5 Most Affordable Countries for Surrogacy

“Spring is the time of renewal, new dreams, and new hopes. Let this spring season transform your Hope into a surrogacy journey.”

Embarking on a surrogacy journey can be an overwhelming and daunting experience, and finding the right destination for surrogacy services is crucial for intending parents. In this article, we will explore the five most affordable countries for surrogacy: Colombia, Cyprus, Mexico, Georgia, and Ukraine. These countries offer unique and attractive surrogacy options, ranging from a beautiful tropical climate to legal frameworks that make the surrogacy process seamless. In this article, we will delve into each country’s surrogacy services, legal framework, and surrogacy cost to provide intending parents with essential information to make an informed decision about their surrogacy journey.

Surrogacy in Colombia.

Surrogacy in Colombia is a popular option for those seeking a unique surrogacy journey. With its clear waters, blond sands, and palm trees, Colombia is becoming one of the hottest up–and–coming destinations in South America. While there are no specific laws for surrogacy in Colombia, there are also no bans on the practice. The Colombian constitution prohibits discrimination, meaning that all singles, heterosexual couples, and LGBTQIA+ couples with a genetic link to the baby are eligible for surrogacy services.

However, it is essential to note that surrogacy in Colombia is only lawful if it is altruistic, which means that the surrogate mother can only receive payment for expenses incurred during the surrogacy process. In addition, the surrogate mother’s own eggs cannot be used to create embryos, and a medical certificate must be provided to confirm that there is a physiological problem preventing conception. Despite these regulations, Colombia remains a popular destination for surrogacy services, with many couples and singles choosing to embark on their surrogacy journey in this beautiful and welcoming country.

Navigating Donor Options and Embryo Transfer in Colombian Surrogacy.

Only anonymous donation is allowed in Colombia. It means that the intended parents cannot meet them or know their identity. But, Colombian fertility clinics and agencies offering Egg Donation have a variety of phenotypes (physical characteristics) with various blood types to assist family–building.

In Colombia, there is no limit on the number of embryos that can be transferred during a surrogacy procedure. It is possible to transfer two, three, or even four embryos per cycle. However, it is important to note that most clinics typically transfer only two embryos. This is because transferring too many embryos can increase the risk of multiple pregnancies, which can be dangerous for both the surrogate mother and the unborn babies.

Programs & Costs of Surrogacy in Colombia:

Surrogacy using the intended mother’s oocytes and intended father’s sperm (includes one IVF cycle, one embryo transfer attempt, and reimbursement of the surrogacy–related expenses) costs between $54,000 and $59,000.
Surrogacy with Egg Donation (Colombian Egg Donor; one IVF–Egg Donation cycle, one embryo transfer attempt, and reimbursement of the surrogacy–related expenses) costs between $54,000 and $59,000.
Guaranteed Surrogacy with Egg Donation programs usually include unlimited egg donation cycles, unlimited IVF cycles, unlimited ICSI procedures, unlimited transfer trials using fresh or frozen embryos, vitrification and storage of embryos left after each new IVF cycle, and cryopreservation of the intended father’s sperm. Some Guaranteed Surrogacy programs also have preimplantation genetic testing and sex selection. The cost for such programs ranges between $69,000 and $75,000.
Surrogacy using frozen embryo (cryogenic shipping of the embryo to Colombia, embryo thawing and transfer) program costs between $49,000 and $56,000.

To sum up, while surrogacy in Colombia may have some legal and regulatory limitations, it is still a viable option for those seeking surrogacy services. For those willing to follow the regulations set by the Colombian constitution, the opportunity to start a family through surrogacy in this beautiful country is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Surrogacy in Cyprus.

Cyprus is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming people. However, it has also become a popular destination for those seeking surrogacy services. With its stunning scenery and convenient location, it is no wonder that many singles and couples choose Cyprus for their surrogacy journey. The country’s medical tourism industry has flourished in recent years, providing individuals with an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing vacation while simultaneously embarking on a life–changing surrogacy journey.

One of the key advantages of surrogacy in Cyprus is the absence of any legal restrictions or regulations. Fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies are able to legally transfer embryos from intended parents to surrogate mothers without any legal obstacles. The lack of regulations makes Cyprus an ideal destination for those seeking surrogacy services, with fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies offering a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of every individual or couple. Additionally, the welcoming nature of Cyprus makes it a destination for everyone, including single mothers or fathers by choice, heterosexual couples, and LGBTQIA+ couples. HIV–positive singles and couples can also access surrogacy services in Cyprus, making it an inclusive and accessible destination for all.

Navigating Donor Options and Embryo Transfer in Cypriot Surrogacy.

Egg and sperm donation in Cyprus is anonymous, ensuring an adequate number of donors without any waiting lists. In North Cyprus, there is no central register of donors, which makes it difficult to track whether a donor has exceeded the legal limit of five donations in a lifetime. Conversely, in southern Cyprus, the Ministry of Health manages a central register of egg donors. These donors can donate only once within the country, but can still donate to non–Cyprus residents subject to the donation restrictions in their country of residence.

Regarding the maximum number of embryos that can be transferred per cycle, South Cyprus allows for a limit of two embryos, while in North Cyprus, fertility clinics typically transfer two embryos to increase the chances of successful implantation, although a maximum of three embryos can be transferred.

Programs & Costs of Surrogacy in Cyprus:

Surrogacy using the intended mother’s oocytes and intended father’s sperm usually includes one IVF cycle powered up for the intended parents; matching, screening, and endometrial preparation cycle for the gestational surrogate mother; one embryo transfer attempt, and surrogate mother’s compensation. The program may also involve sperm freezing and embryo vitrification services (semen analysis, sperm sampling, vitrification, and storage; embryo vitrification with a possibility of embryo storage for one year) without charging any extra fees. The cost of surrogacy with own gametes ranges between $56,000 and $70,000 for a singleton baby and between $79,000 and $89,000 for the twins carried by one surrogate mother.
Surrogacy with Egg Donation (Local Egg Donor; the embryo is generated via IVF using the eggs from the anonymous Cyprian donor and a sperm sample provided by the intended father, and as soon as the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage, it is transferred to the gestational carrier). Surrogacy with local egg donation costs between $59,000 and $76,000 for a singleton baby and between $79,000 and $89,000 for the twins carried by one surrogate mother.
Guaranteed Surrogacy with Egg Donation programs usually include unlimited egg donor selection (every new cycle can be started with a new Egg Donor), unlimited egg donation cycles with compensation paid to each egg donor, unlimited IVF cycles, unlimited ICSI procedures, unlimited transfer trials using fresh or frozen embryos, vitrification and storage of embryos left after each new IVF cycle, and cryopreservation of the intended father’s sperm. Some Guaranteed Surrogacy programs also have preimplantation genetic testing and sex selection covered. Such programs range between $71,000 and $79,000 for a singleton baby and between $79,000 and $89,000 for the twins carried by one surrogate mother.
Guaranteed Surrogacy with own eggs or Egg Donation: “Twins with two gestational surrogate mothers” programs cost ranges between $119,000 and $140,000. This fee covers unlimited IVF cycles using own eggs and donated eggs, unlimited embryo transfer trials, unlimited vitrification and storage of the gametes and embryos, and many more add–ons and back–ups.
Surrogacy using frozen embryo (cryogenic shipping of the embryo to Cyprus, embryo thawing and transfer). Surrogacy with vitrified embryo cost ranges between $50,000 and $52,000. Frozen embryo transfer surrogacy packages include one embryo transfer trial, and if it fails, the following embryo transfers using cryopreserved embryo is offered at a discounted price, which ranges between $6,000 and $9,000.

Wrapping things up, surrogacy in Cyprus offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking to start a family. Whether you are a single parent, part of an LGBTQIA+ couple, or a traditional heterosexual couple, Cyprus welcomes you with open arms and provides a safe and supportive environment for your surrogacy journey.

Surrogacy in Mexico.

Mexico is a vibrant destination for intended parents seeking surrogacy services. The country has a welcoming attitude towards intended parents, regardless of their sexual orientation, marital status, or health status. This inclusive approach makes Mexico a desirable destination for surrogacy services. The beaches of Cancun and the turquoise waves of Quintana Roo provide an ideal environment for couples to relax and enjoy the experience of becoming parents.

Mexico’s surrogacy laws are also relatively liberal. While surrogacy services are banned in some states, other states such as Mexico City, Cancun, and Quintana Roo offer both domestic and international surrogacy programs. This means that intended parents can find the perfect surrogacy program to meet their unique needs, no matter where they are located. In these states, there are no restrictions on who can seek surrogacy services, whether it is a single person, a married couple, or an LGBTQIA+ couple.

In addition to its natural beauty and welcoming attitude, Mexico is also known for its vibrant and bustling cities, such as Mexico City, which is home to many of the country’s top fertility clinics. These clinics offer a wide range of surrogacy services, including egg donation, sperm donation, and frozen embryo transfer, all of which can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each intended parent, including choosing a donor or opting for cryogenic shipping of embryos.

Navigating Donor Options and Embryo Transfer in Mexican Surrogacy.

In Mexico, gamete donation, including egg and sperm donation, is required to be done anonymously. Intended parents may choose a non–Mexican donor, including Caucasian or Asian egg or sperm donors. Fresh or frozen eggs may be used.

As for the maximum number of embryos that can be transferred per cycle, there are no specific legal restrictions in Mexico. However, fertility specialists in the country typically advise transferring one or two embryos to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy while minimizing the risks of complications associated with multiple pregnancies.

Programs & Costs of Surrogacy in Mexico:

Self–cycle surrogacy (the embryo is created using the intended mother’s oocytes and the intended father’s sperm via IVF procedure and then transferred to the gestational surrogate mother to carry the baby and give birth). Surrogacy using own eggs and sperm (single IVF cycle, one embryo transfer attempt, and surrogate mother’s compensation) costs between $45,000 and $50,000.
Surrogacy with Egg Donation (Local Egg Donor; the embryo is generated using the eggs from an anonymous Mexican donor and using a sperm sample provided by the intended father via IVF, and as soon as the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage, it is transferred to the gestational carrier). Surrogacy with local egg donation costs between $50,000 and $56,000.
Surrogacy with Egg Donation (Traveling Egg Donor; the embryo is made using the eggs from a non–Mexican donor (who travels to Mexico and donates her eggs to be used in in vitro fertilization) and using the intended father’s sperm; as soon as the embryo reaches the cleavage or blastocyst stage, it is transferred to the surrogate mother who will carry a pregnancy to term and introduce the baby to this world). Surrogacy with Egg Donation (Traveling Egg Donor) costs between $62,000 and $69,000. Usually, it covers the egg donation cycle and traveling egg donor compensation, one round of IVF, one embryo transfer attempt, and surrogacy services).
Guaranteed surrogacy with Egg Donation (the embryo will be created using the Mexican or Traveling donor oocytes and the intended father’s sperm, and then, transferred to the gestational surrogate mother committed to carrying the baby to term). Guaranteed Surrogacy with Egg Donation packages cost between $72,000 and $90,000 depending on the donor (a Mexican or non–Mexican (traveling) donor, add–ons (Fertile® Microfluidic Sperm Sorting Chips, preimplantation genetic testing, sex selection, etc.), and backups (some guaranteed programs cover unlimited backups like new egg donor selection, egg donation, FET, while some may cover the limited number of backups like 3 FET cycles).
Surrogacy with Egg Donation for HIV–positive intended parents (the embryo is generated using the donor’s eggs (Local Egg Donor, or International Egg Donor, and the intended father’s sperm (using sperm washing to HIV–positive fathers–to–be, in which the spermatozoa are removed from the HIV–infected semen), or in some cases, two embryonic cohorts are created (using the intended mother’s eggs and washed sperm of HIV–positive father–to–be and the donor’s eggs and washed sperm of HIV–positive father–to–be). In these cases, the IVF cycle is started for HIV–Negative partner (intended mother) + Egg Donation as a backup option if the intended mother’s oocytes won’t be healthy or mature to fertilize them). Surrogacy for HIV–positive intended parents using the donor’s eggs in IVF, including the surrogate mother’s compensation costs between $60,000 and $70,000.
Surrogacy using frozen embryo (cryogenic shipping of the embryo to Mexico, devitrification, and embryo transfer to the gestational surrogate mother’s uterus). Surrogacy with a vitrified embryo costs between $40,000 and $56,000. Frozen embryo transfer surrogacy packages include one embryo transfer trial, and if it fails, the next embryo transfer using a cryopreserved embryo is offered at a discounted price which ranges between $6,000 and $8,000.
Surrogacy using the intended mother’s cyoshipped vitrified oocytes and/or cryopreserved intended father’s sperm (if the embryo hasn’t been generated, it still can be created in the IVF laboratory using frozen gametes). The eggs and sperm will be shipped from the intended parents’ country to Mexico, thawed, ICSI’ed (IMSI’ed or PICSI’ed), cultivated until the blastocyst stage and transferred to the surrogate mother). Standardly, the cost for this program ranges between $40,000 and $42,000 and also covers surrogacy services.
“Sibling Guarantee,” also known as “Twins with two surrogate mothers,” programs are also available and cost between $120,000 and $130,000. This fee covers all medical expenses and compensation paid to two surrogate mothers for the birth of 2 babies.

Backup options offered by Mexican clinics in case of a failed cycle:

Second/Third attempt with Frozen Embryo Transfer package (includes preparation to the cycle, surrogate mother’s drug protocol and medication to prepare her endometrium lining for embryo implantation, embryo thawing, and embryo transfer fee) price ranges between $6,000 and $8,000.
Second/Third attempt with egg donation and surrogate mother preparation (includes Egg Donation: Egg Donor screening, medication, egg retrieval, and egg donor compensation; surrogate mother’s preparation: surrogate mother’s drug protocol and medication to prepare her endometrium lining for embryo implantation; and IVF procedure using fresh donated eggs and intended father’s sperm). Backup bundles like this one cost between $16,000 and $20,000.
Second/Third attempt with own eggs and sperm (includes IVF cycle for the intended mother and father, surrogate mother’s medication, and fresh embryo transfer). Routinely, this attempt fees range between $10,000 and $13,000.

Overall, Mexico provides a perfect blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and high–quality medical care, making it an excellent choice for anyone who is considering embarking on the surrogacy journey.

Surrogacy in Georgia.

Georgia is a country located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia that has become a popular destination for many married couples seeking surrogacy services. Unlike many other European countries, Georgia allows international surrogacy and has a unique legal framework that makes it an ideal destination for both Georgian and international couples considering surrogacy. The country recognizes heterosexual couples, including foreigners, as the legal parents of a baby born through surrogacy.

In contrast to Colombia, Cyprus, and Mexico, surrogacy in Georgia is only available to heterosexual couples, and one parent must be genetically linked to the embryo. Intended parents must be either a married heterosexual couple or a de–facto heterosexual couple who can provide evidence of living together for more than one year. Georgia is a friendly destination with high success rates, but it is essential to have all necessary documentation, including a marriage certificate or proof of common–law partnership, notarized and apostilled.

Navigating Donor Options and Embryo Transfer in Georgian Surrogacy.

In Georgia, an egg donation is a legal option for foreign intended parents who are looking to start a family. Fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies in the country offer both local and international egg and sperm donation services. While a donation is anonymous, intended parents can choose to have a non–anonymous (known) egg donor if they wish to do so.

The maximum number of embryos that can be transferred in a single cycle is three. However, if the intended parents wish to increase their chances of having twins, they can choose to have two embryos transferred instead. It is important to note that transferring more than three embryos is not recommended.

Programs & Costs of Surrogacy in Georgia:

Self–cycle surrogacy (using the intended mother’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm to create an embryo which will be transferred to a gestational surrogate mother) program costs between $34,000 and $40,000. This price covers one IVF cycle, one embryo transfer attempt, and base compensation paid to the surrogate mother.
Surrogacy with Egg Donation (Georgian egg donor) program includes everything from egg donor selection and screening to egg donation, one ICSI attempt, one embryo transfer trial, and gestational carrier’s compensation. The price for Surrogacy with Georgian Egg Donor ranges between $40,000 and $58,000.
Guaranteed surrogacy with Egg Donation program usually includes unlimited egg donation cycles, unlimited IVF, and unlimited embryo transfer attempts until the baby is born. Unlike standard programs, guaranteed packages may cover unlimited new cycles, unlimited fresh transfers and cryotransfers with two embryos for each trial, tandem IVF cycles (using the donor’s and intended mother’s eggs), sperm freezing, embryo vitrification, and up to 10 days of staying at Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for singleton baby. The cost of guaranteed surrogacy programs ranges between $55,000 and $70,000.
“Twins with two surrogate mothers” programs cost between $100,000 and $110,000. This fee covers all medical expenses (in most cases, unlimited egg donation cycles, unlimited IVF, unlimited embryo transfers, unlimited vitrification of embryos after each IVF, unlimited cryotransfers), pregnancy care, all pregnancy–related expenses, and compensation paid to two surrogate mothers.
Surrogacy using frozen embryo (shipping of the embryo to Georgia, devitrification, and embryo transfer to the gestational surrogate mother’s uterus). Surrogacy with a vitrified embryo costs between $42,000 and $54,000.

Backup options offered by Georgian clinics in case of a failed cycle:

Second/Third attempt with Frozen Embryo Transfer package (includes preparation to the cycle, surrogate mother’s drug protocol, and medication to prepare her endometrium lining for embryo implantation, embryo thawing, and embryo transfer fee) price ranges between $3,500 and $6,000.
Second/Third attempt with egg donation and surrogate mother preparation (includes Egg Donation: Egg Donor screening, medication, egg retrieval, and egg donor compensation; surrogate mother’s preparation: surrogate mother’s drug protocol and medication to prepare her endometrium lining for embryo implantation; and IVF procedure using fresh donated eggs and intended father’s sperm). Backup bundles like this one cost between $10,000 and $12,000.
Second/Third attempt with own eggs and sperm (includes IVF cycle for the intended mother and father, surrogate mother’s medication, and fresh embryo transfer). Routinely, this attempt’s fees range between $6,000 and $10,500.

In summary, Georgia offers a harmonious combination of serene surroundings, breathtaking landscapes, and top–notch healthcare, making it an ideal destination for those planning to start their surrogacy journey.

Surrogacy in Ukraine.

The surrogacy process is legal in Ukraine, and Ukrainian legislation supports surrogacy arrangements, unlike the laws of many European countries. As a result, Ukrainian fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies specialize in surrogacy procedures for both Ukrainian and international intended parents. However, before embarking on a surrogacy journey, intended parents should know that gestational surrogacy is only available to married heterosexual couples. This means that the surrogate mother is not genetically related to the baby she carries, and the embryos must be created using either the mother–to–be or donor’s oocytes and the father–to–be’s sperm.

Navigating Donor Options and Embryo Transfer in Ukrainian Surrogacy.

In Ukraine, the donation of eggs and sperm is anonymous and allowed only for medical reasons with the patients’ written consent. Donors, mostly of Caucasian ethnicity, are readily available in numerous clinics, while some clinics offer donors from different ethnicities. Donors must be between 18 and 36, and there are no waiting lists for fresh or frozen oocytes. Egg donors are allowed to donate a maximum of eight times.

Ukrainian legislation recommends transferring no more than one or two embryos for IVF using own eggs and three for IVF with donor eggs if there are medical indications. However, if medically approved, a different number of embryos may be transferred.

Programs & Costs of Surrogacy in Ukraine:

Self–cycle surrogacy (using the intended mother’s eggs and the intended father’s sperm to create an embryo which will be transferred to a gestational surrogate mother) program costs between $39,000 and $44,000. This price covers one IVF cycle, one embryo transfer attempt, DNA paternity testing, and base compensation paid to the surrogate mother. Some surrogacy programs may also include preimplantation genetic testing and gender selection add–ons.
Guaranteed surrogacy using own oocytes and the intended father’s sperm program costs between $55,000 and $59,000. Usually, the guaranteed programs’ total cost covers unlimited IVF cycles, unlimited embryo transfer attempts (fresh and frozen), vitrification of the remaining embryos, and their storage for one year minimum. Some programs also include preimplantation genetic testing, sex–selection, DNA genetic testing, premature baby care including medication, and pediatrician visits to the newborn after discharge from the hospital.
Surrogacy with Egg Donation (Ukrainian egg donor) program includes one egg donation, one ICSI attempt, one embryo transfer trial, and gestational carrier’s compensation. Some programs may also include guaranteed embryo creation, preimplantation genetic testing, gender selection, and cryopreservation of embryos. The cost for this program routinely ranges between $44,000 and $49,000.
Guaranteed surrogacy with Egg Donation program usually includes unlimited egg donation cycles, unlimited IVF, and unlimited embryo transfer attempts until the baby is born. Unlike standard programs, guaranteed packages may cover unlimited new cycles, unlimited fresh transfers and cryotransfers, tandem IVF cycles (using the donor’s and intended mother’s eggs), preimplantation genetic testing, gender selection, sperm freezing, embryo vitrification, up to 10 days of staying at Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), pediatrician services, and DNA test for father and baby. The cost of guaranteed surrogacy programs ranges between $54,000 and $62,000.
Surrogacy using frozen embryo (CryoShipping of the embryo to Ukraine, devitrification, and embryo transfer to the gestational surrogate mother’s uterus). Surrogacy with a vitrified embryo costs between $40,000 and $44,000.
“Twins with two surrogate mothers” programs cost between $100,000 and $104,000. This fee covers all medical expenses (in most cases, unlimited egg donation cycles, unlimited IVF, unlimited embryo transfers, unlimited vitrification of embryos after each IVF, unlimited cryotransfers), pregnancy care, all pregnancy–related expenses, and compensation paid to two surrogate mothers.

Backup options offered by Ukrainian clinics in case of a failed cycle:

Second/Third attempt with own eggs and sperm (includes IVF cycle for the intended mother and father, surrogate mother’s medication, and fresh embryo transfer). Routinely, this attempt’s fees range between $4,400 and $6,000.
Second/Third attempt using the donor eggs, including surrogate mother’s preparation (includes Egg Donation: Egg Donor screening, medication, egg retrieval, and egg donor compensation; surrogate mother’s preparation: surrogate mother’s drug protocol and medication to prepare her endometrium lining for embryo implantation; and IVF procedure using fresh donated eggs and intended father’s sperm). Backup bundles like this one cost between $5,500 and $8,000.
Second/Third attempt with Frozen Embryo Transfer (includes preparation to the cycle, surrogate mother’s drug protocol, and medication to prepare her endometrium lining for embryo implantation, embryo thawing, and embryo transfer fee) price ranges between $1,500 and $3,000.

It is important to note that traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate mother donates her own eggs and carries the baby, is not allowed in Ukraine. Therefore, couples seeking traditional surrogacy may need to consider other countries. Overall, Ukrainian surrogacy arrangements offer a viable option for those who meet the legal requirements, and the country’s fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies have extensive experience in providing these services to parents from around the world.

Conclusive Words:

Choosing a surrogacy destination is a crucial decision for intending parents, and finding the right destination that meets your needs is essential. The five countries discussed in this article offer affordable surrogacy services, attractive landscapes, and unique legal frameworks. So whether you choose Colombia’s clear waters and palm trees, Cyprus’s beautiful landscapes, Mexico’s welcoming attitude, Georgia’s high success rates, or Ukraine’s supportive legal framework, we hope this article has provided essential information to help you make an informed decision about your surrogacy journey. Remember, the most important thing is to find a destination that meets your needs, preferences, and budget, and with these countries' options, you are sure to find the perfect match.