Birth Abroad: How Do Parents Choose Where To Give Birth?

At Greenback Expat Tax Services, we specialize in helping American expats navigate the financial and legal complexities of living abroad. With deep expertise in expatriate taxation and international financial planning, we understand the unique challenges expat parents face when deciding where to give birth.

For American expats, this decision is more than just a personal choice—it can shape their child’s future in terms of healthcare, citizenship, and financial security. To better understand these factors, we surveyed 466 US expats about their experiences and concerns regarding childbirth and parenting abroad.

More than half of US expats (54%) have had a child while living abroad, most often in the UK, Canada, and Australia. Among millennials, nearly 3 in 5 (59%) had already given birth abroad, while over 1 in 3 (36%) were considering it. Gen Z expats showed a different trend—more than 1 in 4 (28%) had already had a child abroad, but nearly 2 in 3 (63%) were thinking about it.

Despite initial worries about giving birth abroad, the majority of both expat groups found the experience worthwhile. While 67% of millennials and 59% of Gen Z expats had concerns about having a child in their country of residence, roughly 9 in 10 (93% of Millennials, 89% of Gen Z) would still recommend it.

How Expats Choose a Birth Country

When deciding where to give birth, expat parents weigh a variety of factors. Beyond immediate healthcare needs, many consider how their child’s birthplace might shape their future.

When considering where to give birth, US expats most often prioritized the quality of medical care, citizenship benefits, parental leave, and costs. Among those who gave birth abroad, 4 in 5 found childbirth-related expenses more affordable than in the US.

Language and culture also played a role, with about 2 in 5 expats (41%) factoring these into their decision. Many parents (62%) reported feeling pressured to raise their child bilingually so they could speak both the local language and their native tongue fluently.

Top Countries for Childbirth Based on Citizenship Benefits

When asked if they would choose a birth country primarily for its citizenship benefits, 3 in 4 expats said yes. Expats identified these countries as the most attractive places to give birth due to citizenship advantages:

1. United Kingdom
2. Canada
3. Germany
4. Australia
5. Switzerland
6. Singapore
7. Sweden
8. France
9. Japan
10. Malaysia

A child born abroad may gain dual citizenship in certain countries, opening doors to expanded travel, education, and work opportunities later in life.

Why Some Expats Consider Returning to the US for Childbirth

While many expats embrace the experience of giving birth abroad, some still consider returning to the US. Factors like family support and long-term benefits for their child often influence this decision.

Nearly 1 in 3 expats (30%) said they would consider returning to the US for childbirth to secure US citizenship for their child. However, not all expats felt a need to go back—more than 1 in 4 (26%) said they would not return to the US for childbirth.

About half of expats (47%) said their family or friends would encourage them to return to the US for childbirth. But despite this, more than 1 in 5 (22%) would still choose to give birth abroad. Among those who had already given birth abroad, nearly 3 in 4 eventually returned home, with their most common reason being access to family support (43%).

The Complex Decisions of Expat Parenthood

Giving birth abroad offers both advantages and challenges, from access to affordable medical care to concerns about maintaining cultural identity. Many expats prioritize factors like citizenship benefits and healthcare quality, while others consider returning to the US for family support. Despite some concerns, the majority of expats who have given birth abroad would still recommend it. Ultimately, choosing where to have a child is a deeply personal decision influenced by a mix of practical, financial, and emotional factors.

Tax Considerations for Expat Parents

Raising a child abroad means navigating more than just cultural differences. It also means staying on top of your US tax responsibilities. Fortunately, expat parents may still qualify for valuable tax credits, even if their children were born outside the US.

To claim the Child Tax Credit, your child must be a US citizen or resident alien, have a valid Social Security number, and meet other basic criteria, regardless of where they were born. For families who don’t qualify for the full credit, the Credit for Other Dependents may provide some relief.

If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies as a dependent or how childcare costs impact your Federal Tax Return, the Greenback team has helpful resources to guide you every step of the way:

• Child Tax Credit for Expats
• Credit for Other Dependents
• How Many Dependents Do You Have?
• Childcare Costs and Your Expat Tax Return

Methodology

We surveyed 466 American expats to explore the challenges, costs, and benefits of giving birth and raising children as an expat. The average age was 37; 40% of respondents were women, 59% were male, and 1% were non-binary. Generationally, 2% were baby boomers, 10% were Gen X, 70% were millennials, and 18% were Gen Z. Any percentages in this study that don’t total 100 exactly are due to rounding.

About Greenback Expat Tax Services

At Greenback Expat Tax Services, we specialize in making US tax compliance stress-free for Americans living abroad. Our dedicated professionals offer personalized support and cutting-edge digital tools to ensure your taxes are handled efficiently and accurately, no matter where you call home.

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