Legal surrogacy

If you have been thinking about using surrogacy to fulfill your family dream recently, I believe you have asked yourself a question more than once: which countries will be legal for surrogacy in 2025? Let's get straight to the answer. There are many countries around the world where surrogacy is legal, but it's not something that can be easily solved with just a "legal" statement.

We have compiled a list of countries that will still be open to surrogacy by 2025, including the United States, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Russia, Canada, Colombia, Greece, and others. However, the legal system, process threshold, applicable people, and even the matter of "welcome foreigners or not" vary greatly in each place.

1、 Surrogacy in the United States: It is undoubtedly the most mature place for surrogacy in the world. Especially in "surrogacy friendly states" like California and Illinois, the legal framework is very clear, and the process is well-organized step by step.

In these states, surrogacy is not something that can be started simply by saying 'you love me'. Lawyers need to intervene in drafting contracts, psychological counselors need to conduct evaluations, IVF hospitals need to be responsible for technology, and insurance companies need to intervene and provide protection. The surrogate mother must be a US citizen, in good health, with at least one successful childbirth record, and it is not something that anyone can do if they want to.

After the child is born, they automatically acquire US citizenship. This is indeed a huge attraction for many families who plan to send their children to study and live in the United States in the future. Moreover, the United States fully supports the LGBT community in surrogacy, which remains an unattainable freedom for many countries.

However, we need to say a 'but'. American surrogacy is expensive, really expensive. Approximately $150000 to $200000 is the normal range, and sometimes a sudden situation (such as a surrogate mother quitting midway or getting pregnant with twins) can cause the budget to explode. Not to mention, surrogate mothers in California are just too popular, waiting for more than six months is the norm.

In other words, if you are considering surrogacy in the United States, you need to have a generous budget and sufficient patience.

Currently recognized states with sound laws and suitable conditions for surrogacy include California, Connecticut, Nevada, New Hampshire, Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, North Dakota, New York, and Washington.

But not all states in the United States have opened their doors, such as Michigan and New Jersey. Sorry, these two states classify commercial surrogacy as a criminal offense and belong to the "no touch zone".

2、 Kyrgyzstan surrogacy: When it comes to surrogacy countries with affordable budgets and legal foundations, Kyrgyzstan is an increasingly popular choice. Although the name of this country may be unfamiliar to many, its surrogacy policy is actually very clear. Commercial surrogacy is legal and provides legal protection for both surrogate mothers and entrusted families.

From a legal framework perspective, Kyrgyzstan maintains an open attitude towards commercial surrogacy. Although the relevant policies are not as detailed as those in the United States, basic rights protection is in place. Especially for foreigners, there are no too many restrictions. As long as it is a legal contract, the process can proceed smoothly.

One attractive feature is the low cost threshold. Generally speaking, completing a complete surrogacy process here costs approximately $55000 to $100000, depending on factors such as the service configuration you choose, medical conditions, and surrogate background. The span may seem large, but for families who want to ensure basic quality while controlling their budget, this range is still highly cost-effective.

In recent years, the surrogacy market in Kyrgyzstan has gradually become internationalized, attracting many families from Asia, Eastern Europe, and even the Middle East to cooperate. We have received feedback from several clients that the local doctors are professional, the institutions have high cooperation, and the service is also very friendly.

But on the other hand, although the law allows it, surrogacy is ultimately a very complex matter. You need to understand the relevant regulatory provisions in advance and find professional lawyers familiar with local laws to participate in contract drafting; When selecting surrogate mothers and institutions, due diligence should also be conducted to confirm the reliability of medical resources and service capabilities.

3、 Kazakhstan surrogacy: The legal openness in Kazakhstan is surprising. Not only is commercial surrogacy allowed here, but there are no marriage or gender barriers. As long as you want a child and are willing to fulfill your responsibilities, you are welcome here.

The Chinese single female client we have been in contact with for 24 years completed the surrogacy process in Almaty. The local medical team has a high level of professionalism, the process of in vitro fertilization is smooth, and the entire pregnancy institution arrangement is also in place.

In terms of cost, it is much more affordable than in Europe and America, usually ranging from 60000 to 80000 US dollars. Of course, the selection of surrogate mothers and legal contracts also need to be taken seriously, after all, even the most friendly policies rely on you choosing the right service team to execute.

4、 Ukrainian surrogacy: Ukraine's previous position in the surrogacy circle can be said to be a definite "hot player". Why? Because its laws are clear enough, as long as you are a legal heterosexual couple, you can go through the surrogacy process, and the surrogate mother has no parental rights over the child. After birth, the child belongs directly to you.

The system is refreshing and the threshold is not too high. But here is a reminder: Ukraine does not accept single applicants or same-sex partners, and this path has blocked some people from the beginning, so it must meet their legal definition of "family structure".

Everything was going smoothly until the outbreak of war. To be honest, the situation in Ukraine is quite complicated now: not all places can safely provide surrogacy services, and visa processes, flights, and even care arrangements during pregnancy have become variables. Some cities are relatively stable, such as the areas near Kiev or Lviv, but there is no guarantee that the situation will remain unchanged someday.

Can it still be done? Yes, but the prerequisite is that you need to be very clear about what you are doing.

Some of our clients signed contracts before the war and later gave birth smoothly, with no issues with handover. But would you recommend someone else to go to Ukraine now? I have to be cautious. It depends on whether you meet the requirements very well, and whether you can find an experienced and locally rooted reliable institution that can handle trivial but crucial details such as security, law, and passport.

The price is still attractive, around 70000 to 90000 US dollars, which is considered very competitive in the global surrogacy market. But don't forget, this is a low price with an additional risk.

5、 Russian surrogacy: Once upon a time, Russia and Ukraine were almost tied as the twin giants of surrogacy in Eastern Europe. The process is smooth and the policies are relatively open, especially in terms of acceptance of commercial surrogacy, which is much higher than in some Western European countries.

But the situation has changed since 2022, as Russia has begun to "close its doors" to foreign clients. Although the law does not completely prohibit commercial surrogacy, in practice, most hospitals and institutions no longer accept foreigners to provide surrogacy services. Even if you find someone through an intermediary, there is a high probability that you will be politely rejected or stuck in the hospital's review process in the end.

So now we almost do not recommend clients to conduct the main surrogacy process in Russia.

However, it should be noted that if you only want to undergo in vitro fertilization and embryo cultivation in Russia, it can still be done. Because in Moscow, reproductive institutions are still operating normally and doctors have extensive experience. You can choose to complete embryo cultivation in Russia first, and then transfer it to other surrogate countries such as Kyrgyzstan to complete the subsequent process.

The price is also relatively low, around 60000 to 80000 US dollars, but the premise of this price is that you are willing to bear the 'uncertainty'.

So my conclusion is that the "surrogacy window" in Russia is currently mostly closed. If you are not extremely familiar with the local situation and have connections as a backing, then don't put all your hopes here. But if you want to play a "combination punch", having embryos in Russia and surrogacy in Kyrgyzstan is a strategy you can consider.

6、 Canadian surrogacy: Speaking of Canadian surrogacy, I have to be honest: the policy is stable, but the operation is not easy.

In Canada, surrogacy is legal, but only if it is "free". what do you mean? The surrogate mother cannot collect money, she can only reimburse the "reasonable expenses" such as food, accommodation, and prenatal check ups during pregnancy. That is to say, this matter depends on emotions, not money.

Sounds very morally glorious, right? But the reality is: you have to first find someone who is genuinely willing to help you have a child. But there aren't many people like this. Moreover, the screening process often starts every six months and starts every year, sometimes without even a trace.

But you have to ask me, is Canadian surrogacy worth it? worth.

Why? Because its laws are truly stable. The surrogacy agreement is protected, and the legal ownership of the child after birth is clear, so there is no need to worry about the melodramatic plot of "surrogate mother reneging". Moreover, Canadian society has a high acceptance of surrogacy, which doesn't make you feel like you've done some secret mission.

What about the cost? You may think that being free is cheap, but in fact, you also need to prepare $100000 to $150000. Why are there so many more? Because the majority of the expenses here are for services such as doctors, lawyers, IVF, and life support. Even if the surrogate mother doesn't take the money, these steps are still essential.

7、 Greek surrogacy: If you want the entire surrogacy process to be gentler, such as doctors not urging you, nurses being patient, and the process not being rushed, then I suggest you take a look at Greek surrogacy.

The legal framework is also relatively lenient, and both heterosexual couples and single women can apply for surrogacy. As long as your physical condition meets the standard, the procedures are not complicated. Of course, there are also barriers to entry. People from non EU countries may encounter visa and residence permit issues during the application process, and this part needs to be planned in advance, otherwise they may be blocked before the transplant.

What about the price? Similar to Eastern Europe, usually between 60000 and 80000 US dollars. Not the cheapest, but the cost-effectiveness is good, after all, the service temperature and experience are not worth spending.

8、 Colombian surrogacy: In the past two years, Colombian surrogacy has suddenly become popular, especially for budget sensitive families. The price is too expensive, ranging from $50000 to $70000, almost half of the price in the US and Canada.

We have also received many private messages asking, "Is Colombia reliable? Can it really be done

I have to be honest: Colombia can do it, but we have to be careful.

On the one hand, its surrogacy policy is open, and currently there are indeed institutions and hospitals providing surrogacy services normally; On the other hand, its legal system is not yet mature enough, and many regulations are "habitual operations" rather than definitive legal provisions. what do you mean? Once there is a problem, many things are difficult for you to completely solve through the law.

Another issue is that there is a mix of good and bad. We have seen some super cheap packages with attractive prices, but upon inquiry, we found that the doctor's qualifications were unclear, the surrogate mother's screening was arbitrary, and the contract was also vague. Once a problem arises, it's really a dilemma.

Of course, if you are familiar with the local situation in Colombia, have networking resources, and reliable agencies to connect with, you can indeed complete a surrogacy process at a relatively low cost. But if you are new to surrogacy or don't understand Spanish, my advice is: don't rush into it, take the time to understand every step first.

In summary, for those of you who truly want to pursue surrogacy: surrogacy is not something that can be done with money. Different countries have different laws, thresholds, time and emotional investment. You need to understand what you truly want and what you can accept in order to choose the path that suits you best.

We have walked through and seen too many families, some of whom went smoothly, while others stumbled all the way. If you are considering this path, we sincerely recommend that you ask more people who have walked through it, not just rely on a few articles online. Feel free to contact us anytime to chat. We are willing to tell you the real details and pitfalls in advance.