Opting for surrogacy is a decision that comes with its own set of difficulties for couples. It is well understood that embarking on this life endeavor can be an arduous and demanding process, testing the resilience and determination of those who have the cherished aspiration of becoming parents.

Therefore, in addition to arming oneself with strength, love, and patience to face the obstacles that may arise along the way, it’s also necessary to be financially prepared for the whole process.

Although it is understandable why surrogacy is an expensive process, no matter which destination you choose to carry it out, many intended parents wonder where it’s possible to save money.

In this article, we present a selection of the best destinations to make surrogacy more affordable, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of each country.

1. Colombia 

Colombia has become a popular destination for surrogacy, thanks to its inclusiveness, accessibility, and affordability. Family Aims is one of the most prestigious international surrogacy agencies and takes care of managing the stay and the legal and clinical procedures of the intended parents in the country. Not only that, but it also makes the necessary arrangements to keep the costs within the initial budget agreed upon when undertaking surrogacy.

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

Surrogacy waiting lists in Colombia are notably shorter, with an extension of 2 to 3 months compared to other clinics worldwide. This provides a significant advantage for parents who are keen to initiate the process expeditiously.

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.

Even for residents, surrogacy in the United States can be a costly endeavor due to the need to relocate between states. The lack of consistent regulations for surrogacy across the country results in additional expenses related to these interstate moves, ultimately inflating 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 crucial to keep in mind that the costs for surrogacy can potentially surpass 200,000 USD, and this amount may increase based 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 

Affordable surrogacy options are available in certain European countries for their residents. For instance, Cyprus is known for its specialized clinics that offer surrogacy procedures at prices around 65,000 USD, making it an appealing destination for individuals seeking more budget-friendly surrogacy options in Europe.

However, due to the high demand for surrogacy procedures and its scarce local population, candidates are limited, often forcing a bigger search outside the country for surrogates to carry out the procedure.

As a result of this restriction, foreigners who seek to become gestational carriers are required to travel to a different country to give birth to the newborn. This, in turn, raises the costs, risks, and legal fees associated with the surrogacy process.

Moreover, the paperwork required for intended parents without European nationality is extensive, leading to additional expenses to access specific services and facilitate unrestricted movement during the surrogacy procedures.

Therefore, surrogacy in this country is an option that requires careful financial planning.

 5. Mexico 

In Latin America, Mexico stands out as one of the limited number of countries where surrogacy is permitted; however, clear regulations are only established in a few states.

This indicates that individuals interested in surrogacy must travel to these specific regions to undergo the procedure, or take the risk of attempting it in another state with uncertain legal processes.

In addition, the increase in demand for this service and legal limitations in the rest of the country make the process more expensive, around 55 000 USD, and unlike other surrogacy places, the staff is not always specialized.

Additionally, accessing the baby’s documentation may pose legal challenges as the surrogacy procedure is not legalized in all states, thereby resulting in increased expenses due to additional documentation requirements and transportation issues.

While residents residing near states where surrogacy is allowed may have easier access, the absence of adequate training in some healthcare facilities can complicate matters for foreign parents traveling to these states for the first time. These concerns arise due to the lack of assurance regarding social security benefits, which may not be on par with those provided in other countries.

Despite the legality of surrogacy in the specified states, there is typically limited demand for this procedure due to their lack of popularity as tourist destinations and limited economic investment. As a result, foreigners may be dissuaded from selecting these states as the preferred choice for their surrogacy journey.

Affordable prices for everyone 

When couples aspire to start a family, they often hesitate to cut corners on expenses as it is considered the most precious and fulfilling endeavor they can undertake together.

However, it’s vital to be able to have a plan and anticipate any setback that may generate complications in any of its members, as well as affect the emotional and economic stability of its members.

Therefore, even though there are several surrogacy choices, it is essential to exercise caution and consider the entire panorama beyond solely focusing on selecting a destination with the most attractive prices. It is crucial to assess which option presents the optimal opportunities for fulfilling the cherished aspiration of starting a family.