Opting for surrogacy presents a profound decision for couples in Japan. This transformative journey is recognized as a demanding process, testing the resolve and fortitude of those who dream of parenthood.
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.
Within this article, you will find a curated collection of the finest surrogacy destinations, focusing on those that provide greater affordability. The selection takes into consideration the advantages and disadvantages associated with each country.
1. Colombia
Colombia has garnered acclaim as a premier destination for surrogacy, lauded for its warm hospitality, convenient accessibility, and affordability. Family Aims, a respected international surrogacy agency, offers holistic support to prospective parents from Japan, managing all legal and medical procedures within Colombia. Their unwavering commitment to cost transparency ensures that expenses align with the agreed-upon budget, demonstrating their steadfast dedication to ensuring a seamless surrogacy experience.
Its great experience is also endorsed by an allied clinic with extensive experience in assisted gestation, such as Babynova Clinic by Novafem.
Surrogacy waiting periods in Colombia are relatively brief, with an additional duration of 2 to 3 months compared to clinics in other parts of the world. This presents a favorable opportunity for parents who are eager to commence the process as soon as possible.
And also helps to reduce the overall cost, which starts at $65,000 USD, making Colombia an attractive option for those looking for low-cost surrogacy with greater accessibility.
2. United States
While the United States offers a wide range of surrogacy options through its extensive network of expert agencies and specialized clinics, the cost of surrogacy treatments in the country can pose a significant financial challenge for foreign intended parents. Moreover, obtaining a specific visa for surrogacy purposes can be a costly endeavor or, in some instances, entirely out of reach depending on the nationality of the intended parents.
This destination is even more expensive for residents who have to move between states, as surrogacy is not regulated throughout the country in the same way. These moves generate expenses that increase the overall surrogacy budget.
It is worth noting that, in addition to visa expenses and adhering to state legislation requirements, the number of attempts stipulated in each surrogacy plan and the necessity for supplementary tests can be significant factors that drive up overall 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
Surrogacy in Georgia is affordable, but you must know that this treatment is only for heterosexual couples with more than one year of relationship.
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 cost of 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.
However, given the significant demand for surrogacy procedures and the limited local population, the availability of suitable candidates is often restricted. This frequently necessitates a broader search outside the country to find surrogates willing to undergo 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.
Additionally, intended parents who are not European nationals face a substantial amount of paperwork, which incurs extra costs to access certain services and ensure unrestricted mobility throughout the various stages of the surrogacy process.
Therefore, surrogacy in this country is an option that requires careful financial planning.
5. Mexico
Mexico is one of the few Latin American countries that allows surrogacy, but regulations are only clear in a few 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.
Furthermore, the rising demand for surrogacy services, coupled with legal restrictions in other parts of the country, drives up the cost of the process to approximately 55,000 USD. Additionally, unlike other surrogacy destinations, the staff may not always possess specialized 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.
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.
Although surrogacy is permitted in the mentioned states, the demand for this procedure is generally low since these states are not popular tourist destinations and lack significant economic investment. Consequently, this may discourage foreigners from considering these states as the ideal destination for surrogacy.
Affordable prices for residents of Japan
Many couples do not dare to skimp on expenses when they wish to have a family, because it’s the most beautiful project they can make together.
However, it is essential to have a comprehensive plan in place and be prepared for any potential challenges that could arise. This is crucial to minimize complications that may affect the emotional and financial stability of the individuals involved.
With a multitude of surrogacy options available, it’s vital to make a well-considered decision that extends beyond mere pricing. It’s important to select a destination that maximizes the likelihood of realizing the dream of parenthood, particularly for residents of Japan.
