The excitement of growing your family through surrogacy often comes with a long list of questions, starting with where your journey should take place. 

Every country has its own laws, medical standards, eligibility requirements, and costs – so the best country for surrogacy looks different for every family.

Some welcome international intended parents with open arms, while others limit who can participate based on marital status, sexual orientation, medical background, citizenship, and age.

For many intended parents, the decision can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we partnered with Shaun Thomas, The Surrogacy Father – the UK and Europe’s leading independent surrogacy consultant. As a trusted voice in the surrogacy community, Shaun has guided countless intended parents through this life-changing process, helping families worldwide navigate the legal, medical, and emotional complexities of surrogacy.

In this guide, we’re sharing Shaun’s expert insights to help you choose the best surrogacy destination for your family and take your next step with clarity and confidence.

Meet The Surrogacy Father

Shaun Thomas, The Surrogacy Father, is one of the most respected and sought-after independent international surrogacy consultants. More importantly, he’s a proud dad to three beautiful children born through egg donation and surrogacy in Colombia.

His surrogacy journey with his partner, Paul, was one of love, resilience, and an unwavering determination to realize their dreams of parenthood. While the experience was life-changing, it wasn’t without challenges.

Shaun understands firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate surrogacy without the right guidance. From complex laws and regulations to choosing the right agency and managing the emotional ups and downs, it’s not always an easy journey.

The Surrogacy Father was created from Shaun’s personal experience to give intended parents the kind of honest, transparent support he wished he’d had.

Today, he walks hand in hand with families through every step of the surrogacy journey to provide them with the guidance and resources they deserve.

With a Master’s in Pharmacy and over a decade of clinical practice, Shaun brings a unique medical, ethical, and practical perspective to his work. His commitment to safe, ethical, and inclusive surrogacy keeps him deeply connected to the international fertility community, where he works closely with leading agencies, clinics, and legal experts.

Through his lived experience, medical expertise, and global connections, Shaun knows exactly what to look for when choosing a surrogacy destination – and what intended parents should keep in mind before making such an important decision.

How to Choose the Best Country for Surrogacy

Choosing a surrogacy destination can feel complex and overwhelming. There’s far more to consider than simply the cost or convenience of traveling to that country.

The good news is that by focusing on a few key factors, you can quickly narrow down your options, rule out countries that aren’t a fit, and identify those that align with your family’s needs.

When comparing countries for surrogacy, The Surrogacy Father recommends looking at these key factors:

Basic Legal Status

Understand whether surrogacy is legal in that country, and if so, whether it’s regulated or unregulated. This will quickly help you determine if the destination is worth exploring further.

Inclusivity

Not every country is open to all types of intended parents – eligibility may depend on marital status, sexual orientation, or nationality. It’s essential to choose a country where you’ll feel welcome and supported.

Legal Rights

Ensure the country’s laws protect you and your surrogate before, during, and after birth. Without clear protections, you could face legal disputes, delays in establishing parentage, or challenges bringing your baby home.

Surrogate Care

The most ethical destinations have surrogacy agencies that prioritize the surrogate’s health, dignity, and emotional well-being, ensuring she is treated with the care and respect she deserves.

High Medical Standards

Look for advanced fertility clinics and specialists with a strong track record in surrogacy, ensuring you have access to safe, effective, and reliable medical care throughout the process.

Language and Communication

Consider whether you and your surrogate, medical team, and legal representatives can communicate easily. Working with bilingual professionals can prevent misunderstandings and ensure you feel informed and supported throughout the process.

Post-Birth Legal Process

Understand the process and requirements for establishing parental rights and obtaining the documents you’ll need to bring your baby home before signing contracts. Delays in obtaining legal documents and passports could have an impact on work commitments and timelines. 

Cost

Have a clear picture of the full financial commitment, including agency fees, medical expenses, surrogate compensation, legal services, travel, and post-birth requirements.

Shaun recommends budgeting an additional 15% to cover contingency costs, so there are no surprises along the way.

Timelines

Know the availability of the surrogacy agency and the expected timeframe from matching with your surrogate to completing the final legal steps. This will help you plan for travel, time away from home, and the overall pace of your journey.

By taking the time to compare these factors, you can quickly narrow your options and focus on destinations that align with your legal, medical, ethical, and personal priorities.

5 Surrogacy Destinations to Have On Your List 

To help you understand your options, we turned to Shaun for his expert insight on some of the best countries for surrogacy today.

While there are many destinations to choose from, here are five countries with an excellent combination of the key factors we listed above:

• Legal, safe, and inclusive
• Surrogates are treated with respect
• Intended parents’ rights are protected
• Supportive frameworks
• Quality medical care
• Ethical practices

Starting with one of the most popular countries that supports LGBTQIA+ paths to parenthood…  

Colombia

The vibrant country of Colombia has become a leading surrogacy destination. Its affordability, advanced medical care, and supportive legal and cultural environment make it an appealing choice for many families.

It was also the perfect place for Shaun and Paul to welcome all three of their children through surrogacy.

Key Points

• Legal Status: Gestational surrogacy is legal, but must be altruistic. There is no dedicated surrogacy law at present, but the practice is protected under the civil code. Draft legislation to formally regulate surrogacy is currently in progress.
• Eligibility: Open to heterosexual couples, same-sex male couples, and single intended fathers. At least one parent must be genetically related to the baby.
• Cost: Typically $75,000 – $85,000 USD for fixed-cost programs, including medical expenses, surrogate expenses , legal fees, and agency services. Shipped embryo programs are slightly lower, averaging $65,000 – $75,000 USD.
• Healthcare Coverage: Private health insurance covers the surrogate’s pregnancy, delivery, and any complications, with coverage extending to your baby after birth. Both have access to public healthcare, as the surrogate and baby are Colombian nationals. 
• Medical Standards: Known for top-tier fertility clinics and highly qualified medical professionals. Colombia ranks 22nd in the world for healthcare according to the World Health Organization.
• Birth Certificate Process: Surrogate is automatically listed at birth alongside the intended father. A court process is recommended to remove the surrogate’s name from the birth certificate.
• Post-Birth Timeline: Expect to stay 1-3 months after birth. The exact duration will depend on factors such as citizenship, visa requirements, and the time needed to obtain parentage orders and travel documents from your home country.

Pro Tip from The Surrogacy Father 

“In Colombia, egg donation is strictly anonymous. By law, intended parents cannot know the identity of the egg donor. If having a personal connection, photos, or ongoing relationship with your egg donor is important to you, Colombia may not be the right choice.” 

Canada

Canada is recognized as one of the most welcoming, ethical, and inclusive surrogacy destinations globally. Its strong legal protections, exceptional healthcare system, and commitment to surrogate well-being make it a trusted choice for intended parents around the world. 

Key Points

• Legal Status: Gestational and traditional surrogacy are legal and well-regulated, but must be altruistic. This ensures financial motivation is not the driving factor.
• Eligibility: Open to single intended parents and couples of any gender, sexual orientation, marital status, and nationality. 
• Cost: $75,000 – $90,000 USD for limited IVF cycles and embryo transfers, including clinical procedures, gamete donation (if needed), surrogate expenses, legal fees, and travel. 
• Healthcare Coverage: Surrogates’ pregnancy and delivery are covered under Canada’s public healthcare, but newborn health insurance is the parents’ responsibility.
• Medical Standards: Home to world-class fertility clinics and reproductive specialists with a top-ranked universal healthcare system.
• Birth Certificate Process: In most provinces, intended parents are listed directly on the birth certificate, while others require a post-birth parental order to confirm parentage.
• Post-Birth Process: Expect to say 4-6 weeks after birth.

Pro Tip from The Surrogacy Father

“In Canada, surrogates are motivated by altruism, not financial gain, creating a supportive environment. Matching times can be lengthy – often one to three years – and the responsibility falls on intended parents to proactively find, connect with, and nurture a relationship with a surrogate. Starting early and setting a realistic timeline will help manage expectations.”

Georgia

Georgia has become a well-known surrogacy destination for its clear legal framework, affordable costs, and efficient post-birth process.

While its laws are limited to married heterosexual couples and unmarried heterosexual couples who can demonstrate they have been in a committed relationship for at least one year, it offers a secure and straightforward path to parenthood for those who qualify.

Key Points

• Legal Status: Commercial and altruistic gestational surrogacy are legal and well-regulated. 
• Eligibility: Open to married heterosexual couples and unmarried heterosexual couples who have been in a committed relationship for at least one year. Intended parents must provide a medical reason for surrogacy, and at least one parent must be genetically related to the baby.
• Cost: $50,000 – $80,000 USD, including medical care, surrogate compensation, legal fees, and agency services.
• Healthcare Coverage: Both your surrogate and baby will need private health insurance. Make sure your agency provides coverage for the surrogate, and secure a separate plan for your baby.
• Medical Standards: Advanced reproductive technology and specialized IVF clinics, with modern medical facilities concentrated in the capital, Tbilisi.
• Birth Certificate Process: Both intended parents are listed directly on the birth certificate with no requirement for court proceedings in Georgia post birth.
• Post-Birth Process: Expect to stay anywhere between 3 and 10 weeks after birth, depending on how long it takes your home country to issue travel documents for your baby.

Pro Tip from The Surrogacy Father

“Many agencies operate in Georgia, so it’s important to choose one that carefully screens and recruits local Georgian women as surrogates to ensure ethical practices and support throughout your journey.”

Mexico

Mexico has emerged as one of the top choices for surrogacy, offering highly sought-after medical care, affordable programs, and an inclusive legal environment. Many intended parents are drawn to its supportive culture, availability of surrogates, and shorter matching times. 

Key Points

• Legal Status: Commercial and altruistic surrogacy are legal but must be gestational. 
• Eligibility: Open to all types of intended parents regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or nationality. This includes single intended mothers and those requiring double donation surrogacy.  
• Cost: $70,000 – $90,000 USD, including medical expenses, legal fees, surrogate care and compensation, and agency fees. 
• Healthcare Coverage: With no national healthcare, your surrogate and baby will need private coverage. Confirm that your agency insures the surrogate, and arrange separate coverage for your baby.
• Medical Standards: Advanced medical facilities with impressive success rates, cutting-edge reproductive technology, and top-tier specialists.
• Birth Certificate Process: In many states, intended parents are listed directly on the birth certificate. Others require a court order that can take 4-6 weeks. 
• Post-Birth Process: Expect to stay 1-2 months for post-birth documentation.

Pro Tip from The Surrogacy Father

“Surrogacy practices in Mexico vary by state, and only a few regions have a clear legal framework. Before committing, ensure your agency and surrogate are based in a surrogacy-friendly state, and that your agency’s lawyers or your independent lawyer have proven experience navigating the local courts. This helps prevent unexpected legal challenges and delays after birth.”

United States

The United States is considered the gold standard for surrogacy, offering one of the most supportive, inclusive, and ethical legal frameworks in the world. While it is the most expensive destination, its surrogacy-friendly states provide clear legal protections, world-class medical care, and highly screened surrogates, making it a trusted choice for families worldwide.

Key Points

• Legal Status: Surrogacy laws vary by state. Most allow both altruistic and commercial gestational surrogacy with strong legal protections, while few restrict or prohibit it.
• Eligibility: Varies by state, but many surrogacy-friendly states are open to single intended parents and couples of any gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or nationality.
• Cost: $150,000 – $225,000 USD, including surrogate compensation, medical care, legal services, and agency fees. Costs can vary depending on the state, program, and number of IVF cycles. 
• Healthcare Coverage: Intended parents are responsible for both the surrogate’s and the newborn’s health insurance.
• Medical Standards: Home to some of the world’s most advanced fertility clinics and specialists, offering leading technology and consistently high success rates.
• Birth Certificate Process: In surrogacy-friendly states, intended parents are often listed directly on the birth certificate. In other states, a post-birth adoption or parentage process may be required.
• Post-Birth Process: Expect to stay 2-4 weeks after birth, though legal timelines vary by state.

Pro Tip from The Surrogacy Father

“If your budget allows, go to the US. It is the most robust destination for surrogacy thanks to its strong legal protections and high ethical standards. Keep in mind, though, that any child born there will automatically receive US citizenship – along with lifelong tax filing obligations, including reporting worldwide income and foreign financial accounts, regardless of where you reside.”

The Right Team Makes All the Difference

No matter which country you choose, one thing remains the same – having the right people by your side shapes your surrogacy journey. From expert guidance to safe, reliable transport of your reproductive cells, the right team can help you take each step with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Your Surrogacy Team

Your surrogacy agency, legal team, and, most importantly, your independent surrogacy consultant form the core of your support network.

Having an independent international surrogacy consultant is invaluable for intended parents because they offer unbiased, transparent advice tailored to your exact needs. They help you navigate the complexities of surrogacy, from changing laws to cultural considerations. 

That’s where The Surrogacy Father comes in.

Dedicated to empowering intended parents, Shaun provides clear, impartial guidance and personalized support through every stage of your surrogacy journey. He works alongside trusted legal experts and reputable agencies worldwide to ensure your journey is legally compliant, ethically sound, and as smooth as possible – offering peace of mind, shorter timelines, and fewer unexpected costs.

His mission is simple: to give you the knowledge, resources, and reassurance you need to make confident decisions for your family’s future.

Your Cryo Transport Team

Whether you’re using your own embryos or donor gametes, safe transport is a critical piece of the surrogacy process. At CryoLogistics, we specialize in hand-carry cryogenic transport, personally escorting your reproductive cells from your home country to your surrogacy destination.

Our expert couriers closely monitor your cells at every stage from collection to delivery, ensuring they remain at a stable cryogenic temperature of -196°C (-321°F) throughout transit.

This level of personalized care not only protects your precious cargo but also gives you peace of mind knowing that one of the most essential parts of your journey is in safe, experienced hands.

With the right surrogacy team and the right cryo transport team, you can focus on what truly matters: bringing your baby home.

Step Into Surrogacy With Confidence

Choosing the best country for surrogacy is a deeply personal decision – one that depends on your unique needs, values, and circumstances. 

Because surrogacy laws and regulations are always evolving, having trusted guidance is essential. Shaun, The Surrogacy Father, stays on top of these changes to help you determine the best destination for your family’s journey.

With trusted partners like The Surrogacy Father and CryoLogistics, you can be confident you’ll have the support you deserve every step of the way. Wherever your journey leads, you’ll have experts by your side to safeguard your future and help you realize your dreams of parenthood.

To explore more surrogacy destinations or connect directly with Shaun, visit The Surrogacy Father or follow him on Instagram Facebook, LinkedIn, or TikTok. 

*Updated October 2025. Some information may have changed since this date.*