Opting for surrogacy is not easy for any couple. It’s known beforehand that embarking on this life project can be an exhausting and demanding process for those who dream of becoming parents.

Hence, apart from mustering strength, love, and patience to confront the potential obstacles along the way, it is equally important to be financially prepared for the entirety of the surrogacy process.

While the high costs associated with surrogacy are comprehensible regardless of the chosen destination, many intended parents often wonder where they can find opportunities to save money during the process.

This article showcases a compilation of the top destinations that offer more economical options for surrogacy, carefully evaluating the pros and cons of each country.

1. Colombia 

With its reputation for inclusiveness, accessibility, and affordability, Colombia has become a sought-after choice for surrogacy. Family Aims, a highly regarded international surrogacy agency, provides exceptional support by managing various aspects of the intended parents’ stay, as well as handling legal and clinical procedures within the country. Notably, they strive to make necessary arrangements to keep the costs aligned with the initial budget agreed upon at the commencement of the surrogacy process.

Its great experience is also endorsed by an allied clinic with extensive experience in assisted gestation, such as Babynova Clinic by Novafem.

Waiting lists for surrogacy in Colombia are offering 2 to 3 months longer, that’s short compared to other clinics around the world. This is an advantage for parents who want to start the process as soon as possible.

Furthermore, the shorter waiting period in Colombia not only aids in minimizing the overall cost of surrogacy but also makes it an appealing option for individuals seeking greater accessibility and affordability. The cost of surrogacy in Colombia starts at $65,000 USD.

2. United States 

Despite being one of the countries with a thriving surrogacy industry and housing expert agencies and specialized clinics, surrogacy treatments in the United States can be financially burdensome for foreigners. Additionally, foreign intended parents often face the challenge of obtaining a specific visa, which can be expensive or, in certain cases, completely unattainable depending on their nationality.

Surrogacy within the United States can be an expensive option, even for residents who have to navigate interstate moves. The absence of standardized regulations for surrogacy across the country leads to additional costs associated with these relocations, ultimately contributing to an increase in the overall surrogacy budget.

It is also important to keep in mind that, in addition to the costs related to the visa and requirements of each state legislation, the number of attempts included in each plan and the additional tests, can be factors of a high increase in expenses.

It is essential to consider that the expenses associated with surrogacy can surpass 200,000 USD, a figure that can vary depending on the chosen surrogacy method and the number of attempts included in the process.

3. Georgia 

Georgia offers affordable surrogacy options; however, it’s important to note that this treatment is exclusively available to heterosexual couples who have been in a relationship for at least one year. The base costs for surrogacy in Georgia is 55,000 USD. Nevertheless, the recently enacted legislation in 2024 prohibits surrogacy for foreigners, thus restricting access to this treatment to same-sex couples and foreigners who opt for surrogacy within the country.

Given the presence of strict legislation in Georgia, which poses multiple complications for both local residents and foreigners, this destination offers a potential option due to its legal framework, but it remains difficult to access for individuals interested in pursuing surrogacy.

4. Cyprus 

Several European countries provide their residents with highly affordable surrogacy options. Cyprus, for instance, is host to specialized clinics that offer surrogacy procedures at approximately 65,000 USD, making it an attractive choice for individuals seeking cost-effective surrogacy within Europe.

Nevertheless, the high demand for surrogacy procedures coupled with a small local population results in limited candidate availability. As a consequence, there is often a need to expand the search beyond the country’s borders to find suitable surrogates to carry out the procedure.

This limitation results in foreigners who apply for being gestational carriers, but they must travel to another country to give birth to the newborn, which increases the costs and the risks of surrogacy, as well as the legal fees.

In addition, the amount of paperwork for those intended parents who do not have European nationality is huge, and requires additional expenses to access certain services and to move freely during the procedures.

Hence, opting for surrogacy in this country demands thorough financial planning to be undertaken.

 5. Mexico 

Among the Latin American nations, Mexico stands as one of the exceptions that permits surrogacy, although comprehensive regulations are only clearly defined in a handful of states.

As a result, those interested in surrogacy are required to travel to these particular regions to pursue the procedure, or explore the option of attempting it in another state, which introduces uncertainty regarding the legal process.

Moreover, the growing demand for this service, combined with legal constraints in other regions of the country, results in increased expenses for the process, averaging around 55,000 USD. Furthermore, unlike other surrogacy destinations, the staff may not consistently possess specialized training or expertise.

Also, some legal aspects may be compromised to access the baby’s documentation, since the procedure is not legalized in all states, which increases expenses due to additional documentation and transportation issues.

For residents residing in proximity to states where surrogacy is permitted, the absence of specialized training in certain healthcare facilities can introduce complexities for foreign parents traveling to these states for the first time. This lack of training raises concerns regarding the availability of necessary social security guarantees, unlike what is offered in other countries.

Despite surrogacy being allowed in the indicated states, the demand for this procedure there is usually quite low as they are not tourist destinations, and don’t have great economic investment, which may dissuade foreigners from choosing this destination as the ideal one for surrogacy.

Affordable prices for everyone 

For many couples, creating a family is an incredibly meaningful endeavor, and they are willing to spare no expense, considering it the most beautiful and rewarding project they can embark on together.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to develop a well-thought-out plan and be prepared for any obstacles that may arise, potentially causing complications for individuals involved and impacting their emotional and financial well-being.

Therefore, although there are many options for surrogacy, it’s important to choose wisely and watch the whole picture beyond choosing the destination that offers the best prices. You should think about which offers the best opportunities to achieve the dream of having a child.