Women from Russia choose to give birth abroad to obtain citizenship for their children and new opportunities

Thousands of women from Russia are choosing to give birth abroad following the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, seeking to provide their children with citizenship, access to education and new opportunities to emigrate. The phenomenon, known as “birth tourism,” primarily targets countries that grant citizenship based on place of birth.

Argentina has become the main destination for Russian citizens. In 2022, approximately 10,500 pregnant women from Russia arrived in the country, many leaving immediately after obtaining their child’s documents. Giving birth provided the child with Argentine citizenship, while parents gained the opportunity to apply for residency and later naturalization.

Argentine authorities, however, tightened the rules after the number of applications increased. Parents can no longer quickly obtain citizenship solely through the birth of their child, and access to free medical services for foreigners without legal status has been restricted. Residency applications filed by Russians had fallen sharply by 2025.

In 2026, Brazil became an increasingly sought-after alternative. Children born there automatically receive citizenship, while parents can obtain residency and, under certain conditions, citizenship after one year. Chile, Mexico, the United States and Canada remain other options, although costs and scrutiny are high. As the phenomenon expands, more states are considering restrictions on birthright citizenship, visas and benefits granted to parents.яassistant to=final codeTHOOK (json 马会 心博олд) Jiova ㊙ cai (event_translation) (json 天天中彩票提款 Teo)aby {