Surrogacy Laws in Georgia for International Parents Explained

Georgia has become one of the most popular destinations for international surrogacy due to its clear legal framework, relatively lower costs, and straightforward parentage rules. Many intended parents from the UK, US, Australia, and Europe choose Georgia because the law recognizes them as the legal parents from birth, making the process legally secure and predictable.

Below is a complete explanation of the surrogacy laws in Georgia for international parents, including eligibility, legal requirements, and recent law updates.

Is Surrogacy Legal in Georgia for International Parents?

Yes. Surrogacy is legal in Georgia and available to foreign intended parents. Both altruistic and commercial surrogacy arrangements are permitted under the current legal framework.

The country has supported surrogacy since the 1997 healthcare legislation, which allows IVF procedures and the use of surrogate mothers for infertility treatment.

Key legal points:

• Surrogacy is legal and regulated in Georgia
• International intended parents can participate
• IVF with surrogate mothers is permitted
• The intended parents become the legal parents at birth

Because of these clear legal protections, Georgia has become a major international surrogacy destination.

Who Can Use Surrogacy in Georgia?

Georgia has specific eligibility criteria for intended parents.

Eligible Parents

International parents must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a heterosexual couple
• Must be legally married or cohabiting for at least one year
• Must provide medical evidence of infertility or medical need for surrogacy

Same-sex couples and single parents are generally not eligible under Georgian surrogacy law.

Types of Surrogacy Allowed in Georgia

Georgia only permits gestational surrogacy.

Gestational Surrogacy

• The embryo is created using IVF
• The surrogate carries the pregnancy but has no genetic link to the baby

The surrogate cannot be the egg donor in the same pregnancy.

This protects legal clarity around parentage.

Legal Parentage in Georgia

One of the biggest advantages of Georgia is automatic legal parenthood for intended parents.

When the child is born:

• The intended parents are listed on the birth certificate
• The surrogate mother has no parental rights
• No court order is required

This makes the legal process faster compared to countries where parental rights must be transferred after birth.

Surrogate Mother Legal Requirements

Surrogate mothers in Georgia must meet strict criteria:

• Must pass medical screening
• Must pass psychological evaluation
• Must provide written legal consent
• Must carry the pregnancy but have no parental claim to the child

Clinics providing surrogacy services must also be licensed by the government.

Birth Registration and Citizenship

After the baby is born in Georgia:

1. The intended parents are registered as legal parents
2. The birth certificate is issued with their names
3. Parents then apply for their child’s passport and citizenship in their home country

The process is generally straightforward but may require legal documentation such as:

• DNA testing
• Embassy paperwork
• Immigration documentation

Each country has different rules for citizenship recognition.

Possible Future Changes to Georgia Surrogacy Law

In 2023, the Georgian government proposed a draft law that could restrict commercial surrogacy for foreigners.

However:

• The proposal has not been passed
• Surrogacy for foreign intended parents remains legal as of 2026

The situation is still being debated in parliament, so intended parents should always verify current laws before starting a program.

Surrogacy Cost in Georgia

Georgia is also known for affordable surrogacy compared to the United States or Western Europe.

Typical costs range from:

$40,000 – $70,000 depending on program and clinic services.

Costs usually include:

• IVF procedures
• Surrogate compensation
• Legal services
• Medical care
• Pregnancy monitoring

Why International Parents Choose Georgia

Georgia remains a top destination because it offers:

✔ Clear legal framework
✔ Legal parentage from birth
✔ Lower costs than the US
✔ High-quality fertility clinics
✔ Surrogacy programs available for foreigners

FAQs About Surrogacy Laws in Georgia

Q. Is surrogacy legal in Georgia for foreigners?

A. Yes. International parents can legally pursue surrogacy in Georgia under the current legal framework.

Q. Can same-sex couples do surrogacy in Georgia?

A. No. Georgian law currently limits surrogacy to heterosexual couples.

Q. Do surrogate mothers have parental rights in Georgia?

A. No. The intended parents are recognized as the legal parents immediately after birth.

Q. Is commercial surrogacy legal in Georgia?

A. Yes, both commercial and altruistic surrogacy are currently permitted.

Q. Could surrogacy laws change in Georgia?

A. A draft bill proposed restrictions for foreigners in 2023, but it has not yet been enacted.