 4-5 months.

Benefits of Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship

• Visa-free access to 143+ countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Area, and Hong Kong.
• Dual citizenship allowed.
• Minimal residency requirement.
• No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.
• Right to live, work, and study in Antigua and Barbuda.
• Citizenship by descent for future generations.
• Dependents included: Spouse, children under 26, and parents aged 55+.

Dominica

Dominica offers both a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program and birthright citizenship, which are separate pathways to citizenship. The CBI program is designed for foreign investors, while birthright citizenship applies to children born in Dominica, regardless of their parents’ nationality.

Investment options

• Economic Diversification Fund Donation: Minimum US$200,000 for a single applicant.
• Real Estate Investment: Minimum US$216,000, which can be sold after 3-5 years.
• Processing Time: 3 months on average.

Benefits of Dominica Citizenship

• Visa-free travel to over 133 destinations worldwide.
• Right to live, work, and study in Dominica.
• No restrictions on dual citizenship.
• No physical residency requirements.
• Citizenship by descent for future generations.
• Spouse, unmarried dependent children under 31, and parents/grandparents over 65 can be included.
• No wealth, gift, inheritance, foreign income, or capital gains tax.

Grenada

Grenada offers citizenship by birth to children born in Grenada and by descent to children born abroad to at least one Grenadian parent. This means that once an investor obtains Grenadian citizenship through the CBI program, their future children will be eligible for citizenship by descent, ensuring long-term benefits for generations to come.

Investment Options

• National Transformation Fund Donation: Minimum US$235,000 for a single applicant.
• Real Estate Investment: Minimum US$270,000 in government-approved projects.
• Processing Time: 7-8 months.

Benefits of Grenada Citizenship

• Visa-free travel to over 137 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Area, and China.
• Eligibility for US E-2 Investor Visa after 3 years of continuous residency in Grenada.
• No physical residency requirements.
• Dual citizenship allowed.
• Citizenship by descent for future generations.
• Spouse, children under 30, parents, grandparents, and unmarried siblings aged 18 and over can be included.
• No worldwide income tax.
• No capital gains tax.

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis offers citizenship by birth to children born on St. Kitts and Nevis soil (jus soli), regardless of their parents’ nationality. (Additionally, children born abroad to at least one St. Kitts and Nevis citizen parent are eligible for citizenship by descent.

Investment Options

• Sustainable Growth Fund: Minimum US$250,000 for a single applicant.
• Real estate Investment: Minimum US$325,000 in approved developments.
• Processing Time: 6-12 months.

Benefits of St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship

• Visa-free travel to over 147 countries, including the UK and EU Schengen Area.
• Dual citizenship allowed.
• No residency requirements.
• Tax benefits: No personal income tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax.
• Right to live, work, and study in St. Kitts and Nevis.
• Citizenship by descent for future generations.
• Spouse, children under 26, and parents aged 55 and over can be included.
• Ability to add dependents after citizenship has been granted to the main applicant.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia offers citizenship by birth to children born in the country, except for those born to foreign diplomats or individuals with special legal status. Additionally, as of June 26, 2024, St. Lucia amended its Citizenship Act to allow second- and third-generation St. Lucian descendants born overseas to acquire citizenship. However, this provision does not apply to individuals who obtained citizenship through the CBI program.

Investors who obtain St. Lucian citizenship through the CBI program can include their children in their application at the time of submission or add them later through the CBI Unit. However, CBI-acquired citizenship does not grant automatic eligibility for citizenship by descent under St. Lucia’s immigration laws.

Investment Options

• National Economic Fund Contribution: Minimum US$240,000 for a single applicant.
• Real estate investment: Minimum US$300,000 in approved developments.
• National Action Bond Investment: Minimum US$300,000.
• Processing Time: 9-12 months.

Benefits of St. Lucia Citizenship

• Visa-free travel to over 139 countries, including the UK, EU Schengen Area, and Hong Kong.
• Dual citizenship allowed.
• No residency requirements.
• Tax benefits: No worldwide income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
• Right to live, work, and study in St. Lucia.
• Citizenship by descent for future generations.
• Spouse, children under 30, parents over 55, and siblings under 18 can be included.

Which Program is Right for You?

The choice between programs depends on your goals, whether it’s global mobility, access to top-tier education, or a secure investment for the future. Each program offers unique advantages tailored to different needs.

At Arton Capital, we are experts in simplifying complexities and specialize in guiding you through many of the available options, ensuring a personalized and seamless journey to global citizenship that fits your goals.

Connect with us to explore your best path forward.

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