What Are Best Countries for Surrogacy- What All You Need To Know

Opting for the best surrogacy country is the most critical decision for the intended parents, so choose wisely.

Gestational surrogacy is bliss for the childless couple who wish to grow their family. They are not only able to grow but also complete their family. Surrogacy is a complicated procedure and hence legally allowed only in a few countries. And out of them, few can be considered the best surrogacy countries due to the affordable cost of surrogacy and favorable legal parentage of the baby. In this article, we will see which are the top 5 best countries for surrogacy in 2023 where intended parents can plan their surrogacy journey.

Currently, the cheapest countries for surrogacy are Georgia, Ukraine, Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala.

Country	Regulation & Organization	Who is allowed to participate	Surrogacy Cost		Legal Assurance
Colombia	Altruistic	Singles, gay couples, hetero couples	Affordable $70,000	Reliable
Mexico	Altruistic	Singles, gay couples, hetero couples	Affordable $70,000 to $80,000	Reliable
USA	Commercial	Singles, gay couples, hetero couples	Costly $150,000+	Strong
Ukraine	Commercial	Hetero couples	Affordable $60,000	Strong
Georgia	Commercial	Hetero couples	Affordable $60,000	Strong
Greece	Altruistic	Hetero couples and single women	Affordable $80,000	Strong

While selecting an international surrogacy country, consider the below factors:

1. Surrogacy Laws of the country- Opt for surrogacy friendly country

By far choosing the legally secure surrogacy country is the best decision due to the legal parentage of the baby, citizenship, and travel document of the baby is important when you are dealing with cross-border surrogacy. Having an explicit surrogacy law is very important as surrogacy is a dynamic field, and many things change overnight.

Still, you can protect your and your baby’s rights by choosing a country where surrogacy is legally viable. Just an example – Ukraine, Russia, Georiga, and the USA are a few countries that allow commercial surrogacy legally with specific surrogacy laws.

Risk of international surrogacy

2. Cost of surrogacy- Affordability is the key here

For most intended parents, high surrogacy cost in their country is a limiting factor to starting their parenthood journey via surrogacy. It goes without saying that many childless couples wish to pursue surrogacy, but lack of finance is a significant hindrance. Not anymore! If you do thorough research for cross-border surrogacy there are cheap surrogacy countries with adequate legal protection like Ukraine or Georiga.

The cost of standard surrogacy in the USA can be between $130,000 to $150,000. But some services can be obtained from $35,000 to $55,000 in Ukraine with the same quality of services and legal security. So, do consider what you gain in terms of cost by choosing international surrogacy.

Always take calculated risks keeping cost and legality in mind.

How much does surrogacy cost in Georiga?

Cheapest countries for surrogacy?

3. Baby exit process for your specific case

Although surrogacy is legal in a few countries taking the baby home process and time will depend on your citizenship and the local home embassy for the parents.

Speak to the intended parents who have done it already and know about the challenges they faced. In countries like the USA, the embassy is most supportive of their IPs, and most parents can go back after 2-3 weeks after the baby’s birth.

Which are the best countries for surrogacy for intended parents?

Following is the list of some of the best countries for surrogacy around the world :

#1. United State of America

The USA is by far one of the best countries for surrogacy.

The USA is considered a gold standard of surrogacy around the world. Surrogacy in the USA is regulated at the state level. The surrogacy laws differ from state to state. Some USA states are considered surrogacy friendly while some are not. The USA is one of the most preferred destinations for surrogacy around the world, owing to its explicit surrogacy laws and high surrogacy success rate.

The USA medical facility including Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) provides the highest quality of medical technology and care as well as legal protections. The success rate of IVF transfer in the USA is 75 to 85%. However, once the surrogate is pregnant, the chance for a successful pregnancy is 95%.

Surrogacy in the USA is allowed for ALL even if you are a single male, single female, heterosexual couple, or homosexual couple.

The surrogacy agreement is signed between the surrogate and the intended parents before starting the medical procedure. The surrogacy agreement incorporates the roles and responsibilities of both parties. Thus, making it relatively safer and secure for both surrogate mothers and commissioning parents.

About the parentage of the baby:

Then there are two more orders – pre-birth order and post-birth order.

Pre-Birth Order – It is also known as a declaration of parentage. It is applied in the court in the third trimester and tells the hospital to inscribe the name of the intended parents on the birth certificate of the child. The pre-birth order never allows putting the name of the surrogate on the birth certificate of the child unless asked by the intended parents. It gives lots of peace of mind and assurance to the parents if they know before the baby is born, that they are leal parents, and their name comes on the baby’s birth certificate.

Post-Birth Order – This is useful in states that do not allow for pre-birth orders. This order determines who will be the parents of the child based on the agreement. But this order is issued only after the child is born.

The disadvantage of surrogacy in the USA

Surrogacy in the USA is a very expensive affair. Not everyone can afford surrogacy in the USA as the approximate cost of surrogacy in the USA ranges from $150,000 to $200,000.

Many factors that govern the cost of surrogacy in the USA are:

Egg donation
State where the surrogacy is performed
Number of IVF attempts necessary for the pregnancy of the surrogate
Additional techniques like PGS/PGD
Agency fees for the surrogacy
Compensation of the surrogate
Medical Insurance coverage of the surrogate
Travel expenses incurred during the process of pregnancy.

#2. The Republic of Georgia in Eastern Europe

Since 1977, surrogacy in Georgia has been legal. The law is also somewhat distinct from the other countries. Surrogacy laws in Georgia state that only married heterosexual couples are entitled to surrogacy to have a baby. That stops gay and unmarried persons from doing surrogacy in Georgia.

However, extracorporeal fertilization is permitted under Article 143 of the Republic of Georgia. Article 143 refers to a female who does not have a uterus as a prospective surrogate candidate. However, Georgian law also sees the medical failure to carry a baby until birth and Mullerian duct anomalies as prospective surrogate customers.

Surrogacy in Georgia is covered by the republic’s Article 144. Sperm and egg donation are also permitted under Article 144. If they do not want to satisfy the individual, the identity of the sperm or the egg donor may be held confidential from the intended parents.

The intended parents will be the legal parents once the child is born. The birth certificate will be given within 1- 3 days after delivery on behalf of the intended parents. Also, the surrogate will have no right to the baby and will not be acknowledged as the child’s legal mother. No court order of adoption is needed, and commissioning parents are the legal parents of the baby right from the start of conception.

The cost of surrogacy in Georgia ranges from $50,000 to $60,000.

Different variables and circumstances will differ in price. For example, a different procedure is performed in the case of sperm or egg donation, for which the cost will be extra. Similarly, if the IVF in the first phase is unsuccessful, then you have to pay for each later attempt. Most surrogacy clinics in Georgia offer an all-inclusive guaranteed baby plan for $55,000 to $60,000.If you wish to do genetic testing like PGD/PGS, it might need additional cost.

The benefits of surrogacy in Georgia are:

Clear and well-established surrogacy laws in Georgia.
Good pools of egg donors and surrogate mothers.
Relatively good medical services.
Warm and welcoming people.
Good connectivity with the rest of the world.
No visa is needed in most European countries.
Cheapest surrogate mothers with good health conditions.

The Disadvantage of Surrogacy in Georgia

The only drawback we can see as of now is that Georgia does not allow single man or gay couple surrogacy. Besides it, each month, more and more international intended parents are opting for surrogacy in Georiga, so it is crucial that IVF Clinics and surrogacy agencies in Georiga, do maintain the quality of services.

#3. Ukraine- Eastern European country

In the constitution of Ukraine surrogacy, it is mandatory for a couple to be heterosexual as well as married for the process of surrogacy in Ukraine. The parents need to have a medical reason for opting for a gestational carrier.

In Ukraine, the surrogacy agreement is permitted by the intended parents and the surrogate if they fulfill the following conditions –

The intended parents must be married and a heterosexual couple
The intended father can provide genetic material. The law requires gametes from one or both parents for the creation of the embryo. But at least, one genetic link is needed.
To have a cause that is preventing the intended mother to give birth to the child or if it is not safe for the child and mother

Some of the diseases that are considered by the Ukraine government are as follows –

Born without the uterus
Anatomical, morphological, or structural problems
Uterine lining leading to the failure of implantation
Incurable diseases

Usually, surrogacy costs in Ukraine range from $55,000 to $60,000.

The surrogacy cost in Ukraine will also rely on whether or not you need an egg donor or genetic testing. Gender selection is allowed. The success rate of the IVF Cycle is almost the same as in the USA.

Most IVF Clinics in Ukraine do offer guaranteed surrogacy baby programs. Such a plan includes an unlimited number of IVF, egg donors,s and transfers in surrogate mothers till a live baby is born. The cost of a guaranteed baby program varies from $55,000 to $60,000.

To be eligible for such a program, the parents need to have good sperm quality with no genetic abnormality.
IVF clinic will do a few sets of tests like sperm analysis and karyotype to see the sperm quality before offering a sure-shot baby plan.

The name of both parents comes on the baby’s birth certificate, and no court order is needed. Due to clear surrogacy laws, there is a transparent baby exit process. But mostly DNA tests are required.

The benefits of doing surrogacy in Ukraine:

Clear and well-established surrogacy laws protect parents.
Good pools of egg donors and surrogate mothers and good living habits.
Excellent medical service in terms of ART services. Advanced genetic testing is available and offers the same success as any US clinic.
Warm and welcoming people
Good connectivity with the rest of the world
No visa is needed for most European countries and the US
The gender selection of the baby is possible.
The cheapest surrogate mothers are available in Ukraine.

The Disadvantage of Surrogacy in Ukraine

Ukraine accepts married hetero couples to go through the process of surrogacy and ban single men and LGBT couple to have a child through the process of surrogacy.

#4. Colombia- A Latin American country

Colombia is slowly but steadily gaining momentum as the best surrogacy country for single or gay couples.

The Colombian tribunal has upheld surrogacy, and assisted reproduction is highly shielded by the Colombian constitution. The national constitution offers the kids born by surrogacy to have complete rights. In 2009, the Colombian Constitutional Court proclaimed surrogacy to be constitutional and guided lawmakers to pass substantiating laws.

Colombia’s constitution ensures that same-sex couples have access to surrogacy and other ART techniques as well as single parents. The legislation also protects those minorities’ freedoms.

So, in Colombia, anyone can seek surrogacy as long as the person’s genetic link with the kid exists. Under Article 100 of the Colombian Constitution, equal rights of foreigners are guaranteed. Under this law, Colombia gives foreigners the same civil right as it gives to their Colombian citizens.

The cost of surrogacy in Colombia is $65,000 for a fully all-inclusive guaranteed birth. This is half of the price in the USA.

Benefits of doing surrogacy in Colombia:

Lowest gay surrogacy cost as compared to the USA and other gay-friendly surrogacy countries like Mexico and Argentina.
Guarantee baby program available, it is the only country that offers such services legally with affordability. The cost for the same is $65,900.
Good Medical facility and success rates for IVF.
Legally viable and safe and secure country for LGBT surrogacy.
Huge egg donor database of the most beautiful girls
Well-established and proven success track record with more than 1000 IPs successfully completed the surrogacy journey.

The disadvantage of surrogacy in Colombia

Most of the South American nations have been put under the risk zone of Zika Virus. However, Bogota is termed as a low-risk zone for the zika virus. Still, precaution is better than cure. Secondly, surrogacy in Colombia is very new and started operating in early 2019.

But by far, Colombia is the cheapest surrogacy country for gay couples. It is advised to opt for a guaranteed baby plan than the standard baby program, as this destination is new and it is good to have a plan which comes with a sort of security that you will have a baby for sure.

#5. Mexico

The surrogacy cost in Mexico for the guaranteed baby program (fixed-price programs with unlimited clinic & admin services ) is $68,000. We are proud to offer the most affordable, secure, and reliable surrogacy programs in Mexico City with the team having more than 13 years of experience in global surrogacy services.

All Inclusive Guaranteed Egg Donor Surrogacy in Mexico for all family types (Mexico City) is $68,900

With a new Supreme Court decision in 2021, surrogacy in Mexico is now one of the best options globally for singles and couples of all sexual orientations seeking to have a family through an affordable and legal surrogacy arrangement.

Learn more: All About Gay Surrogacy in Mexico

Building a family in Mexico is possible for ALL intended parents who wish to grow their family through the surrogacy journey. It is a must to have at least one genetic link between the child and the commissioning parents.

gay couple
Single males
Single females
Unmarried hetero couples
Married hetero couples

The benefits of surrogacy in Mexico:

Low cost as compared to the USA. You can save up to 70% of typical surrogacy costs in the USA with our assured or guaranteed baby plan. We can say it is an affordable version of US surrogacy just 3 hours flight from LAX.
Assured plan program for $67,000 which is affordable yet legally secure.
Good Medical facility and success rates.
Legally viable for same-sex couples. ALL intended parents, singles, married hetero couples, gay couples, or live-in partners are allowed, the only thing is that at least one IP should have a genetic link with the baby.
Huge egg donor database of the most beautiful girls and no waiting list for dedicated surrogate mothers.

Thus, Mexico is one of the best country for surrogacy for all family types and the most preferred surrogacy country for gay surrogacy.

Conclusion

In our opinion- If you are a married hetero couple and have a reason for using a surrogate mother and need genetic testing, Ukraine surrogacy is best. If commissioning parents are married but do not have any reason for using a gestational carrier, they can opt for a Georgia surrogacy agency. No direct gender selection is allowed.

In both countries, the cost is almost the same as full legal protection.

If you are a single male or gay couple, looking for relatively cost-effective and legally secure surrogacy, then Colombia surrogacy can be an option for you. Colombia is the best country for gay surrogacy.

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services which are free of cost.

FAQ for best country for surrogacy:

1. What are the legal requirements for surrogacy in different countries?

The legal requirements for surrogacy vary from country to country. Some countries have strict regulations, while others may have more lenient laws. In Georgia and Ukraine only married hetero couples are allowed to do surrogacy journeys and prohibit single male or gay couples. On the other hand, Mexico and Colombia, and the US allow all family types. It’s essential to research the specific legal guidelines of each destination before pursuing surrogacy.

2. Are there any age restrictions for intended parents in surrogacy arrangements?

Yes, age restrictions for intended parents can vary depending on the country. Some countries may have age limits for both male and female intended parents, while others may not have specific age requirements.

3. How much does surrogacy cost in different countries?

Surrogacy costs can significantly differ based on the country and the services offered. Generally, surrogacy in countries with lower living costs may be more affordable compared to countries with higher living standards. The cost of surrogacy in Latin American countries and East European countries is less as compared to US and Canada.

4. What are the success rates of surrogacy in various destinations?

Surrogacy success rates can vary based on factors such as the quality of medical facilities, the expertise of medical professionals, and the health of the surrogate mother. It’s best to consult with reputable surrogacy agencies or clinics for up-to-date success rate information for your specific case. Contact us to learn more.

5. Are there any restrictions on the nationality of intended parents in surrogacy programs?

Yes, some countries may have restrictions on the nationality of intended parents participating in surrogacy programs. Some destinations may only allow surrogacy for citizens or permanent residents, while others may be more inclusive.

6. What medical and psychological evaluations are required for surrogate mothers?

Surrogate mothers typically undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure they are physically and emotionally capable of carrying a pregnancy to term. These evaluations help ensure the health and well-being of both the surrogate and the baby.

7. Can single individuals or same-sex couples opt for surrogacy in these countries?

The eligibility of single individuals or same-sex couples for surrogacy can vary depending on the country’s laws and cultural norms.

Some countries are more inclusive like Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina, allowing all types of intended parents to pursue surrogacy. While others may have restrictions based on marital status or sexual orientation. Contact us to learn more.