Jus soli and Jus sanguinis

Jus soli and jus sanguinis are two fundamental legal principles that determine a person's citizenship at birth. Each country chooses to apply one of the two, or a combination of both.

Jus soli, meaning right of the soil, grants citizenship to those born on a country's territory, regardless of their parents' nationality. The United States and many countries in the Americas apply this principle widely.

Jus sanguinis, meaning right of blood, grants citizenship based on parental lineage, independent of the place of birth. Most European and Asian countries prioritise this principle.

Understanding which principle a target country applies helps families proactively plan for childbirth, residency, and citizenship, especially when they want their children to hold a specific passport.

Explore different citizenship pathways at the page citizenship by investment services.