Over the past few years, Kazakhstan has become a rising surrogacy destination, especially for international couples seeking an affordable and transparent process within a clearly defined legal framework. The country combines accessibility, professionalism, and lower overall costs with one of the region’s most structured systems governing assisted reproduction.
Under Kazakh law, surrogacy is legally permitted and regulated through the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Marriage and Family.” The law allows married couples to enter into a notarized surrogacy contract with a woman who agrees to carry a child for them. Same-sex couples and single parents are currently not eligible under existing regulations.
While the law requires intended parents to cover all medical and related expenses for the surrogate, local legal and clinical practice generally interprets this as allowing financial compensation within regulated programs. This approach provides clarity and protection for both parties, defining parental rights from the moment of birth. Importantly, the intended parents’ names appear directly on the birth certificate, avoiding post-birth court procedures that can be required in other countries.
Affordability remains another key factor drawing parents to Kazakhstan. Surrogacy costs are lower than in some other countries, while Kazakh surrogates are typically medically screened. This balance between cost, structure, and quality care makes Kazakhstan an appealing choice for many families, especially from China and other countries in the region.
Even with a stable legal foundation, managing the process from abroad can still feel complex. That’s where independent surrogacy consultants like The Surrogacy Insider provide essential guidance in the research stage, ensuring each step runs smoothly. The goal is to simplify the beginning of the journey and offer reassurance, so parents can focus on what truly matters: welcoming their child.
Understanding the Legal Landscape for Surrogacy in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has one of the most clearly structured legal systems for surrogacy in Central Asia, offering clarity and protection to both intended parents and surrogates. Surrogacy in the country is primarily governed by the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Marriage and Family” (adopted 26 December 2011, No. 518-IV), as well as accompanying regulations from the Ministry of Health. These define the rights, obligations, and eligibility criteria for all parties involved, ensuring a regulated and legally recognized process.
Eligibility and Medical Indications
Under Kazakh law, a surrogacy agreement may only be concluded between spouses (a legally married couple) and a woman who agrees to carry a child for them via assisted reproductive technology (ART). The legislation explicitly limits participation to married couples, as single parents and same-sex couples are not legally recognized as potential commissioning parents.
To qualify, the intended mother must demonstrate a medical need for surrogacy, verified by an official diagnosis confirming her inability to carry a pregnancy. Acceptable medical indications include uterine malformations, repeated pregnancy loss, or health risks making gestation unsafe. This requirement underscores the ethical and medical intent of Kazakh legislation, but to offer surrogacy as a medical solution, not a lifestyle option.
Requirements for Surrogate Mothers
According to Article 56 of the same Code and the Ministry of Health’s directives, surrogates must meet specific eligibility standards:
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Be between 20 and 35 years old
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Be in good physical and mental health, confirmed by medical examinations
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Have at least one healthy biological child of their own
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If married, obtain notarized consent from their spouse
These criteria are designed to safeguard both the surrogate’s welfare and the child’s wellbeing.
In-Person Presence and Notarized Contracts
A distinctive feature of Kazakhstan’s surrogacy law is its emphasis on in-person legal procedures. Both intended parents must appear personally to sign every notarized contract with the surrogate. The law does not permit the use of Power of Attorney (PoA) for signing such agreements.
This requirement ensures that all parties understand and consent to their obligations but also means that multiple trips to Kazakhstan may be necessary during the process.
The initial visit typically involves providing biomaterial (sperm and/or eggs) and meeting the chosen surrogate. Should a surrogate need to be replaced (for medical or personal reasons) a new contract must be signed in person, leading to additional travel and time commitments.
Structure and Legal Force of Surrogacy Contracts
In Kazakhstan, the surrogacy contract is the legal foundation of the entire process.
It must be notarized and include:
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Rights and responsibilities of both parties
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Detailed medical obligations and confidentiality clauses
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Financial obligations (including required coverage of medical and related costs)
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Terms governing post-birth procedures
While the Code explicitly obliges intended parents to cover all medical and related expenses, it does not clearly differentiate between reimbursement and compensation. In practice, most surrogacy agreements include regulated financial compensation for the surrogate, interpreted as consistent with the law’s intent to recognize her service while ensuring transparency.
Importantly, the law states that the surrogate has no parental rights to the child once born. The intended parents are listed directly on the birth certificate, providing immediate legal parentage without the need for court procedures.
Still having questions?
How Much Does Surrogacy in Kazakhstan Cost?
A key consideration for any intended parent is understanding the financial scope of surrogacy in Kazakhstan. While exact costs vary by clinic, surrogate availability, and legal services, Kazakhstan remains one of the most affordable destinations in Eurasia for regulated surrogacy programs.
Based on estimates from leading IVF clinics and surrogacy agencies in Almaty and Astana, total costs typically range from €50,000 to €70,000. This represents a fraction of the cost compared with surrogacy in the United States or Western Europe, where total expenses often exceed €100,000.
Cost Breakdown
Medical Costs: Medical expenses constitute a significant portion of the surrogacy budget. These include fertility treatments, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures, prenatal care, and childbirth expenses. On average, medical costs can range between €10,000 and €20,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the medical facility used.
Legal Fees: Legal support is crucial to ensure all contracts and documentation comply with Kazakh laws. Notarised contracts, consultancy fees, and legal representation typically cost between €2,000 and €4,000. This ensures a smooth legal process and protects the rights of all parties involved.
Agency Fees: Many intended parents choose to work with surrogacy agencies to manage the logistics and coordination of the process. Agency fees generally range from €5,000 to €15,000, covering services such as surrogate selection, administrative support, and travel arrangements.
Surrogate Compensation: While Kazakh law requires intended parents to cover all medical and related expenses, most programs include additional living support payments to the surrogate. These payments are regulated through private contracts and vary based on experience, medical complexity, and local clinic policy. Typical range is €18,000 to €25,000.
Note: Compensation practices follow local norms but are not explicitly detailed in Kazakh legislation.
Financial Planning Tips
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Budget Wisely: Begin by setting a clear budget that accounts for potential additional expenses, such as multiple IVF cycles or potential additional trips to Kazakhstan if new contracts will need to be signed with a different surrogate.
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Choose the Right Programme: Research different agencies and programmes to find one that aligns with your financial capacity and specific needs.
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Look out for Hidden Costs: Make sure to ask agencies for a breakdown of all potential costs so you can avoid surprises later on. Sometimes, what seems like an affordable package can quickly add up when these hidden costs come into play.
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Seek Professional Advice: Consult with surrogacy consultants who can help you navigate costs and plan effectively.
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Account for Travel and Accommodation: Both intended parents must appear in person for each notarised contract signing, meaning at least two or three trips to Kazakhstan are typically required.
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Factor in Translation and Document Legalisation: Legal documents often need to be translated into another language and notarised locally, which can add several hundred euros.
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Seek Local Professional Guidance: Independent consultants familiar with Kazakh procedures can help compare clinic pricing and anticipate hidden or recurring expenses, such as hospital stay fees or post-birth document processing.
Disclaimer
Costs presented above are approximate and based on information from licensed clinics and surrogacy service providers as of 2025. Surrogacy fees in Kazakhstan are not government-regulated; intended parents should obtain detailed written quotes from clinics or agencies before entering any contract.
Pros and Cons of Surrogacy in Kazakhstan
Like any international surrogacy destination, Kazakhstan offers clear advantages and practical challenges. Understanding both can help intended parents make informed, confident decisions.
Advantages
1. Clear Legal Framework
Kazakhstan maintains one of the region’s most well-defined legal structures for surrogacy. The Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Marriage and Family” clearly outlines the roles, rights, and obligations of both the surrogate and the intended parents, ensuring transparency and enforceability.
2. Parental Rights from Birth
The intended parents’ names are recorded directly on the child’s birth certificate, meaning no additional post-birth court process is required to establish legal parenthood. Although this might still be required by your home country upon return home.
3. Affordability and Medical Standards
Programs in Kazakhstan are significantly more affordable than those in the United States or Western Europe, while clinics in Almaty and Astana operate under Ministry of Health regulation for assisted reproductive technologies.
4. Availability of Experienced Local Surrogates
Kazakhstan’s established IVF clinics and surrogacy programs mean there is a consistent pool of local surrogates who meet medical and legal screening requirements, reducing waiting times for matching.
5. Regional Accessibility
Kazakhstan’s geographic location and modern medical infrastructure make it particularly convenient for couples from Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East who prefer a nearby, regulated surrogacy destination.
Challenges
1. Restricted Eligibility
Surrogacy in Kazakhstan is legally available only to married heterosexual couples who can demonstrate a verified medical indication for surrogacy. Single parents and same-sex couples are not eligible under current law.
2. Mandatory In-Person Procedures
Kazakh law requires both intended parents to be physically present for every notarized contract signing with the surrogate. There is no provision for a Power of Attorney (PoA) in this process. As a result, parents should expect at least two or three trips during the program.
3. Limited Donor Diversity
While local donor databases are well established, options for European phenotypes may be more limited compared to Western clinics. Some agencies collaborate internationally to address this, but availability can vary.
4. Geographical Distance for Western Parents
For intended parents based in Western Europe or North America, travel time, visa requirements, and time zone differences can make coordination more demanding.
5. Legal and Language Barriers
All official documents must be prepared in Russian or Kazakh and notarized locally. This can add costs for certified translation and legal review, making professional coordination essential.
What Makes Kazakhstan Different from Other Surrogacy Destinations
Kazakhstan offers a middle ground between affordability and structure. Unlike some countries that have temporarily restricted or suspended surrogacy programs, Kazakhstan maintains a stable legal framework where surrogacy remains permitted, regulated, and clearly defined in law.
Its balance of moderate costs, legal transparency, and mandatory in-person participation makes it especially suitable for parents who want both security and personal involvement in the process.
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Personal Assistance During Your Surrogacy Journey
Starting a surrogacy journey in Kazakhstan can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory: different language, laws, and logistics. That’s exactly where independent guidance becomes invaluable. At The Surrogacy Insider, our role is to help intended parents feel confident, informed, and supported at the research stage.
Unlike agencies, I don’t represent clinics or intermediaries. My advice is fully independent, designed to help you make the right decisions for your circumstances - with complete transparency.
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How Can Surrogacy Insider Support You
✓ Personal Consultations and Step-by-Step Guidance
From your first conversation, we’ll walk you through how surrogacy in Kazakhstan works - legally, medically, and practically. I will help you understand eligibility, required documentation, and what to expect at each phase, so you can make well-informed decisions as to whether Kazakhstan is a right destination for you.
✓ Assistance with Clinic and Agency Selection
I’d be happy to connect you with reliable agencies and clinics that have a strong track record supporting international Intended Parents and are familiar with all related processes. Together, we can review their packages to see how they compare and get a clear picture of the overall budget, including any possible extra costs or service fees.
✓ Support for Unique Situations
If your situation requires unique solutions, such as international logistics, legal advice in your home country, or coordination with travel donor agencies or gamete banks, I can make the necessary introductions to ensure all aspects are addressed efficiently and professionally.
✓ Availability for Guidance and Advice
While I am not involved in the day-to-day guidance throughout the surrogacy journey, I am always available should an issue or complication arise. You can rely on me for advice to help navigate challenges and ensure your process stays on track.
Our Approach
I, Olga Pysana, believe that ethical, transparent surrogacy begins with informed parents. My goal is to make the experience clear, organized, and human, offering a balance of empathy and professionalism that gives you peace of mind throughout your journey.
Note: The Surrogacy Insider provides independent consultancy and support in the research stage. I do not act as a medical provider, legal representative, or surrogacy agency.
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Importance of Communication
A successful surrogacy journey is built mostly on open communication. By means of a clear channel of communication between the agency, the intended parents, and the surrogate mother, it guarantees that everyone is in agreement and helps to minimize conflicts and stress. Frequent updates on the health of the surrogate and the pregnancy's development reassure intended parents and help them to become involved.
Early on, expectations for communication should be clearly established.
If you’re considering surrogacy in Kazakhstan, you are welcome to connect with me.
FAQs: Surrogacy in Kazakhstan
Yes. Foreign married couples can legally pursue surrogacy in Kazakhstan under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Marriage and Family.” All contracts must be notarized locally.
Only legally married heterosexual couples are eligible. The intended mother must provide medical proof that pregnancy would be unsafe or impossible.
Only gestational surrogacy is legal. The surrogate has no genetic link to the child and no parental rights after birth.
Surrogates must be aged 20–35, in good physical and mental health, have at least one biological child, and, if married, provide spousal consent.
The full process usually takes 16–18 months, depending on medical results, contract finalization, and travel scheduling.
Total costs range from €50,000–€70,000, including medical treatments (€10–20k), legal fees (€2–5k), surrogate support (€18–25k), and agency or consultant services (€5–15k).
The intended parents’ names are listed directly on the birth certificate. Your consultant or agency can assist with passport and exit procedures to return home.
The surrogacy contract, notarized under Kazakh law, clearly defines all rights and obligations. The surrogate has no parental rights once the child is born.
Once a notarized contract is signed and pregnancy confirmed, the surrogate cannot claim parental rights or custody under Kazakh law.
Yes, but most clinics work primarily with local donors. Working with an international donor may involve additional costs and outside organizations.
Yes—translation, document legalization, extra IVF cycles, or surrogate replacement can add costs. Always request a full written quote from the agency
No. Current Kazakh law allows surrogacy only for married heterosexual couples with a verified medical need.
Kazakhstan’s surrogacy laws have remained stable for over a decade. Any changes would require parliamentary approval and would not apply retroactively to existing contracts.
