Growing Surrogacy Destinations for 2O25-2O26: What's Changing and Where to Look

If you're exploring international surrogacy for a while, you've probably noticed something: the landscape keeps shifting. Countries that were wide open a few years ago are tightening their rules. New destinations are emerging. And the whole process can feel like trying to hit a moving target.

I recently held a presentation on this topic of rising surrogacy destinations for 2026 at a webinar for international intended parents, so let me walk you through what's actually happening in 2025. Yes, some destinations are closing doors, the new ones are opening up, so there are some practical realities you need to know before making any decisions.

The Destinations Becoming Harder to Access

Argentina: New Legal Hurdles

Argentina used to be a straightforward option for many intended parents, but this country actually never passed a national surrogacy law. It was solved by parentage being based on court interpretations. 

In 2024, the legal framework changed significantly. The Supreme Court ruling declared surrogacy contracts legally invalid. Now, by default, the woman who gives birth is the legal mother, regardless of prior agreements.

So, the surrogate's name goes on the birth certificate first. To become a legal parent, you'll need to go through a court process to transfer parental rights after the birth.

This adds time, legal complexity, and uncertainty to a journey that's already very emotionally demanding. It doesn't mean that surrogacy in Argentina is impossible, but it's no longer the simple path it once was.

Greece: Residency Requirements Are Tightening

In 2025, Greece introduced a major change that's making surrogacy nearly impossible for most international intended parents. Now, both the surrogate and the intended mother now need to prove Greek residency.

Also, the law clarifies that “inability to carry” does not include inability due to one’s sex, which excludes single men and male same-sex couples from commissioning surrogacy.

And the most important, the embryo transfer may occur only after the court decision becomes final/irrevocable, adding time to the process.

Unsurprisingly, surrogacy numbers in Greece have dropped dramatically. Some agencies claim to have workarounds, but this requires very careful legal vetting. The days of straightforward and simple process of international surrogacy in Greece seem to be over.

New and Growing Destinations Worth Watching

Armenia: Opening Doors for Single Parents

Here's some positive news. Armenia updated its surrogacy laws in 2024, and it's now one of the few destinations that explicitly allows single intended parents (male or female) to pursue surrogacy, while same-sex couples are excluded under current practice.

What makes Armenia particularly interesting is how they handle the birth certificate. Only the intended parent's name appears on the birth certificate, no surrogate listed. This creates a cleaner legal start compared to many other destinations.

However, there's a catch. 

First, for international cases, only non-Armenian women may serve as surrogates. Second, some countries still require a mother to be listed on birth certificates. This means Armenian birth certificates might create complications for single men once they start the process of registering their child in their home country.

This is why I am always advising working with a lawyer in your home country before committing to a surrogacy journey.

Ghana: The Most Affordable Legal Option

Ghana is gaining serious traction, and for good reason. It has clear regulations supporting surrogacy under a pre-birth order model. That means legal parentage is established before your baby is even born, and that is, if you agree, a huge peace of mind.

The cost? It's currently the single most affordable international surrogacy destination. Surrogacy programs run around 40,000–60,000 USD.

Ghana is still relatively new to international surrogacy, so you'll want to work with well-established agencies who understand the local legal system. But if budget is a major concern and you want legal clarity, Ghana deserves serious consideration.

The Established Destinations: Still Popular, But With Uncertainty

Ukraine and Georgia: Facing Potential Changes

Both Ukraine and Georgia remain popular, and both have been discussing potential bans on surrogacy for foreign intended parents.

Georgia discussed a ban in 2023. Ukraine is facing similar conversations in 2025. While surrogacy is still legally available in both countries as of now, the political uncertainty is real.

One key difference between the two: in Georgia, there is a shortage of local surrogates, with compensations increasing every few months and agencies not standardizing these rates, leading to longer waiting times and potential increases in overall budget. In contrast, Ukraine has an abundance of willing and available surrogates with fixed compensations, allowing programs to operate more predictably and efficiently, though of course the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to impact logistics and overall stability.

If you're considering either destination, stay updated on legislative changes and have a backup plan.

Mexico: Growing Fast, So Choose Carefully

Mexico offers something many intended parents want: a pre-birth order that allows both parents' names on the birth certificate through a court process during pregnancy.

Demand is growing rapidly, which presents both opportunities and challenges. While more agencies are entering the market, not all have the experience or infrastructure to provide reliable service. Additionally, there are reports that the Amparo legal process is experiencing delays and taking longer than before, likely due to the increasing number of cases.

This is a destination where thorough vetting of clinics and agencies is absolutely critical. Don't choose based on price alone. Check track records, references, and how long they've been operating.

The Rise of Hybrid Surrogacy Programs

Here's a trend that's gaining momentum: hybrid surrogacy programs.

What does that mean? You create embryos in one country (often in Europe, where you have access to high-quality fertility treatment and diverse egg donor options), then ship those embryos to another country with favorable surrogacy laws for the pregnancy and birth.

Why are people doing this?

European countries often have advanced medical technology, experienced fertility specialists, and access to well-screened egg donors. But surrogacy itself may not be legal or accessible there.

Meanwhile, destinations like Ghana, Colombia, or Mexico have surrogacy-friendly laws but may have fewer donor options or different medical infrastructure.

Hybrid programs let you get the best of both worlds. You work with top-tier fertility clinics for embryo creation, then move to a legally clear destination for the surrogacy journey itself.

It requires more coordination and planning, but many intended parents find it's worth it for the quality and legal certainty.

Real Risks You Need to Know About

Let me be very direct here. Not every agency or clinic is trustworthy, even in countries with established surrogacy industries.

When Agencies Disappear

Kinderly Agency in Georgia is a cautionary tale. The agency vanished, leaving 120 intended parents and surrogates in limbo at various stages of their journeys. People had paid deposits. Surrogates were pregnant. And suddenly, no one was answering the phone.

Even the U.S. Isn't Immune

Mark Surrogacy, operating in the United States, the most legally established surrogacy market, was caught tricking surrogates. They failed to pay surrogates properly and face criminal charges involving 21 children.

This happened in the U.S., where you'd assume everything is regulated and safe.

The lesson? Reputation, references, and track record matter everywhere. No destination is immune to bad actors.

Before You Commit:

1. Check Online Reviews and Communities: Look for feedback from past intended parents in forums, social media groups, or review sites. Pay attention not just to positive experiences but also to how agencies responded to complaints or negative situations. A transparent agency will acknowledge challenges and explain how they resolved them.
   

2. Ask for References from Past Intended Parents: Speak directly with previous clients to understand their experiences, including any complications. Ask specifically about how the agency handled unexpected problems, delays, or legal issues. Reliable agencies will provide references and be open about both successes and challenges.
   

3. Verify the Agency’s Experience: Confirm that the agency has been operating for several years and has a track record of successfully completing surrogacy arrangements. Experienced agencies are more likely to have systems in place to prevent or manage problems efficiently.
   

4. Confirm Local Legal Representation: Make sure the agency has qualified local legal counsel who can handle any disputes or legal complications quickly. Ask how the agency typically resolves issues such as surrogate complications, contract disputes, or delays in court approvals. A good agency should have clear protocols for managing these situations to protect both the intended parents and the surrogate.
   

5. Understand Their Problem-Solving Policies: Before committing, request written information about how they handle “bad cases”—for example, medical emergencies, surrogate dropouts, or unexpected legal hurdles. Agencies that proactively address these scenarios are more likely to provide support and minimize stress if issues arise.

Legal Grey Areas to Watch For

Even in countries where surrogacy is legal, parentage laws vary widely.

For heterosexual couples: Some destinations require both parents to be listed on the birth certificate from day one. Others may only list the biological father initially, requiring a court process to add the non-biological parent.

For single intended parents: For intended parents from many European and Balkan countries, the surrogate's name must remain on the birth certificate initially. You'll need a court process afterward to establish sole parentage.

This isn't a deal-breaker! It just means understanding what your legal journey looks like after the baby is born. Always consult a local lawyer in your destination country and in your home country before you start.

Watch Out for Hidden Costs

You've probably seen surrogacy packages advertised at attractive prices. But what's actually included?

Ask specific questions:

• Does the package include insurance for the surrogate? NICU care for the newborn? 

• What does "unlimited" or "guarantee" actually mean? How many transfers? How many egg retrievals?

• Are donor fees included, or are they extra? 

• Is the package limited in time?

A cheaper package isn't a good deal if you end up paying €30,000 more in "unexpected" costs. Get everything in writing and make sure you understand what you're actually getting.

Your First Steps: How to Start Smart

1. Define Your Non-Negotiables

Before you look at destinations, get clear on:

• Your realistic budget (including buffer for complications)

• Your timeline (are you flexible, or do you need to be matched quickly?)

• Your family structure (single, same-sex couple, heterosexual couple)

• What matters most to you (legal certainty, cost, medical quality, support level)
  

2. Understand Where You're Actually Eligible

Each country has different rules:

• Some only accept married heterosexual couples

• Some welcome single parents and same-sex couples

• Some have age limits or medical requirements

Don't fall in love with a destination before confirming you're actually eligible there.

3. Don't Choose Based on Price Alone

I've seen this mistake repeatedly. Someone chooses the cheapest option, then ends up paying more in hidden costs or dealing with an agency that disappears mid-journey.

Cheaper is not always safer. And more expensive doesn't always mean better. Look at what you're getting for your money and who's providing it.

4. Build Your Support Team Early

You don't have to navigate this alone. Consider:

• Working with an independent consultant who isn't affiliated with any agency (that's what I do, and yes, it makes a difference)

• Connecting with other intended parents who've gone through the process

• Finding a lawyer in both your home country and destination country early

Nothing replaces having someone experienced in your corner who's looking out for your interests—not an agency's bottom line.

The Bottom Line

International surrogacy in 2025 isn't simple, but it's absolutely possible. New destinations are emerging. Costs are becoming more accessible in some places. Hybrid programs are giving you more control over quality and legal outcomes.

But it requires doing your homework. The landscape is shifting, and you need current, honest information to make the right choice for your family.

That's why I created The Surrogacy Insider - to give you the full picture, not just the highlights agencies want you to see. Whether you work with me or not, make sure you're getting independent advice from someone who's been there and knows what questions to ask.

Your path to parenthood deserves transparency, not sales pitches.

Ready to explore which destination works for your situation? Take our Surrogacy Destination Quiz or schedule a FREE 30-minute Discovery Call to discuss your specific circumstances.