Many Chinese families have spent the last two years being"New Policy on Surrogacy in Georgia"I've been scared over and over again: some say "a total ban on surrogacy for foreigners from 2024", while others say "it's still possible, it's just a tight wind".Is it still possible to go or not? How risky is it? Will the money and time go down the drain?This article will start with the real progress of the Georgia bill and then extend to the alternative destination countries, laws and fees to clarify the pitfalls and straighten out the path of maneuver.
I. Status of surrogacy in Georgia: can foreigners still go to Georgia for surrogacy under the new policy in 2025?
Did Georgia's Surrogacy Ban Really Pass? Explaining the effective date of the latest bill
Give the answer first:Georgia as of 2025-10-20The bill "prohibiting surrogacy for foreigners" is not in force., foreign intended parents can still conduct commercial surrogacy locally, but the possibility exists that the policy will be advanced again and will need to be dynamically evaluated. The chain of evidence is set out below:
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- 2023-06-12The Prime Minister of Georgia announced that from 2024-01-01 only Georgian citizens would be allowed to use surrogacy/IVF and that related advertising would be banned (at that time it was only a government proposal).
- 2024-01-15The bill to tighten surrogacy and in vitro fertilization was withdrawn before its third reading, Georgian media reported.It did not go through the third reading process, and naturally it did not enter into force.The
- Industry and Law Firms 2024-2025The update also repeatedly states that proposals have been discussed but no legislation has been enacted as of 2025.Programs for foreigners continue to operateThe
Much of the proliferation of "banned as of 2024" statements on the Internet stems from the fact that the proposed direction announced by the Government has been taken to be in effect. In terms of legislative technique, for a ban to come into effect in Georgia, multiple rounds of voting and signing would need to be completed, and there is no authoritative record of this process being completed.
To make it easier for you to see the progress at a glance, I've made a table of the key nodes:
| point in time (math.) | event | actual state | Impact on judgement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-06-12 | Government announces plan to limit use of surrogacy/IVF to citizens only from 2024-01-01 and ban advertising | Proposals only | Market expectations turned tighter as institutions and households turned to the sidelines. |
| 2024-01-15 | Bill withdrawn before third reading in Parliament | Not adopted, not in force | Foreigner programs may continue, but regulatory winds are conservative. |
| 2024-2025 | Multiple attorney/industry side update: external surrogacy still viable | Still available | It is recommended that a "change of policy clause" be included in the contract. |
Exploring the reasons for policy change: from "European wombs" to strict limits
Why is there a trend towards "banning"? Behind it are several overlapping forces:
- Ethics and Human Trafficking Concerns:In announcing the proposal, the official said bluntly that it was necessary to "protect surrogate mothers and children, and prevent cross-border trafficking and gray adoptions". The media has long been concerned about the structural problems of "low cost, cross-border intermediaries, and pressure on vulnerable women".
- Industry Chaos and Public Opinion Shock:Calls for "legislation" have been amplified by the tightening of offline recruitment of foreign surrogacy agents in Georgia following the exposure of the investigative story "Baby Broker Project".
- Conservatization of domestic politics:In the past two years, legislation and public opinion on LGBTQ issues have tightened, and social issues have become more conservative, indirectly affecting the legislative climate for provisions such as "permissible targets" and "advertising.
That's why you'll see the headline "Banned" on the Chinese web--Tightening political winds + media headlines + self-protective rhetoric from organizations that easily turn "proposals" into "decisions"The
The heart of the new legislation: which groups are affected?
Although the "foreigner ban" is not in force, the current rules are not open to everyone, and the draft has made clear the direction in which they may be tightened - here, "provisions already in force" and "direction of the draft" are not to be confused: the "provisions already in force" are not to be confused with the "direction of the draft". The terms "provisions already in force" and "direction of the draft" are not to be confused:
1. Existing implemented (implementable) core points
- Heterosexual couples only(single, same-sex couples are not accepted) and need to have been married or in stable cohabitation for at least one year - an enhanced registration/vetting requirement from 2020.
- The attribution of parental authority is clear:Birth certificates are written directly to the parents, and surrogate mothers have no parental rights; this is a key legal advantage that makes Georgia a favored destination for many cross-border families.
2. "Draft directions" not yet in force
- Restriction of services toCitizens of Georgia(i.e. foreigners are not allowed to do commercial surrogacy/IVF locally);
- lose one's way"Altruistic" surrogacy: Reimbursement of only necessary expenses, prohibition of commercialized remuneration;
- advertising banStrengthening of institutional regulation.
The "state of the art" of costs and markets
Industry quotes (still updated online in 2025) show that: turnkey $50,000-75,000The maximum reimbursement for surrogate mothers is approximately $30,000; this is a realistic anchor point for us to judge the budget and funding arrangements.
Conclusion:It can be done, but it has to be done with the caveat of "tightening at any time". It is important to embed an "Alternative Performance/Refund Clause for Policy Changes" in the contract period and to prepare for parallel destinations (alternatives and diversion paths for the United States, Central Asia, etc. will be developed in the series below).
A quick look at the price of surrogacy in Georgia
| sports event | Range (USD) | clarification |
|---|---|---|
| Lump sum (including surrogate compensation, medical, legal, etc.) | 50,000 - 75,000 | Institutions/programs varied widely, with whether or not they carried their own embryos/supplied eggs being the main factor. |
| Surrogate compensation | economize 30,000 | If they move to "altruism", they may only be reimbursed for their costs in the future. |
II. How do families already surrogating in Georgia cope with sudden policy changes?
1. Is the Georgia surrogacy contract still valid? Does the "grandfather clause" apply?
As of today (2025-10-20), the "ban on surrogacy for foreigners" in Georgia is only a proposal/policy direction at the governmental level.No official text of the law has been seen to have completed its third reading and entered into forceThe current legal framework still recognizes the intended parents as legal parents at the time of birth registration (surrogate mothers do not have parental rights) and issues birth certificates accordingly [source of law from the Georgian Health Code/Healthcare Law on Assisted Reproduction and longstanding practice]. This means that there is still room for you to continue to honor the contract you have signed under current law, but be ready to assess what happens "if the proposal is re-advanced and passed."
Why are there still rumors of "banning/banned"? 2023-06-12 The Prime Minister's public statement that he will restrict the use of surrogacy and IVF by foreigners, and that a draft has been sent to Parliament, has triggered reprints and secondary interpretations in the global media; however, this kind ofPolicy pronouncements ≠ laws in forceCivil.ge's press release of the day clearly documents the factual sequence of "Prime Minister's statement + draft sent for review", making it easy to distinguish it from "adopted".
Key points under the current law:Assisted reproduction and surrogacy are legal, birth registration is directly addressed to the parents and the surrogate mother/provider is not included in the birth certificate; all that is required for the process is a compliant surrogacy agreement + transplant certificate + hospital birth certificate. This is the path of "registration as a right", which has been steadily implemented in Georgia for a long time.
Does a grandfather clause protect your contract?
What is a grandfather clause:New laws usually provide for grandfathering or transitional arrangements for pre-existing relationships/contracts, so that the "old rules" continue to apply to a certain extent. In many countries, as well as in Georgia's own recent legislation (e.g., the transition and application period discussion in the FARA controversy), you can see the technical design of the transition in terms of "whether or not to apply retroactively," "when to apply," but whether or not to apply retroactively. "However, whether or not exemptions are granted and how much time is given depends on the specific provisions of the law.
Realistic judgment:There is no official text of a "surrogacy ban law", let alone a published "surrogacy grandfather clause".Don't speculate on exemptions; your response is to put"Change of Law - Dismissal/Referral - Refund/Substitution of Performance"Write in contracts, retroactively sign riders, and make sure that if the new law passes, you have a legal and financial fallback.
Surrogacy contract checklist (check each item immediately)
- Jurisdiction/applicable law
Georgian law is clearly applicable and the place of dispute resolution (court or arbitration) is clear.Risk Points and Suggested Changes. If only "amicable agreement" is written, add arbitration/court jurisdiction as soon as possible to avoid getting stuck.
- Policy change clause
The emergence of "alternative performance/refund mechanisms in the event that a change in the law prevents the performance of a contract".Risk Points and Suggested Changes. Write the refundable portion of the fee list, the point at which the fee is refunded, and the upper limit of the transfer fee.
- Funds custody/payment rhythm
Medical bills/surrogate reimbursement is tied to milestones and verifiable by the custodian.Risk Points and Suggested Changes. Avoid "large upfront payments" and tie milestones to clinical outcomes.
- Embryos and data migration
Clarify that embryos/biological materials can be exported in accordance with the law (clinics cooperate in issuing proof of compliance).Risk Points and Suggested Changes. Acceptance letter from the Prepared Cross-Country Cold Chain & Alternate Destination Clinic.
- Parental authority and birth registration
The process of writing the birth certificate directly to the parents is undertaken by the agency/attorney.Risk Points and Suggested Changes. Attach a list of required documents with timeframes (transplant certificates, birth certificates, etc.).
Summary:Contracts are not amulets, but they can be turned into "bumpers" - transferring the force of the "new law shock" to costs, processes, and milestones, so that the worst-case scenarios can be reversed in an orderly manner.
2、Three things you must do: immediately contact a lawyer, intermediary and assess the risk
- Connect with a Local Georgia Reproductive Law Attorney Now
To-do list: have lawyer review contract + draft supplemental agreement (change of law clauses, refund/referral mechanism), check full birth registration process (documents, point in time, civil registry window), assess cross-border return path (required for paternity test/notarization/certification). Authoritative industry guides also recommend the involvement of lawyers familiar with local reproductive law throughout the process, rather than relying solely on agency legal counsel. - Breaking down "timelines and deliverables" with agencies/clinics
Align the three timelines: Ovulation/transfer program - Weeks of gestation - Birth certificate issuance; write down the materials, responsible parties, and backup plans for each point in the project Gantt chart (even if it is in Excel). Check the birth registration documents: compliant surrogacy agreement, embryo transfer certificate, hospital birth certificate; these are the three pieces of the "birth certificate that says you are the parents". - Make a version of the quantitative "risk-action" checklist
| risk scenario | trigger signal | Something you need to do right away. | Target time frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second/third reading of bills to speed up | Scheduling occurs in official media/parliamentary sites | Attorney issues supplemental agreement; communicates with intermediary for referral offer; locks in alternate country clinic acceptance letter | Within 72 hours |
| Tightened regulation of advertising/intermediation | Agency notification of "publicity stop/window change" | Let the institution confirm that the window for birth registration and the list of materials remain unchanged; written commitment | Within 48 hours |
| Advancement of surrogate mothers during pregnancy | 12, 24, 32 week nodes | Scheduling birth registration + paternity certificate documents preparation list; advance appointment for notarization/certification | 2 weeks before the node |
| Embryos still in Georgia | Discussion of new law heats up | Initiation of pre-assessment for cross-border transfer of embryos (licensing, cold chain, receiving clinic) | 7-10 days |
The underlying logic of these three steps is:Contract underwriting + no change in window + path backupThe three pieces of the puzzle are the most important ones. As long as these three pieces are "nailed down", the material losses caused by policy fluctuations will be significantly reduced.
A minimalist checklist for those of you "on the go".
- Get the contract and additional agreements done and detailed (governing law, variance clauses, refunds/transfers, escrow of funds).
- Get your registration three-piece suite ready ahead of time:Surrogacy agreement, embryo transfer certificate, hospital birth certificate- - One without the other.
- Make a transfer plan: prefer two locations (e.g., a U.S. state/Kazakhstan), implement receiving clinics and cost ranges; if the new law moves forward, complete key points (transplant or registration) in the vacuum before the vote.
- Lawyer on-site: having a local reproductive law attorney "keep an eye on the process" is not an optional cost, it isInsurance to reduce uncertaintyThe
3、Exclusive countermeasures for Chinese intending parents: an all-around guide from visa to settling children back in China
Set the pace first:Entry into the country - birth registration - cross-border validity of documents - embassy documents - return to the country to settle downIf you don't miss a step, you will be able to run through the key chain of "Georgian surrogates returning to the country to settle down". Since From May 28, 2024, visa-free access for Chinese and Georgian passports has come into effect.In addition, a single stay of 30 days, not exceeding a total of 90 days in any 180-day period; beyond that, a visa must be obtained, which leaves a wider window of maneuver for delivering babies in the country and for obtaining documents.
Georgian surrogate babies returning home: the surest "chain of evidence"
After a birth in Georgia, the hospital electronically reports the birth information to the Public Service System (PSDA) under the Ministry of Justice, which in turn completes the registration of the birth and issues a birth certificate by the Public Service Hall/Civil Registry - a longstanding standard process in the country. You just have to keep an eye on it:Issuance of birth medical information from the hospital, legalized surrogacy/paternity documents, and an appointment at the registration windowThe
When you get your birth certificate, remember to doHague Certification (Apostille)Since China has officially recognized the Hague Convention since 2023-11-07, the documents of Georgia and other contracting countries can be used in China with only Apostille, and no longer go through the "double authentication". This step will significantly shorten your return period.
Next, you can apply for your baby's passport or travel certificate at the Chinese Embassy in Georgia. Nowadays, it is common to submit, interview and collect the passport online through the "Chinese Consular" APP; for the first time to apply for a passport under the age of 16, you can upload your parents' identity documents and guardianship documents on the APP according to the notice of the Embassy, and the Embassy will ask for additional documents online if necessary.
Final settlement in the home country: With the Chinese translation of the birth certificate after the Apostille, the parents' ID/marriage documents, follow the rules of "registration of babies born abroad" at the police station in the place of household registration. The core logic is:Validity of the instrument + clarity of paternity/custody factsThe
Misunderstandings about nationality and "return documents"
Do not interpret "born in Georgia" to mean that the place of birth automatically confers Georgian citizenship. Georgia is predominantlydescentismAs a rule, the birth of a child in Georgia to foreign parents does not automatically confer Georgian citizenship (except in a few special cases, such as statelessness, where this is not the case). Therefore, babies from Chinese families usually follow the path of Chinese documents.
On the Chinese side, according to Article 5 of the Nationality Law, if both or one of the parents is a Chinese citizen, the child born abroad will in principle have Chinese nationality; however, if "the parents have settled abroad and the child is born with the nationality of another country", the child will not have Chinese nationality. You will have to tell the Embassy whether your parents are "settled abroad" or not, in order to choose the route of application for a passport or a travel certificate.
Impact of Policy Changes on Chinese Households and Financial Planning
Mutual visa exemption makes it easier for you to enter the country, but the duration of your stay is still a hard constraint: rationalize the timeline of "due date - registration - Apostille - embassy certificate", try to parallel the links that can be parallel, and book an appointment in advance if you can. The advantage of Apostille is that there is less errands to run and the time limit is fast, usually a few days to get it, and the translator should be a qualified translator to avoid the return of the document due to the translation of the name and date is wrong.
In terms of costs, don't just focus on the "package price", but also include: translation and notarization fees, Apostille fees, stay in the country and round-trip airfare, and embassy document fees. These are not the big ones, but they are the ones that will affect whether you will be able to return to your home country on time or not. Include"Expedited Premium"Setting aside (e.g., expedited certifications, expedited interviews) can often be done to close the loop within a single 30-day stay.
Choosing a reliable Georgian surrogacy agency and communicating efficiently: the three-question approach
- Q1: Jurisprudential closure--Ask for written instructions on how to ensure that the birth registration directly states the intended parents, a list of required documents, and alternative routes and timeframes for failures or replacements (make it clear which Public Service Hall window and who is responsible for running the paperwork). This step determines whether you will be able to get a birth certificate that is "Apostille-ready and can be used in China".
- Q2: Cross-border availability--Let the intermediary give the operation details of Apostille+Translation with the verification link; and check that the caliber is the same as that of the Embassy's on-line application, and how to deal with the replacement documents (the APP will prompt for the replacement materials within the order).
- Q3: Timing and preplanning--- Ask the program manager to give a backward schedule from the due date: day of birth-registration-apostille-delivery-certificate pickup-return trip and who is present at each step, who is missing, and how to cover the bases. What to do if you exceed the 30-day limit? Communicate in advance whether to change the visa or apply for the appropriate visa, don't panic only when the time comes.
III. The post-Georgian era: what other countries, besides Georgia, have legalized surrogacy?
After Georgia "tightened the floodgates", many Chinese families are in the same dilemma: how to do overseas surrogacy, money will not go down the drain, the next stop where to go which country surrogacy is more stable? Don't worry, the following I put the current mainstreamLegal surrogacy countriesThe legal clarity, applicable population, cost range and the reality of the risk of smooth combing, to help you take a detour, to avoid stepping on the pit.
1. New trends in the global surrogacy market
Trend 1: Regulations are "clearer and more expensive," but with greater peace of mind.
Surrogacy in the United StatesIt remains the destination with the thickest "legal moat," dominated by state law, well-established jurisprudence, and positive developments in recent years (e.g., Michigan's decriminalization of paid surrogacy in 2024, which completes the last piece of the puzzle), so it is generally predictable, but expensive.
Trend 2: The rise of Central Asian newcomers.
Kyrgyzstan adopted a new Law on Public Health Protection in 2024, which includes "assisted reproduction and surrogacy" in the basic law system, and the text applies to all persons in Kyrgyzstan.National and foreign residentsIt also defines "surrogacy agreement" (notarized and enforceable). This is quickly becoming a new "legal + affordable" option, but the specifics of how it will work for foreign parents who are in the country for a short period of time must be verified by lawyers and practical exercises.
Trend 3: Kazakhstan is more like the "old mid-range".
The official eGov has long been open about the terms and conditions of surrogacy and contractual elements, and the common practice is that surrogacy is only open to medically indicated married heterosexual couples, and the process is relatively stable; however, the acceptance of expatriates and singles/homosexuals has been dominated by institutional publicity and a more cautious official tone.
Trend 4: Eastern Europe's "value for money" is eaten up by geopolitical risks.
Surrogacy by married heterosexuals (including foreigners) is still legally permitted in Ukraine, but the war poses practical risks (contingency plans for entry and exit, production, and registration), while a moratorium on surrogacy for foreigners was proposed (but did not materialize), and public opinion on the policy is facing vacillations.
Trend 5: Clear "red line countries".
From December 2022Russia explicitly bans surrogacy by foreigners in Russiaand only women of Russian nationality may act as surrogate mothers -There's no need to test this red line.. But it can be done byRussian IVF + Kyrgyz surrogacy (joint program)In addition, you can enjoy the advanced IVF technology in Russia, as well as legal and cost-effective surrogacy.
My overall judgment:
Legal soundness is preferred (especially when settling in your home country and going through customs), and if the budget permits, you would rather go for the "expensive but sound" option.Surrogacy in the United States; if shifted to emerging markets:Surrogacy in KyrgyzstanThe Kazakhstani surrogate, who must be"Legal text + local counsel's opinion"Triple calibration as a condition for going live.
2. United States, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan: a bite-sized reading of policies and costs
How to choose? Let's start by looking at four dimensions: the applicable population, the legal path, the cost range, and the practical difficulties.
U.S. surrogacy: expensive, but "legal security" ceiling
- Applicable Population:Most friendly states host heterosexual/same-sex/singles; depending on state law (e.g., California, Illinois, Colorado, New York, etc. are all supportive states; in 2024 Michigan eliminated its old law banning paid surrogacy).
- Legal Path:Most supportive states can make pre-/post-birth orders (pre/post-birth orders), with a mature process and a well-developed ecosystem of lawyers.
- Cost range:economize$100,000-$140,000A common landing range, up to $250,000+ in some cases (strongly correlated with whether or not eggs are donor, multiple births, insurance, etc.).
- Reality Difficulty:High cost, delicate cycle management, uncertainty about insurance and newborn costs; however, children born in the U.S. are generally entitled to citizenship by birth (14th Amendment), and despite administrative controversy and litigation in 2025, the courts have repeatedly upheld the status quo of "citizenship by birth," which remains friendly to international parents.
Recommended Reading:Ranking of Surrogacy Agencies in the United States in 2025
Surrogacy in Kyrgyzstan: new policies and clear laws
- Applicable Population:The new law of 2024 incorporates third-party assisted reproduction into the framework of fundamental rights, and its provisions apply to citizens and foreign residents in the country; in addition to married couples, the market is generally claimed to be open to singles and LGBT people.
- Legal Path:The notarized surrogacy contract is the centerpiece, clarifying the rights and responsibilities of each party; birth registration and establishment of paternity are carried out in accordance with the practice of the local authorities and courts.
- Cost range:economize$70,000-$100,000The market offer is more common (it varies a lot between packages, with or without egg supply, and with or without "pass").
- Reality Difficulty:New system, differences in civil registration and border control practices in different regions; short-term entry of foreign parents to carry out projects and subsequent documentation, requiring lawyers + hospital +Kyrgyz Surrogacy AgencyThe tripartite process of planning "birth certificates, paternity tests and the authentication of documents in The Hague".
A more detailed Gilchrist surrogacy program can be accessed:Kyrgyz Surrogacy Prices + Detailed Surrogacy Process Tips
Surrogacy in Kazakhstan: more "conservative" group restrictions
- Applicable Population:Surrogacy is permitted by law and contracts are regulated; the prevailing interpretation is that it is only open to medically indicated married heterosexual couples, and same/single people are mostly excluded (whether or not to accept foreign nationals is up to the agency and local compliance caliber).
- Legal Path:Written surrogacy contract + execution by the medical institution, birth registration can be done on the basis of the contract with the doctor's outcome document.
- Cost range:economize60,000-80,000 dollarsQuotes for common business (including medical, surrogate compensation, legal and administrative fees, etc.).
- Reality Difficulty:Details of the application of foreign nationality and the landing of parental rights need to be checked in advance; there is a "temperature difference" between the publicity of some organizations and the official cautious caliber, and it is recommended that the government's eGov article and the opinions of lawyers be used as a guideline.
Tip:With limited budgets but seeking "legal clarity" and "hospital strength," Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan is the place where many people are evacuating from Georgia."Preferred option". But both places need stronger document compliance and cross-departmental running capabilities.
3. Vigilance! Policy Changes and Real Risks in Ukraine, Russia, and Other Countries
Ukrainian surrogacy::
(a) Jurisprudence still permits paid gestational surrogacy by married heterosexuals (including foreigners), parental authority is established by, inter alia, article 123 of the Family Code, and there is an established practice in the path to birth registration; however.War brings real uncertainty-From the medical safety of the surrogate mother during pregnancy, to the transportation options at the time of delivery, to border documentation and flight variables, a Plan B is needed. At the same time, restrictions on foreign surrogacy were envisioned during the war (a phased moratorium/tightening), and while no legislation has been enacted, public opinion and law enforcement resilience are evolving and must be dynamically assessed.
Russian surrogacy:
Legislation has been introduced to prohibit surrogacy in Russia by foreigners as of December 2022, which only allows Russian women to act as surrogate mothers and under certain conditions; Russia is no longer an option for Chinese families.
United States-Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan comparison
| destination (location) | Legal Clarity & Applicable Population (Core Caliber) | Typical total cost (USD) | Key risk points |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States of America | Pro-state ecological maturity; more expat/single/same-sex friendly (state differences); Michigan decriminalizes paid surrogacy by 2024 | 100,000-140,000 (some 250,000+) | High costs, fluctuating insurance and newborn costs; however, birthplace citizenship is still currently protected by the courts |
| Kyrgyzstan | New 2024 law legalizes third-party assisted reproduction; text applies to national and foreign residents in the country; market claims to be single/LGBT-friendly (lawyer verification recommended) | 70,000-100,000 (packages vary widely) | New system, registration practices to be validated; strong reliance on cross-sectoral coordination |
| Kazakhstan | Regulatory sophistication; usually limited to married heterosexuals + medical indications; cautious about foreign landings | 60,000-80,000 | Officials and marketing campaigns are lukewarm; lawyers are needed to put "birth registration + parental rights on the ground" on the list |
(The above fees are open market quoted ranges, fluctuating with hospital protocols, donor egg/multiple births/insurance, etc. is the norm, so please refer to the written list of attorneys and agencies in your possession.)
At the end of the day: how to turn the "information gap" into a "margin of safety"
- Triple calibration:You can't have one without the other: a legal text (government/legal) + a written opinion from a local lawyer + a written procedure from a hospital/civil registry office. This is much more reliable than listening to "word of mouth" from your circle of friends.
- Let's start with "exit mechanisms":How are contract refunds/transfer programs/embryo transfers enforced if interrupted by policy or geographic factors? Write it into the contract with a timeline + liability for breach of contract.
- Use facts, not imagination, to make decisions:The "expensive but stable" bone of the United States, the "new but clean" excitement of Kyrgyzstan, and the "old but conservative" reality of Kazakhstan are all on the table. Spending money on stability is often the most cost-effective investment in cross-border births.
IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it still allowed to go to Georgia for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 2025?
Short answer:It is still being done, but there is uncertainty about policy re-advancement.
Long answer:2023 Georgia's Prime Minister publicly proposes to restrict the use of surrogacy and IVF by foreigners from 2024-01-01 and announces that he will send the draft to Parliament; this is reported in various international and local media, but it is"Policy direction", is not a law that has entered into force.
As we enter 2024-2025, there is no official announcement of the law coming into force; on the contrary, in recent months, some local Georgian law firms and organizations have made it clear that commercial surrogacy/IVF for foreigners is still in operation under the current framework, but that there is a tightening of the policy and that we need to follow the parliamentary developments closely. There are also service providers who say that "the bill has not been passed and the rules have not changed yet". This means:It can be done, but be sure to nail down contractual "change clauses" and transfer plans first.
Operational Recommendations:Get a written opinion from a local Georgia reproductive law attorney and include a clear path in the contract "if legislation comes into effect → refund/alternative performance/embryo transfer";Don't treat agency web pages as legal texts.The above approach reduces uncertainty to a manageable level.
2. How much does a surrogate child in Georgia really cost? What are the cost components?
Realistic range (using 2024-2025 public offer as reference):economize 45,000-70,000 dollarsIt's a common "all-inclusive program" landing point, with individual "guaranteed plans/multiple attempts" or programs with high-end egg donor and complication insurance going higher. A number of agency pages that have been updated in recent months give ranges and compositions that are broadly in line with each other:
- Surrogate compensation is usually in $25,000-$30,000Up and down;
- Medical expenses (ovulation, retrieval, implantation, pregnancy tests, delivery, etc.), medicines, legal and translation, coordination and administration fees together make up the bulk of the remainder;
- Some programs break up egg donation/PGT, complication insurance, and neonatal NICU costs into optional items, so ask ahead of time if they are included.
You'll see lower or higher advertised prices (e.g., 40k+ or 70k+ for "all-inclusive/multiple attempts"), which are influenced by factors such as: whether they carry their own embryos, egg donor population and channels, inclusion of multiple attempts and surrogacy allowance tiers, inclusion of delivery and neonatal costs, and agency premiums. Be sure to ask the service provider to itemize and put the refund conditions into enforceable terms.
3. Where is the future of Georgia's surrogacy industry headed?
Three judgments can be made with a straight face:
- The direction of policy "tightening" remains unchanged. Since 2023, there have been several signals at the government level to tighten commercial surrogacy/IVF for foreigners (even discussing a shift to "altruistic, national citizens only") for reasons ranging from ethical and human trafficking risks to spillover from commercialization of the industry. Although no law has yet come into effect, this "political wind" is still blowing.
- Regional spillovers continue. Geopolitical changes in Russia and Ukraine and Russia's 2022 ban on foreign surrogacy continue to divert demand to Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and the U.S. Ukraine still legally permits surrogacy for married heterosexuals, but wartime uncertainty, public opinion, and law enforcement have become more elastic. The industry is more of a "policy-mobile" flex industry.
- "Compliance transparency" was mentioned more frequently. Many local organizations and law firms have begun to emphasize contractual compliance, registration paths, proof of paternity, and other details, which is a "market self-correction" signal: whoever can provide a clear legal closure will have a better future.
My position:Don't bet on regulation.If budget permits, prioritize jurisdictions with more legal certainty (e.g., the United States, Kyrgyzstan, both countries); if still looking at Georgia, use "Legal text + written opinion of counsel + actual window process of registration/certification"Triple calibration for certainty.
