Hong Kong Vs Canada

We are asian and living in HK for 3 years. We have option to give birth to our baby in Hong Kong or Canada.


We know on birth baby will get nationality of the respective country.


Which is better ?? Canada or Hong Kong ??


What is reason for the answer ??

Don't know if this is on your mind yet, but university options could be cheaper if you choose a Canadian passport. Assuming things don't change, Canadian passport holders don't have to pay international student fees, just the local fee. HK unis are very competitive to get into and don't have the same breadth of options your child would get in Canada.

If you or husband are Canadian citizens, then the child will also qualify for citizenship, irregardless of birth place. However, I think the rules were changed a couple of years ago which affects your child's child though - ie they will not qualify automatically.


With Canadian citizenship for the child comes the passport regardless of residency. This is different from marrying a Canadian citizen - if you marry a Canadian citizen you will need to reside in Canada for 3 years before getting a Canadian passport.


Timber's advice is correct but does not apply in your case.


The decision to choose Canada or HK depends more on other factors like hospital care, doctor choice, family support. If you have moved away from Canada for 3 years then you are considered non-residents and not qualify for the medical cre in Canada - ie have to pay for the birth and doctor visits. Your company plan may cover this but the gov't plans in Canada (eg OHIP) will not cover. Plus the birth can be stressful so nice to have family support structure in place (ie if grandparents are in Canada then it may be easier for you to have in Canada).


Hospitals in Canada also promote breastfeeding much more so than HK hospitals - in HK they give you baby powder as a farewell gift so that tells you what they think. Language is also a consideration - in HK public hospitals, English may not be as prevalent so communicating with the nurses may be more difficult unless you speak Cantonese.


Also remember there are airline restrictions on pregnant mothers - can't fly after a certain term - so make your plans with that in mind. Good luck.

Reading the OP I was a bit curious about the real meaning of the statement "We know on birth baby will get nationality of the respective country". If it means that the baby will automatically get Canadian or HK citizenship then I'm sure that's the case, but if it means that the baby will get the parents' nationality regardless of where the birth takes place then I'd agree. Just curious.