International surrogacy in countries|Countries where surrogacy is legal in 2025
Commercial surrogacy is only allowed in a few states of the USA and in a few other countries like India, Ukraine, Georgia, and Russia. That is why, when opting for surrogacy abroad, would-be parents need to look out for international surrogacy countries, where surrogacy is legal yet affordable.
Understanding the legalities of surrogacy is a must for parents. Gestational surrogacy is a process in which the surrogate carries the child for the intended parents, either because the female is unable to fertilize the egg or is unable to carry a baby safely.
Couples who are unable to have their own children can opt for the gestational surrogacy process. However, there are only a few international surrogacy countries, which are safe and legal surrogacy destinations.
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International Surrogacy Countries where surrogacy is legal- Surrogacy in the world
Many countries in the world maintain that surrogacy is legal and have explicit surrogacy laws. While a few other countries surrogacy is banned. How surrogacy works legally can be an overwhelming question for parents and surrogate mothers.
More resources for where is surrogate legal:
Global International Surrogacy Options
IVF Conceptions Surrogacy Prices & Plans (in 2025)
In which country is surrogacy legal?
You can follow these tables to gain more quick details on surrogacy laws in different countries. Information on international surrogacy laws is organized in a table format:
Surrogacy laws by country:
| Country | Eligibility for Surrogacy | Types of Surrogacy Allowed | Legal Protection for Intended Parents | Accessibility for Foreigners | Advertising for Surrogates |
| Australia | Altruistic surrogacy only | No donor or surrogate matching | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not Legal |
| Canada | Altruistic surrogacy only | Not applicable | Not applicable | Altruistic surrogacy allowed | Not applicable |
| Greece | Heterosexual couples, single females | Not applicable | Not applicable | Foreign nationals allowed | Not applicable |
| Georgia | Heterosexual couples (including foreigners) | Compensated surrogacy | Well protected | Foreigners allowed | Not applicable |
| Ukraine | Heterosexual couples (including foreigners) | Compensated surrogacy | Well protected | Foreigners allowed | Not applicable |
| India | Indian citizens only | Commercial surrogacy allowed | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Israel | Heterosexual Israeli citizens | Altruistic surrogacy only | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Kenya | Locals and foreigners | Compensated surrogacy | Not legally protected | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Laos | Foreigners only | Compensated surrogacy | Not legally protected | Foreigners allowed | Not applicable |
| Nigeria | Heterosexual Nigerian citizens | Altruistic and commercial surrogacy | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| South Africa | Heterosexual South African residents | Altruistic surrogacy | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Thailand | Heterosexual Thai couples | Altruistic surrogacy only | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| UK | Not applicable | Altruistic surrogacy only | Not applicable | Foreigners cannot access | Not Legal |
| USA | Gay and heterosexual foreigners | All forms of surrogacy | Well regulated | Foreigners allowed | Not applicable |
More resources for Legal International Surrogacy countries:
Here is a list of a few international surrogacy countries-
Surrogacy in Australia
Australia is among the few countries where surrogacy is legal. However, only altruistic surrogacy is permissible in the case of Australia. That means you do not have to pay the compensation of the surrogate.
However, you are obliged to pay the expenses incurred during the process of surrogacy. The surrogacy law in Australia also makes it illegal to advertise for surrogacy.
- SURROGACY IN AUSTRALIA IS LEGAL BUT TIGHTLY REGULATED, WITH STATE AND TERRITORIAL LAWS VARYING SIGNIFICANTLY.
- THE LAWS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF ALL PARTIES INVOLVED, INCLUDING THE SURROGATE, INTENDED PARENTS, AND CHILD.
- BUT BEFORE WE DELVE INTO THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF SURROGACY IN EACH STATE AND TERRITORY, THERE ARE A FEW RULES THAT APPLY THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA.
- IN AUSTRALIA, ONLY ALTRUISTIC SURROGACY IS PERMITTED, WHERE THE SURROGATE DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY COMPENSATION EXCEPT FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF REASONABLE EXPENSES.
- ANY PAYMENT OR GIFTS TO A SURROGATE BEYOND REASONABLE COSTS IS ILLEGAL.
Surrogacy in Georgia (commercial surrogacy countries)
Georgia is also among those few countries where commercial surrogacy is legal and becoming a favorable international surrogacy country.
Since 1977, surrogacy in Georgia has been legal. The law is also slightly distinct from the other countries. Surrogacy laws in Georgia state that only married heterosexual couples are entitled to surrogacy to have a kid. This stops gay couples and unmarried persons from having a kid in Georgia through surrogacy.
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, as potential customers for surrogacy, Georgian law also considers medical failure to carry a baby until birth and Mullerian duct anomalies.
- Under Georgian law, commercial surrogacy is allowed.
- The name of both intended parents comes on the baby’s birth certificate, and no surrogacy is mentioned.
- The option of choosing an egg donor/sperm donor is possible.
- No court order or adoption is needed.
On average the cost of surrogacy in Georgia is between $30,000 to $60,000.
More resources for where is commercial surrogacy legal:
All-inclusive guaranteed surrogacy baby in Georgia for hetero couples
All-inclusive guaranteed surrogacy baby in Colombia for gay couples
Countries where surrogacy is legal (2020)
Top 4 cheapest surrogacy countries in the world
Surrogacy in Canada
In Canada, only altruistic surrogacy is permitted. This means the intended parents cannot offer surrogate mothers compensation or any monetary compensation. But they are entitled to pay for actual medical reimbursement to the surrogate mother.
Any third-party services like a surrogacy agency cannot offer surrogacy services, but they can provide support and guidance to the parents. The gestational carrier must register the birth permission no sooner than seven days. Even foreign couples are allowed to do surrogacy in Canada.
However, as an only altruistic surrogate is allowed there is a waiting list for the surrogate mothers. Both traditional and gestational surrogacy can be practiced. The total cost of surrogacy in Canada might be CAD 85000, which accounts for USD 75000.
Surrogacy in Ukraine (commercial surrogacy countries)
Ukraine surrogacy is becoming popular among many international couples. Commercial surrogacy in Ukraine is explicitly regulated.
In the constitution of Ukraine, a couple must be both heterosexual and married in the process of surrogacy in Ukraine. Thus it excludes gay couples and single people to go through the process of surrogacy.
- The law requires gametes by both or either of the parents to maintain the genetic link with the baby.
- The name of both parents comes on the baby’s birth certificate.
- No court order or adoption is needed to gain the legal parentage of the baby.
- The commissioning parents are legal parents of the baby from the moment of conception.
The cost of surrogacy in Ukraine typically amounts to anything between $32,000 to $45,000.
Surrogacy in Laos
There is no surrogacy law in Laos, so it is practiced in Laos because the state has not yet jumped in to ban the surrogacy practice. Since commercial surrogacy is prohibited in Thailand and Cambodia, Laos has become a target for expected parents to plan their surrogacy. There is no legal protection. However, compensated surrogacy is available for foreigners.
Surrogacy in UK
Surrogacy in the UK first became legal in the year 1985. Under the law, homosexual parents are also given a right to become intended parents in the UK. In the UK, both traditional surrogacy as well as gestational surrogacy, are allowed.
Surrogacy in the UK cannot be advertised or commercialized. Only altruistic surrogacy is allowed in the UK. That means you do not have to pay anything to the surrogate except the reimbursement fee in the UK. As a surrogate, you can expect a minimum reimbursement of £8,000 and £20,000 for the expenses and others.
Surrogacy in Colombia
Surrogacy in Colombia is legal. The surrogacy was kept by the Columbian tribunal, and assisted reproduction is very much protected by the Columbian constitution.
The national constitution offers the complete rights of kids born out of surrogacy. The law of Columbia does not discriminate against any citizen or any minority in the process of surrogacy.
However, at least one parent must be genetically linked to the child. Colombia surrogacy can be a good option for single male or gay couples who are seeking affordable and secure surrogacy. The cost of surrogacy in Colombia is around $45,000 to $65,000.
Surrogacy in the USA
Surrogacy in the USA is the most popular and organized surrogacy option. However, parents need to find where is surrogacy legal in the US. Not all states in the USA are surrogacy-friendly. In a nutshell, gestational surrogacy agreements are not legal in all 50 states.
In the U.S. surrogacy laws vary from state to state, which is why parents need to evaluate the legality of the surrogacy contract. Just to give an example, State California surrogacy is legal and offers a surrogacy option for all parents including married couples, single or same-sex couples.
That is why it is considered a highly surrogacy-friendly state. On the other hand, in New Jersey, a gestational surrogacy agreement is not allowed, and the surrogate mother cannot be compensated for her family-building effort.
So, people who are staying here, need to work with a surrogate mother who resides in a State where surrogacy is legal. USA states where surrogacy is legal or surrogacy friendly States in the USA Even foreign nationals and homosexual couples are allowed to undergo the process of surrogacy in the USA.
- The rights of intended parents and surrogate mothers are well protected.
- The quality of medical services and the success rate is one of the best in the world.
- Although there are few states that do not support surrogacy agreements, still many states offer legally secure surrogacy options for both American citizens and foreign surrogacy seekers.
After the birth of a child in the USA, the intended parent’s name appears on the birth certificate of the child. The baby can also get US citizenship from the surrogate side.
However, the USA is extremely expensive in terms of surrogacy costs. The cost of surrogacy in the USA ranges from $120,000 – $150,000. Always choose a state where surrogacy is legal in the USA.
Surrogacy in India
In India, as of now, commercial surrogacy is allowed only for Indian couples. The foreign couple’s surrogacy was banned in India in 2015. In recent times, the Indian Government has been pushing to ban all sorts of commercial surrogacy for its citizens as well.
If the surrogacy bill 2019 is passed, it will ban all kinds of commercial surrogacy for even Indian citizens. Approximate surrogacy costs in India range from $20,000 to $30,000.
Countries where surrogacy is illegal
Surrogacy is illegal in many parts of the world. In most parts of Europe, surrogacy is an unlawful procedure. Some of these countries are Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Iceland, and Moldavia. Not only in Europe, but surrogacy is also not allowed in many parts of Asia as well.
For example, in countries like Pakistan, Japan, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. In the USA, many states do not allow for the process of surrogacy like New York, Indiana, Arizona, Michigan, and North Dakota. How surrogacy work legally is a tricky subject and parents need to take the assistance of a family lawyer to best protect their rights.
Conclusion
There are many countries where surrogacy is legal and many where it is not. The legalities of surrogacy in each country need to be taken care of before selecting a surrogate country. Hopeful intended parents are advised to do thorough research before opting for international surrogacy. Also, it is good to speak to experienced surrogacy professionals, who can guide and support with the best legal surrogacy options for you.
But at the end of the day, parents need to choose a surrogacy country where surrogacy is legal to prevent any repercussions.
About IVF Conceptions: Your Trusted Partner in International Surrogacy
At IVF Conceptions, we bring over 15 years of experience in the fertility and international surrogacy domain, providing trusted guidance to more than 4,000 intended parents across the globe. We specialize in offering secure, legal, and affordable surrogacy solutions tailored to the unique needs of all family types—single parents, gay couples, and heterosexual couples alike.
Our team is led by experts with extensive experience in holistic infertility consulting and third-party reproduction. We are proud members of leading industry organizations such as the European Fertility Society (EFS) and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), ensuring that our practices align with the highest ethical and professional standards.
Committed to empowering intended parents with accurate, up-to-date, and compassionate guidance, IVF Conceptions stands as a beacon of trustworthiness, expertise, and authority in the surrogacy field. Through our meticulous approach and unwavering dedication, we aim to help families grow with integrity, care, and love.
Get in touch for a Free Surrogacy Consultancy:
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Why Choose us for your smooth and successful surrogacy journey!!
• Option of choosing multiple surrogacy destinations with 1 5+ Years of international surrogacy experience.
• Getting a chance to work with elite fertility clinics/agencies with a proven track record with references from existing IPs.
• Option of choosing multiple egg donor options- Asian, Caucasian, African, Oriental, etc.
• All transparent financial transactions with affordability. You make a direct payment with no additional fee on top.
• No hidden agent fee or surprise cost later on. All fees are paid directly as per the agreement signed with the service provider.
• Dedicated case manager to each IPs.
• Honest, transparent, and quick communications.
• Assistance in all legal matters about visa and taking baby home process.
• Local support with access to all medical reports of egg donors and surrogate mothers.
• Assistance in all logistics of frozen sperm/embryo shipments.
• Last but not least, we have years of experience in coordinating delicate surrogacy programs with great personal care.
FAQs About Surrogacy and Legalities Worldwide
Where is surrogacy legal?
Surrogacy is legal in countries like the United States (in certain states), Georgia, Ukraine, and Colombia. Each country has specific laws and requirements regarding surrogacy.
What are countries where surrogacy is legal in 2025?
Countries where surrogacy is legal in 2024 include Georgia, Ukraine, Colombia, Mexico (specific regions), and the United States (select states). Regulations often depend on residency, marital status, and purpose.
Where is surrogacy illegal?
Surrogacy is illegal in countries like Germany, France, and Italy. In some cases, countries prohibit commercial surrogacy but permit altruistic arrangements.
Which countries allow commercial surrogacy?
Countries allowing commercial surrogacy include Georgia, Ukraine, and certain U.S. states like California. Commercial surrogacy is strictly regulated in these regions to protect all parties involved.
Which countries ban surrogacy?
Countries like France, Germany, and Sweden ban all forms of surrogacy. These prohibitions are often due to ethical or religious concerns.
What are the surrogacy laws around the world?
Surrogacy laws vary widely, from permissive in places like the United States and Georgia to restrictive or outright banned in many European nations. Prospective parents should consult experts to navigate these differences.
Where is surrogacy legal in Europe?
Surrogacy is legal in Ukraine and Georgia. However, most European countries, such as France and Germany, either ban or heavily restrict it.
What is the legality of surrogacy for single parents?
Many countries do not allow single parents to pursue surrogacy. However, the U.S., Mexico, and Colombia are among the few that permit single parent surrogacy.
Which countries allow surrogacy for foreigners?
Countries like Georgia, Ukraine, and certain regions in Mexico allow surrogacy for foreign intended parents. Legal frameworks and requirements vary significantly by country.
What is the cheapest country for surrogacy?
Georgia and Ukraine are among the most affordable countries for surrogacy, offering legal frameworks and relatively lower costs compared to Western countries.
What is international surrogacy?
International surrogacy involves intended parents seeking surrogacy services outside their home country due to legal restrictions, lower costs, or other factors.
Are there countries banning surrogacy in 2024?
Yes, countries like France, Germany, and Italy continue to ban surrogacy, citing ethical and moral concerns.
What are surrogacy options worldwide?
Surrogacy options include the United States, Ukraine, Georgia, Colombia, and Mexico, each with its own laws, costs, and eligibility criteria.
Is commercial surrogacy legal in the United States?
Yes, commercial surrogacy is legal in several U.S. states, including California, Florida, and Illinois. However, laws vary by state.
What countries allow altruistic surrogacy?
Countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia allow altruistic surrogacy, where the surrogate mother receives no financial compensation beyond medical and associated expenses.
Where is surrogacy banned in the world?
Surrogacy is banned in countries like Germany, France, and parts of Asia, including Japan and Saudi Arabia.
