Before the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine was the world’s second-largest surrogacy destination, highlighting its prominent role in the global fertility industry.
For nearly a decade, the country built a strong reputation in reproductive medicine, thanks to highly skilled professionals, advanced medical facilities, and a legal framework that provided clarity and security for all involved.
Ukraine offered a full range of fertility treatments — including surrogacy — with an emphasis on high-quality care at costs far lower than in many other commercial surrogacy destinations. The expertise of Ukrainian doctors, combined with a well-defined legal structure, made it a trusted choice for intended parents worldwide.
Surrogacy in Ukraine is governed by a legal framework established in Article 123 of the Family Code of Ukraine, which provides clear guidelines for the practice. While compensation is allowed, it is crucial to ensure that it is not perceived as payment for the child.
Furthermore, Ukraine's established surrogacy legal framework guarantees that the intended parents' and the surrogate’s rights are protected from the very beginning. An agreement between the intended parents clearly states that the rules must be followed and the compensation that is to be paid out for the process. This agreement is certified by the notary, meaning that it has legal powers.
The availability of professional reproductive medicine experts helped strengthen Ukraine's reputation as a reliable surrogacy destination. Surrogacy costs in Ukraine are significantly lower compared to many other commercial surrogacy destinations.
Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and a significant decline in the number of surrogacy journeys, many intended parents still choose it as their destination of choice.
Legal Status, Wartime Changes, and Cost Overview for 2O25
Since the Russian invasion in 2022 and the imposition of martial law, Ukraine’s surrogacy laws have been the subject of debate, but no legislative changes have been implemented.
In 2024, foreigners continued to go to Ukraine to welcome their children via surrogacy.
“In March 2023, a group of Ukrainian MPs proposed a bill that would ban surrogacy for foreign parents during the period of martial law (and up to three years after martial law has ended) and would mandate that prospective parents register with the Ukrainian state.” (source)
The bill’s authors cited wartime concerns - a plummeting birthrate and the exodus of many young Ukrainian women abroad – arguing that Ukraine should not “export” babies to foreigners while facing a demographic crisis.
The proposal also sought to tighten oversight of surrogacy agencies (requiring a state registry of intended parents) to allay fears of child trafficking, and it would have outlawed surrogacy intermediaries and advertising for surrogate mothers.
Notably, it was backed by some officials who felt foreigners were “using Ukrainian women” as cheap surrogate carriers and echoed European Parliament criticisms of the surrogacy industry’s ethics.
Ultimately, this surrogacy ban bill did not become law. In May 2023 the draft was rejected and withdrawn from consideration by the Ukrainian parliament. Lawmakers determined there were more urgent wartime priorities, and legal experts argued that a total ban would be too extreme.
As a result, commercial surrogacy remains legal for foreign couples in 2025, the same as before the war. No temporary ban is in effect. Foreign intended parents can still enter into surrogacy agreements in Ukraine despite the ongoing conflict.
However, the public debate continues.
Ukrainian officials have signaled that surrogacy rules may be revisited in the future (for example, some propose limiting it to Ukrainian citizens), but any such changes would require new legislation. So far, the wartime government has not imposed new legal restrictions on surrogacy for foreigners beyond the normal criteria.
Regulatory updates in 2024 have focused on improving safety and oversight rather than banning surrogacy. In March 2024, the Ministry of Health issued Order №383 amending the assisted reproduction guidelines (originally Order №787/2013).
These amendments introduced additional protections: for example, it is now explicitly required that maternity hospitals must ensure the newborn is kept separate from the surrogate after birth (to prevent emotional complications or disputes).
The updated rules also formalized surrogate age limits (21–35) and other health and conduct requirements (the surrogate must maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep the intended parents informed of the pregnancy progress).
These changes suggest Ukrainian authorities are addressing ethical and health aspects of surrogacy, especially given the added stresses of war (air raids, displacement, etc.).
Meanwhile, law enforcement has cracked down on illicit surrogacy practices during the war. In 2023–2024, Ukrainian police uncovered a “grey market” surrogacy ring that was illegally arranging births for foreign same-sex couples (circumventing the law that permits only married heterosexual couples).
In summary, Ukraine’s legal stance on surrogacy in 2025 remains largely unchanged despite the war: foreign and domestic couples (hetero couples only) can legally pursue surrogacy. Proposals to pause international surrogacy during martial law were not adopted
Instead, the government has opted for stricter oversight and safety requirements and is policing unlawful activities. Intended parents should stay informed, as the legislative landscape could evolve after the war, but as of now surrogacy is still permitted and regulated under the pre-war framework.
Surrogacy Services During the War: Availability and Safety
Practical availability
Ukraine’s surrogacy industry, while initially disrupted by the February 2022 invasion, has proven resilient. In the first months of the war, most clinics paused new embryo transfers, but by mid-2022 many programs had resumed in safer regions.
According to clinic directors, demand from foreign couples rebounded strongly by 2023, reaching nearly pre-war levels. More than 1,000 surrogate babies have been born in Ukraine since the war began in 2022.
One large agency reported it had 44 pregnant surrogates in fall 2024 - even more than before the war. These numbers show that international intended parents are indeed still coming to Ukraine for surrogacy despite the war.
Travel and safety for foreign parents
Foreign intended parents can still travel to Ukraine to start their journeys and/or travel for birth, but the logistics require careful planning. With Ukraine’s airspace closed, couples typically fly into neighboring countries like Poland, Slovakia, or Romania, then travel overland (by car, train or agency-arranged shuttles) into Ukraine.
Many intended parents arrive about 2–3 weeks before the due date and stay through the birth and paperwork. So far, foreign nationals traveling for surrogacy have managed safely, using common-sense security precautions.
Agencies assist with private transport, accommodation in secure areas, and swift document processing to limit the time spent in Ukraine after birth. Some embassies have even adjusted procedures, allowing emergency travel documents or processing newborn passports remotely or in a neighboring country, to help these families during the war.
Despite the war’s challenges, Ukraine’s surrogacy providers report that international “reproductive tourism” is continuing. Agencies have gotten creative - some offer the option for surrogates to give birth in relatively safer locations (for example, city of Lviv or even in other countries abroad), although this complicates legal paperwork.
Intended parents are advised to allow extra time after birth for paperwork under martial law (birth certificates might take a few weeks or more, and embassies in Kyiv may have reduced staffing). Many couples spend a few weeks (sometimes months) in Ukraine after the birth to obtain the baby’s passport and clearance to leave. Despite the inconvenience and risk, Ukraine’s considerably lower costs and well-established legal parentage process continue to attract couples.
Types of Surrogacy and Their Implications in Ukraine
In Ukraine, surrogacy is limited to gestational surrogacy as the only officially approved type. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an IVF-created embryo created from the intended parents' or donors' egg and sperm. Under Ukrainian legislation, traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate also offers her egg, is prohibited, therefore stressing the dedication to safeguarding the rights of the intended parents. The difference is important since gestational surrogacy provides parents more legal security by guaranteeing no genetic relationship between the surrogate and the baby.
In Ukraine, surrogacy is currently only accessible to heterosexual married couples with a medical indication for surrogacy. However, very early stage proposed legislative changes offer hope, aiming to extend access to surrogacy services to both heterosexual and same-sex couples.
The Cost of Surrogacy in 2O25
One major reason Ukraine remains a popular surrogacy destination is cost. In 2025, a full surrogacy program in Ukraine costs roughly between €35,000–€65,000 on average. This is dramatically lower than in countries like the United States (where costs easily exceed $150k).
In practice, costs can vary upward if extra IVF cycles are required or if special circumstances arise, but Ukraine’s pricing remains highly competitive.
Let’s see the breakdown of the typical cost components of a surrogacy program in Ukraine, including some war-related additional expenses:
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Surrogate Mother Compensation: This is usually the single largest portion. As of 2024–2025, Ukrainian surrogates are offered an overall compensation ranging from about €20,000 up to €26,000 (EURO) which consists of a few different components, including base, which is paid at the end of the process after birth. On top of the base, agencies provide monthly stipends of roughly €300–€500 during the pregnancy for living expenses. There are also performance bonuses: for instance, a bonus of €1,000–€2,000 if she carries twins (multiple pregnancy), an extra €500–€1,000 if a C-section delivery is needed, and small rewards like €200 upon embryo transfer success and €200 if pregnancy is achieved on the first transfer. When adding all fees and bonuses, a surrogate in Ukraine can earn up to about €28,000–€30,000 Euro for one pregnancy. This compensation covers the surrogate’s commitment and health burden, and typically about half of the total program fee ultimately goes to the surrogate mother.
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Medical and IVF Expenses: These include all fertility clinic costs such as the in vitro fertilization procedures, embryo creation and transfer, pregnancy monitoring, and the childbirth (delivery) costs at the maternity hospital. Ukraine’s medical costs are low by Western standards – for example, one IVF cycle might cost a few thousand euros. Many packages include multiple IVF attempts if the first transfer fails. (Success often requires 2–3 embryo transfers, especially under wartime disruptions when timing can be affected by air raid alerts.) The medical component also covers prenatal care for the surrogate, regular ultrasounds, and the delivery fee at a private hospital or maternity ward. If the baby needs any immediate neonatal care (e.g. NICU for preemies), that could incur extra charges outside the standard package. In general, however, the clinical procedures and pregnancy care are bundled into the program’s base price.
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Agency and Administrative Fees: The surrogacy agency’s fee (or clinic’s coordination fee) makes up much of the remainder after the surrogate’s share. This covers the agency’s operations: recruiting and screening surrogates, matching them with intended parents, coordinating IVF scheduling, and providing support staff (interpreters, case managers, etc.). It also includes legal paperwork facilitation. According to reportage, a considerable part of the overall fee goes to these administrative costs. Agencies retain roughly half the money to pay their coordinators, translators, lawyers, and the clinic/hospital partners. Agencies in Ukraine operate for profit but at thinner margins than Western ones, and there is competition keeping prices relatively low. Prospective parents should carefully review what each agency’s fee covers. Reputable agencies will include all standard services in a transparent contract, whereas less scrupulous outfits might quote a low price but hide certain fees. It’s wise to ensure the contract itemizes every expected cost (e.g. extra embryo transfers, twin pregnancy fee, etc.)
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Legal and Documentation Fees: Ukraine’s surrogacy process is straightforward legally, so legal fees are relatively minimal. Typically, the program cost covers drafting the surrogacy contract by a lawyer (clearly stating all parties’ rights and obligations), as well as assistance with birth registration and obtaining the child’s birth certificate and travel documents. Under Ukrainian law, the birth certificate is issued naming the intended parents directly, but foreign parents often need an apostille and translation of the birth certificate and then a passport or travel document for the newborn from their embassy. Agencies usually have legal staff or partner attorneys to handle these bureaucratic steps and help navigate embassy requirements. While these legal/processing costs are not large in the context of the total (often a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars), they are critical. During martial law, Ukraine simplified some procedures - e.g. a medical birth certificate form is enough to register the child without delay, even if civil registries are disrupted - which has helped avoid prolonged paperwork. Still, intended parents might incur some additional costs for notarizations, translations, or courier services for documents. All such legal paperwork support is generally part of the package or billed at cost if separate.
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Wartime Safety Measures and Hidden Costs: Surrogacy in 2025 Ukraine carries some war-related extra expenses that would not exist in peacetime. Ethical agencies would have had to invest in enhanced security and support for surrogates: for example, relocating a surrogate from a conflict area to a safe city and providing her housing (often an apartment in Kyiv or Lviv) for months. The cost of rent, utilities, and sometimes a daily stipend for food may be borne by the agency (ultimately coming out of the program fee) - these are effectively hidden costs of wartime surrogacy. Additionally, agencies arrange private transportation for surrogates to travel to clinic appointments or to the delivery hospital if public transport is unreliable due to curfews or fuel shortages. Such measures do increase operating costs; industry experts note that during the war, agencies have additional expenses for enhanced surrogate support and security including relocations, private transfers, etc.
Likewise, intended parents will face higher travel costs: flying into a third country and then hiring a driver or secure taxi to cross the border can be expensive (much more than a normal direct flight to Kyiv). Many couples also choose to spend extra on comfortable accommodations in Ukraine that have bomb shelters or generators for safety - again adding to the total cost. It’s recommended that parents budget an “emergency fund” for unexpected contingencies. For instance, if intense fighting erupts, one might need to stay longer than planned (incurring more hotel bills), or in a worst-case scenario hire an evacuation service to get the baby out (as some did in early 2022).
Other potential hidden costs include medical emergencies (if a surrogate has complications) or multiple births - a twin delivery can increase costs for neonatal care and the surrogate’s bonus.
Fortunately, some agency contracts spell out these scenarios so that everyone knows in advance who covers what. In short, while the base price might be relatively low, prudent intended parents should have a cushion (e.g. an extra 10–20%) for wartime-related expenses and unforeseen events.
Pros of surrogacy in Ukraine
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Clear legal framework protecting parental rights: Ukrainian law explicitly recognizes the intended parents as the legal parents of the child, offering undoubted security.
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Affordable costs: The cost of surrogacy in Ukraine is lower than in other countries, making it practical for intended parents who may want to find a more affordable solution
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Quality medical care: Ukraine boasts modern medical facilities and a wide network of experienced reproductive specialists.
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Availability of surrogates: As a well-established surrogacy destination, there is a steady pool of women willing to become surrogates, many of whom are seasoned and have previously completed one or more successful journeys.
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Many experienced providers to choose from: As a seasoned surrogacy destination, Ukraine offers a wide range of agencies and IVF clinics to choose from, located in various cities, providing intended parents with multiple options for medical and logistical support.
Cons of surrogacy in Ukraine
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Political uncertainty and risks associated with the war: The political uncertainty and risks associated with the ongoing war in Ukraine have created instability in the surrogacy industry, with logistical challenges, safety concerns, and potential legal changes affecting both surrogates and intended parents.
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Travel logistics is complex: With no direct flights into Ukraine there would be a need for connecting flights and changing modes of transport through neighboring countries, adding time and potential complications to the journey for intended parents.
Why Choose an Independent Surrogacy Consultant?
Choosing an independent surrogacy consultant like Olga Pysana can provide numerous benefits. Unlike an agency, an independent consultant offers unbiased and personalized support, tailoring guidance to meet the specific needs of each intended parent. With Support Options & Guidance Packages The Surrogacy Insider ensures that intended parents receive transparent information about all aspects of surrogacy in Ukraine, including legal processes, medical facilities, and emotional preparation. Some of these insights are especially crucial if you are considering Ukraine during the current circumstances, where changes in the security environment, travel logistics, and evolving legal discussions can directly impact your journey.
An independent consultant’s role is to help you navigate both the emotional and logistical complexities of surrogacy, from understanding medical procedures to handling documentation.
Olga’s experience in the field equips her to provide valuable insight and continuous support, giving intended parents the confidence and knowledge needed to make informed decisions throughout their journey.
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FAQ
Yes, surrogacy is legal in Ukraine, but only for heterosexual married couples. The country’s clear regulations ensure the rights of intended parents and surrogates are protected from the start.
The cost of surrogacy in Ukraine varies depending on the services and medical procedures involved, but it is generally more affordable compared to other countries where commercial surrogacy is practiced. Prices range between €35,000–€65,000
Surrogacy in Ukraine is available to heterosexual married couples who have medical reasons for needing a surrogate. There are specific eligibility criteria that intended parents must meet to proceed.
The Surrogacy Insider, led by Olga Pysana, is designed to guide intended parents through the crucial early stages of their surrogacy journey. Before signing any contracts, Olga helps you connect with reputable providers, understand agency packages in detail, and gain a clear picture of the medical and legal process ahead. This ensures you enter your journey informed, confident, and prepared.
Yes, surrogacy services are still available in Ukraine despite the ongoing war, but there may be logistical challenges such as travel restrictions, safety concerns in certain regions, and additional arrangements for birth registration and exit of the newborn. Most clinics and agencies now operate in safer western and central parts of Ukraine or arrange for births abroad.
While the core surrogacy law remains unchanged — it is still legal only for heterosexual married couples with medical indications — the Ministry of Health issued Order №383 (March 6, 2024) updating assisted reproduction guidelines (originally set by Order №787/2013). These updates refine medical protocols, clinic requirements, and documentation processes. There’s also an ongoing discussion in Parliament on Draft Law 6475-D, which proposes broader regulation of assisted reproductive technologies and surrogacy.
Typical surrogacy packages (€35,000–€65,000) generally include:
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Medical services: IVF, embryo transfer, prenatal care, delivery.
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Surrogate compensation: Base fee, monthly allowance, maternity clothing.
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Legal services: Contracts, birth registration, parental rights documentation.
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Agency/coordination fees: Matching, logistics, translation, and administrative support.
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Additional or wartime costs: Relocation of surrogate to safer regions, extra travel and accommodation.
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Yes, but it requires careful planning. Foreign intended parents must be legally married, meet medical criteria, and work with experienced providers familiar with wartime logistics.
