Surrogacy in Greece- Process, Costs, Legal and Best Surrogacy Doctors.

Gestational surrogacy is gaining popularity owing to the high infertility rate. For both childless hetero couples and gay men surrogacy is becoming a means to create families. At IVF Conceptions, we understand that the journey to parenthood is a unique and cherished one. As a leading fertility and surrogacy consulting agency, we aim to provide comprehensive and reliable information to help you navigate surrogacy in Greece with confidence.

Key Takeaways

Eligibility for Surrogacy in Greek: IPs must be married or unmarried couples or single women under 50 years old. Greece has a modern regulation for medically assisted reproduction, and judicial authorization is obtained before any embryo transfer, ensuring clarity on parentage.
Surrogacy Process in Greece: Surrogates in Greece undergo extensive psychological and medical screening and are engaged on a trial basis for about 6 months before being presented to intended parents (IPs) as potential surrogate mothers.
Surrogate Medical Preparation: Once approved by the Court, the surrogate will be scheduled for medical appointments, and the embryo transfer will occur after the Court delivers its judgment. The timeline for getting the court approval is 3-4 months.
Gestational Surrogacy: Only gestational surrogacy is permitted in Greece, where the surrogate mother does not use her own eggs. IPs can use donor eggs and sperm, creating no biological link between IPs and the child.
Surrogate Compensation: Surrogates are permitted to be compensated under a properly executed Gestational Carrier Agreement. The payment to the surrogate is limited to €10,000.
Cost of surrogacy in Greece: IVF Conceptions offers a total solution, including recruitment, screening, medical services, legal services, travel coordination, and more, at a fixed cost. The fix fee program with comprehensive package pricing, including any selected options and unlimited embryo transfers.
Pregnancy Monitoring and Communication: The medical team monitors the surrogate’s progress, and IPs are updated regularly with test results and scans. Video conferences with the surrogate are arranged.
In Greece, surrogate motherhood has been approved by law (Article 1458 of Government Gazette 3089/2002) and since July 2014 has opened its doors to foreign residents (N. 4272 / 11.07.2014).

Fact for Greece Surrogacy

Greece only allows altruistic surrogacy only
Surrogacy contracts are valid and enforceable under Greek law
According to Greek Law, surrogacy cannot be undertaken by same-sex couples and single men, only opposite-sex
Couples and single women can opt for surrogacy Advertising for surrogates is prohibited
The average cost of surrogacy in Greece is between $85,000 and $100,000
When the child takes the citizenship of the IPs according to their laws. The child is not entitled to Greek citizenship
Greek clinics provide screened egg donors, although a donation is anonymous under Greek law

Benefits of Surrogacy in Greece

Benefits of surrogacy in Greece:

Legal and altruistic arrangements: Surrogacy in Greece is legal and altruistic. Intended parents can cover necessary expenses, including medical costs, IVF treatment, pregnancy expenses, lost wages, and unpaid leave during pregnancy.

Available for international heterosexual couples: Greece allows international heterosexual couples, married or unmarried, facing fertility issues or medical conditions, to pursue surrogacy.

No genetic link requirement: Greece does not mandate a genetic connection between the intended parents and the child, making it more inclusive.

No residency or citizenship requirement: Non-Greek nationals can pursue surrogacy in Greece without residency or citizenship obligations.

Supportive IVF clinics and facilitators: IVF clinics and facilitators in Greece assist intended parents in finding surrogates and egg donors, providing medical care and legal services.

Screened surrogates and egg donors: Greek clinics conduct rigorous screening of surrogates and egg donors, ensuring suitability for the process.

Short wait time: Surrogate matching typically takes around 3 months, with the court process lasting 3-4 months.

Reputable healthcare system: Greece’s healthcare system ranks high, assuring quality medical care for intended parents. Out of 191 countries on the WHO list, Greece’s healthcare ranks 22. Matter of fact Greece is a leading fertility medical tourism destination for the intended parents all around the world due to quality healthcare, affordable price, and great vacation destination.

Understanding Greece Surrogacy

Greece stands out as a favorable destination for surrogacy, offering legal protection to intended parents. However, it’s crucial to note that only altruistic surrogacy arrangements are permitted in the country. This means that the surrogate mother can only receive reimbursement for pregnancy-related medical costs and expenses, without any additional base compensation.

The Greek law extended its provisions in July 2014, allowing foreign citizens to pursue surrogacy, making it accessible to individuals and couples from around the world. For more than two decades, Greek citizens have been benefiting from altruistic surrogacy arrangements since 2002.

Process of Greece Surrogacy

Legal authorization for surrogate motherhood must be obtained through a court proceeding, wherein the court grants consent and passes judgment. Women seeking to have a child through surrogacy must apply to the court, which will assess specific conditions to determine eligibility:

1. The intended parent(s) making the request must provide medical evidence proving their inability to conceive and gestate a child.

2. The chosen surrogate mother must be in good health, capable of conceiving, and undergo a comprehensive psychological evaluation.

3. The eggs implanted into the surrogate mother cannot be hers; they must either belong to the woman seeking to have a child or be from a donor. This ensures that the surrogate mother is not considered the child’s biological mother.

4. All parties involved, including the surrogate mother’s spouse if applicable, must provide written consent for the surrogacy process without any financial exchange. Private written consent is sufficient; a formal contract is unnecessary.

The intended mother’s age must not exceed fifty (50) years, and the court proceedings are conducted in a confidential manner to protect the parties’ privacy. Once all the conditions are met, the court grants the necessary judicial authorization. Only after this authorization can the physician proceed with the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process.

According to the law, the legal mother of the child is the woman who has received the relevant judicial authorization, not the woman who conceived or gave birth to the child. The child’s mother will be registered based on the court’s decision and the woman’s desire to have the child.

This method, governed by Greek law, provides crucial guarantees for those seeking to start a family through surrogacy safely with their legal right to the baby right from the beginning of the process.

Requirements for Intended Parents

Before embarking on the surrogacy journey in Greece, there are specific requirements that intended parents should be aware of:

Medical Proof: Intended parents need to provide medical proof of their inability to conceive or have children. A medical letter from a licensed doctor in their home country is required to support their case.
Ova and Egg Donors: For female intended parents, they need to provide their ova for the surrogacy process. In cases where they are unable to do so, the use of donor eggs is an acceptable alternative.
Court Approval: Before the embryo transfer, the intended parents must gain court approval for the surrogacy procedure. This involves submitting medical proof to the court regarding their inability to conceive or have children.

Surrogate Mother Requirements

The surrogate mother, in an altruistic surrogacy arrangement, plays a selfless role in helping intended parents achieve their dreams of parenthood. To become a surrogate mother in Greece, the following basic requirements must be met:

Physical and Mental Fitness: The surrogate mother should be in good physical and mental health. A pre-screening process is conducted to ensure she is suitable for the surrogacy journey.
Written Agreement: The surrogate mother needs to submit a written agreement or contract between her and the intended parents to the court. In the case of a married surrogate, consent from her husband is required.
No Genetic Connection: Only gestational surrogacy is allowed in Greece. The surrogate mother cannot be the genetic mother of the child she carries. The baby will share the genetic DNA of the intended parents.

How does the legal process work in Greece?

Step 1: Legal Framework and Parenthood Basis

– Surrogacy has been legal in Greece since 2002 (Law 3089/2002).

– Additional laws (3305/2005, 4958/2022, and 5524/2022) standardize IVF clinics’ practices regarding surrogacy.

– Greece accepts intention as the basis of parenthood after surrogacy, making intended parent(s) automatically recognized as the child’s legal parent upon birth.

– Only one birth certificate is produced, naming the intended parent(s) as legal parents, with no reference to the surrogate’s name.

– Surrogates are fully screened and receive medical care in IVF clinics.

Step 2: Gestational Surrogacy and Legal Process

– Greek law allows only gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate is not genetically related to the child. Only married hetero couples and single females can opt for surrogacy in Greece.

– Both intended parent(s) and surrogate must meet the criteria and follow a legal process before IVF.

– They must sign a surrogacy agreement in Greece, allowing altruistic surrogacy with legally regulated compensation.

– The intended mother must prove a medical necessity for surrogacy and be under 54 years old at the time of application.

– The surrogate must be physically and mentally healthy to carry out the arrangement.

Step 3: Residence Requirements and Court Approval

– In 2014, the residence requirement was lifted, requiring only temporary residence in Greece for the intended parent(s) and/or surrogate.

– Intended mother must be under 54 years of age for the surrogacy program to commence.

– IP(s) and surrogates do not need to be present at the surrogacy court hearing; a Greek solicitor can represent them.

– The court hearing leads to a positive decision if all criteria are met, granting permission for surrogacy.

Step 4: IVF Process

– Once court permission is granted, the IP(s) and surrogate proceed to Medical procedure via IVF in the fertility clinic.

– The embryo can be created using the IP(s)’ oocytes or a donor’s oocyte.

– The surrogate undergoes endometrial preparation therapy for embryo transfer.

– Pregnancy is confirmed through blood tests and ultrasound scans, and the pregnancy is closely monitored.

Step 5: Birth and Parenthood

– After successful pregnancy and birth, the IP(s) are registered as the baby’s legal parents.

Is surrogacy legal in Greece?

In Greece, only altruistic surrogacy is allowed while commercial surrogacy is banned by the government. Anyone from the opposite sex either married or unmarried can opt for the surrogacy process in Greece.

Also, it is allowed for single females who are unable to carry the child up to its term. Also, the intended mother’s age cannot be more than 50 years, and she must receive medical evidence of her failure to have children through a letter from a doctor in her country of origin.

Although only altruistic surrogacy is allowed in Greece. However, in certain cases, a certain allowance may be given to the surrogate, provided that it does not exceed the amount of $12,000.

Surrogacy in Greece is allowed for both Greek citizens and foreigners. However, Greece is not a popular international surrogacy destination like nearby countries like Georgia and Ukraine.

The law requires that the surrogate must be healthy mentally and emotionally. In the event that the surrogate mother is married, her husband should also apply for his approval in writing by signing the agreement that he is ok with the contract clauses. Also, the fertilized embryo should not belong to the surrogate mother.

How much does surrogacy cost in Greece?

Surrogacy Costs in Greece

As with any fertility procedure, the cost of surrogacy in Greece is a significant consideration. On average, the surrogacy cost in Greece ranges between $85,000 to $100,000. This cost includes agency fees, fertility clinic charges, attorney fees, and compensation for the surrogate mother.

At IVF Conceptions, we understand the financial aspect can be daunting, but we are committed to providing affordable rates without compromising on the quality of surrogacy services. Our experience extends beyond Greece, with successful surrogacy programs in Ukraine, Colombia, and Mexico, providing options for intended parents to explore.

The cost of surrogacy in Greece can be between $80,000 and $100,000. The actual cost of surrogacy is depending on the number of services needed like egg donors, genetic testing, or additional add-on fertility treatments.

How to decide upon the best doctor for surrogacy?

Infertility specialist works with the intended parents and assist them with assisted reproductive means of becoming parents. Those doctors are working on certain protocols such as:

Communication – Communication is an important part of any procedure and the same is the case with surrogacy. In Greece, doctors should inform patients about how the procedure is performed and communicate with all those who are involved in the process.
Clinical Experience – Specializes experience and information in medical practice relevant to fertility treatment, counseling, which requires health education and promotion. Clinical practice and making decisions serve as an effective role model.
Professional development – Education, knowledge, and experience gained by physicians are necessary to diagnose and interpret the medical conditions of patients such as O.H.S.S.

Read more about legal surrogacy countries:

Which country is best for surrogacy?

Surrogacy in Ukraine for hetero couples

Surrogacy in Georgia for hetero couples

Surrogacy in Colombia for single male or gay couples

Surrogacy for LGBT Couples

While Greece offers a favorable surrogacy environment for heterosexual couples and single women, it’s important to acknowledge the current limitations for LGBT couples. As of now, gay surrogacy in Greece is not permitted, and same-sex couples and single men are unable to participate in surrogacy programs within the country.

However, we remain hopeful that surrogacy laws will progress in the future, offering equal opportunities for all individuals and couples. IVF Conceptions continues to support the rights of all intended parents and remains committed to assisting LGBT couples on their path to parenthood through surrogacy.

Best IVF doctors in Greece

Here is the list of some of the well-experienced and renowned doctors in Greece for the purpose of surrogacy –

Dr. Ioannis Koutoulakis – Dr. Ioannis Koutoulakis is a well-known Gynecologist and Obstetrician based in Athens. He has over a decade of rich Obstetrics & Gynaecology experience and treats very easy to very complex cases. He specializes in Pre and Post Delivery Treatment, In Vitro-Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET), Pregnant Women’s Food, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI), and IUD placement. He completed his professional degree with a high ranking at a prestigious university.

Rehabilitation of patients with infertility and encouraging them to have their own children is something he’s very enthusiastic about. In collaboration with international experts, he pursues complex infertility treatment and performs it with effective procedures. He has an expert team that helps him provide reliably robust women’s treatment and management services. Dr. Ioannis Koutoulakis ‘ line of treatment and commitment to his patients is unparalleled and has made his number one preference for several patients. He currently works as a gynecologist at the Athens Serum IVF Centre.

He is available at Serum IVF Centre from Monday-Friday: 8 am–7 pm | Saturday: 8 am–4 pm. He has a success rate of 52% and ratings of 4.9 out of 5.

Conclusion

Although international Greece Surrogacy is not very popular, still local residents can take advantage of the surrogacy services available to them.

At IVF Conceptions, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of parenthood. Our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you through the surrogacy process in Greece, providing the support and information you need to make informed decisions.

Whether you are a Greek citizen or an international intended parent, our agency is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of service, ethics, and care.

Contact us today to start your journey toward building the family of your dreams. We are excited to be a part of your surrogacy journey and look forward to assisting you every step of the way. Parenthood awaits, and together, we will make it a reality.

If you are planning to have a surrogacy process, we can help. Since 2010, we help international intended parents in finding the best surrogacy program, surrogacy country, and surrogacy clinic globally. We have successfully managed more than 200 cases and will be happy to be part of your family-building effort.

FAQs About Greece Surrogacy

What is surrogacy, and how does it work in Greece?

Surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction where a woman (the surrogate) carries and gives birth to a child for the intended parents.

In Greece, only altruistic surrogacy is allowed, and it is available to opposite-sex couples (married or unmarried) and single females who cannot carry a child naturally. Same-sex couples and single men cannot pursue surrogacy.

What are the legal regulations surrounding Greek surrogacy?

Surrogacy is legal in Greece, but only altruistic surrogacy arrangements are permitted. The intended parents must obtain court approval before the embryo transfer.

Same-sex couples and single men cannot participate in surrogacy programs, while opposite-sex couples and single women are eligible. The intended mother’s age cannot exceed 50 years, and the surrogate may receive compensation of up to $12,000 under certain circumstances.

Can same-sex couples pursue surrogacy in Greece?

As of now, same-sex couples cannot pursue surrogacy in Greece. Only opposite-sex couples (married or unmarried) and single females are allowed to participate in surrogacy arrangements.

What are the requirements for intended parents in Greece?

Intended parents in Greece must be opposite-sex couples (married or unmarried) or single females. The intended mother’s age cannot exceed 50 years, and she must provide medical evidence of her inability to have children naturally. Same-sex couples and single men cannot participate in surrogacy programs.

How do I find a suitable surrogate mother in Greece?

The process of finding a suitable surrogate mother in Greece may involve seeking assistance from surrogacy agencies or clinics that handle surrogacy arrangements. These agencies typically have databases of potential surrogate candidates who meet the legal requirements.

What are the costs associated with surrogacy in Greece?

The average cost of surrogacy in Greece is between $85,000 and $100,000. However, the actual cost may vary depending on the specific services needed, such as egg donors, genetic testing, and additional fertility treatments.

How long does the surrogacy process typically take in Greece?

On average, it takes about 8 weeks for the Greek court to make a final decision and provide court approval for the surrogacy arrangement.

After receiving court approval, the surrogate can begin the medical preparation for the embryo transfer, but the transfer itself cannot take place until the official judgment is delivered.

Are there any medical considerations for Greece?

The surrogate mother in Greece must be healthy both mentally and physically. Donor eggs for IVF surrogacy are permitted, but egg donations must be done altruistically, and donors can receive a symbolic compensation of about $700, not exceeding $900, to cover expenses incurred during the process.

What rights do surrogate mothers have in Greece?

Surrogate mothers in Greece have the right to receive court-approved compensation for their altruistic surrogacy services. Under certain circumstances, they may receive compensation of up to $12,000. The law requires that the surrogate must be healthy mentally and emotionally.

Can foreign couples participate in surrogacy programs in Greece?

Yes, Greece allows foreign couples to participate in surrogacy programs. Since 2014, non-EU citizens also have the right to have a child via surrogacy Greece.

Reference used:

Greece IVF