Your complete guide to safe, ethical and legal surrogacy abroad.

Every year, thousands of families choose international surrogacy to grow their family. Whether due to local legal restrictions, medical limitations, or long waiting times, many intended parents look abroad for safe, regulated, ethical programs that protect both their family and the surrogate.

At Nest & Co, we specialise in guiding intended parents through cross-border surrogacy, comparing countries, programs, and agencies so you can make confident, informed decisions — without pressure or bias.

What Is International Surrogacy?

International surrogacy is when intended parents pursue a surrogacy journey in a country different from their own.

This typically happens because:

• Surrogacy is illegal or restricted in the parents’ home country
  
• Domestic waiting lists are long
  
• Costs are significantly lower abroad
  
• LGBTQ+ individuals or single parents face local restrictions
  
• International destinations offer stronger or clearer legal protections
  
• Certain countries offer better IVF success rates
  

International surrogacy combines:

• Medical care in the destination country
  
• Legal processes in both countries
  
• Travel for birth and documentation
  
• Intercultural communication between all parties
  

It is complex — which is why specialised guidance is essential.

Why Choose International Surrogacy?

1. Legal clarity and parentage recognition

Some countries have clear, well-established surrogacy laws that fully protect intended parents.

2. Access to screened, qualified surrogates

Availability abroad can be faster and more reliable.

3. High-quality medical care

Destinations like the USA, Canada, Colombia, and Greece offer world-class fertility treatments.

4. LGBTQ+ inclusive pathways

Many international programs fully support gay couples, trans parents, and single LGBTQ+ individuals — even when their home countries do not.

5. More affordable options

Compared to the U.S., other countries may offer similar safety at lower total cost.

6. Faster matches

Some locations have shorter waiting lists due to higher surrogate availability.

Is International Surrogacy Legal?

Yes — but not in every country, and not for every family structure.

Legal frameworks differ widely:

• Some countries fully regulate and protect surrogacy (USA, Canada, Colombia).
• Some have some legal framework to protect IPs and Surrogates but don’t have a national law
  
• Some allow it only under strict conditions (Greece).
  
• Some permit surrogacy only domestically, not for foreigners.
  
• Many countries prohibit it entirely.
  

Your nationality, marital status, and family structure determine where you are legally eligible.

Nest & Co helps you understand:

• Where surrogacy is legal for YOU
  
• What parental rights look like
  
• What paperwork is required
  
• Which destinations you should avoid
  

Best Countries for International Surrogacy (2025)

Below is the overview used by top global experts. Nest & Co will personalise this list to each family.

🇺🇸 United States — Gold Standard

Pros:

• Strongest legal protection
  
• Pre-birth/post-birth orders
  
• LGBTQ+ friendly
  
• Top medical standards
  
• Experienced surrogates
  

Cons:

• Most expensive destination
  
• Long waiting time to be matched

Best for: families wanting maximum legal security.

🇨🇦 Canada — Altruistic & Ethical

Pros:

• High medical standards
  
• Strong legal frameworks
  
• LGBTQ+ friendly
  
• Ethical, altruistic model
  

Cons:

• Longer matching times
  

Best for: parents prioritising ethics and affordability.

🇨🇴 Colombia — Regulated & LGBTQ+ Inclusive

Pros:

• Legal for international + LGBTQ+ families
  
• Strong clinics
  
• Affordable compared to North America
  
• Faster matching
  

Cons:

• Regional variations in bureaucracy
  

Best for: European & Latin American intended parents.

🇲🇽 Mexico (Regulated States Only) — Growing, Affordable Option

Pros:

• Legal in certain states
  
• Lower costs
  
• LGBTQ+ friendly regions
  

Cons:

• Some states prohibited — expert guidance required
  

Best for: parents seeking affordable, ethical programs with legal structure.

🇬🇷 Greece — Legal for Heterosexual Couples

Pros:

• EU medical standards
  
• Strong legal process
  
• Good IVF results
  

Cons:

• Limited to straight couples
  
• Some residency/legal steps required
  

Best for: EU families looking for nearby options.

🇬🇪 Georgia — Regulated & Cost-Effective

Pros:

• Long-standing surrogacy laws (since 1997)

• Clear parental rights for intended parents

• Strong medical standards

• Lower cost than North America

• Fast matching and streamlined procedures

Cons:

• Only for married heterosexual couples

• Restricted for LGBTQ+ parents and single individuals

• Some documentation requirements vary by nationality

Best for: heterosexual couples seeking a regulated, affordable program with fast processes.

How International Surrogacy Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Consultation & Country Selection

You learn:

• Which countries you qualify for
  
• Legal frameworks
  
• Expected costs
  
• Matching timelines
  

You receive a personalised international surrogacy roadmap.

2. IVF & Embryo Creation

You may:

• Create embryos at home
  
• Transport embryos
  
• Create embryos abroad
  
• Use donor eggs or donor sperm
  

3. Surrogate Matching

Programs abroad match you with a medically and psychologically screened surrogate.

Matching considers:

• Communication preferences
  
• Legal expectations
  
• Values and lifestyle
  
• Number of embryos
  
• Contact preferences
  

4. Legal Agreements

You and the surrogate each receive independent legal counsel.

Contracts cover:

• Parental rights
  
• Medical decisions
  
• Compensation (if applicable)
  
• Birth plan
  
• Travel & logistics
  
• Surrogate wellbeing
  

5. Embryo Transfer

The surrogate undergoes a controlled IVF cycle and receives the embryo.

Single embryo transfer is recommended for safety.

6. Pregnancy

You receive:

• Regular updates
  
• Scan results
  
• Medical reports
  
• Video calls
  

Depending on the country, you may attend appointments in person.

7. Birth

You travel to the destination and are present at or near the birth.

The baby is handed directly to the intended parents, and the surrogate receives full postpartum care.

8. Parentage & Paperwork

Each country has its own process for:

• Birth certificates
  
• Court orders
  
• Passports
  
• Exit permits
  
• Citizenship documents
  

Nest & Co guides you step-by-step.

9. Returning Home

You remain in the destination country until all documents are completed (usually 4–12 weeks).

Nest & Co ensures parents feel secure, supported, and prepared.

International Surrogacy Costs

Costs vary by destination, legal structure, and medical needs

Nest & Co provides transparent, comparative cost breakdowns for each country and program.

Risks of International Surrogacy

International surrogacy is safe when done legally — but risky when not.

Risks of unregulated countries:

• No parental rights
  
• Surrogates not medically screened
  
• Illegal programs
  
• Birth certificate problems
  
• Travel delays
  
• Surrogate exploitation
  
• No medical oversight
  
• No legal protection
  

Nest & Co protects families from misinformation, unethical operators, and unsafe countries.

Why Work With Nest & Co for International Surrogacy?

✔ Independent, unbiased advice

We do NOT sell surrogacy programs or receive commission.

✔ Legal & medical clarity

We explain every country’s requirements for your specific nationality and situation.

✔ Safety-first approach

We only recommend ethical, regulated programs.

✔ Emotional support

We guide you through the emotional journey, not just logistics.

✔ Experience with LGBTQ+, single parents & international cases

You receive expert guidance tailored to your family.

✔ Support until you’re home with your baby

Not just until the birth — all the way through exit paperwork.