Surrogacy in Georgia for Foreigners: Legal Framework and Practical Advantages

In the context of rapid globalization and continuous advancements in reproductive technologies, surrogacy has become a real possibility for many couples facing infertility. However, navigating international legal systems can be complex. Georgia stands out as one of the key jurisdictions offering legal and regulated surrogacy programs for foreign citizens. In this article, we provide a detailed legal analysis of Georgian legislation, compare it with other countries, and highlight important considerations for international clients.

Georgia has established itself as one of the few countries where surrogacy is not only permitted but also has a clear legislative framework in place since 1997. The fundamental legal basis is Article 143 of the Law "On Health Protection."

Key aspects of Georgian surrogacy legislation:

• Essence of the procedure: A child is carried by a surrogate mother who has no genetic connection with the child and, after birth, is handed over to the biological parents.
• Recognition of parenthood: According to Georgian law, the biological parents whose genetic materials were used for conception are automatically recognized as the legal parents of the child. The surrogate mother, having no genetic link to the child, holds no parental rights or obligations after birth. The child’s birth certificate in Georgia lists only the biological parents, without mentioning the surrogate mother or donors.
• Fast birth registration: The birth is registered within one day after the child is born, and no consent from the surrogate mother is required.
• Accessibility for foreign citizens: Georgia actively offers surrogacy programs for foreign citizens.
• Requirements for intended parents: Only heterosexual couples in a legally registered or common-law marriage of at least one year can use surrogacy services. Proof of cohabitation and joint household management is required. Medical indications for surrogacy are mandatory, such as absence of the uterus, repeated miscarriages, or multiple unsuccessful IVF attempts.
• Requirements for the surrogate mother: The surrogate undergoes rigorous medical and psychological screening and receives full support throughout the pregnancy. Importantly, the surrogate can be a foreigner.
• Program cost: Both commercial and altruistic surrogacy are permitted in Georgia. Average compensation for a surrogate mother can reach up to USD 30,000, while the total program cost ranges from USD 42,800 to USD 75,000, depending on the conditions and donors used.
• Legislative changes prospects: In 2023, proposals were actively discussed to tighten the rules, including a potential ban on surrogacy services for foreigners starting in 2024, a ban on advertising and surrogate compensation (only reimbursement of expenses). As of July 2025, these changes have not taken effect, and programs for foreigners continue to operate.

The surrogacy process in Georgia for foreign citizens requires careful preparation and compliance with all legal formalities:

2.1. Preparatory Stage and Documentation:

• Required documents: Foreign citizens must provide valid passports of both parents, an original marriage certificate (with apostille and Georgian translation) or documents proving at least one year of cohabitation. Also required are the birth certificates of the parents, medical certificates confirming the necessity of surrogacy, and, for process safety, criminal record clearance.
• Legalization and translation: All foreign documents must be apostilled, as Georgia has been a party to the Hague Convention since 2007. After apostille, documents are translated into Georgian and notarized. Special attention must be paid to the accuracy of name and surname translations in accordance with the passports.

2.2. Contract Signing and Medical Procedures:

• Surrogacy agreement: This is a key legal document signed between the biological parents and the surrogate mother. In Georgia, unlike some other jurisdictions, anonymity of any participant in the surrogacy process is prohibited. All parties must be identified.
• Medical stages: After signing the contract, medical examinations are conducted, genetic material (sperm, eggs) is prepared and, if necessary, transported to Georgia. Then, the IVF procedure and embryo transfer are carried out.
• Legal support: It is highly recommended to engage an experienced Georgian attorney specializing in reproductive law to assist in negotiations, drafting, and legal processing of all documents.

2.3. Child Birth Registration in Georgia:

• Documents for registration: To register the couple as parents, the following documents are required: surrogacy agreement, certificate of embryo transfer into the surrogate’s uterus, and a birth certificate issued by the maternity hospital.
• Result: Based on these documents, a Georgian birth certificate is issued, listing the biological parents as legal parents. Consent from the surrogate mother is not required. Birth registration occurs within one day after the child’s birth.

The issue of citizenship for a child born through surrogacy in Georgia is among the most complex and fully depends on the laws of the intended parents' country of citizenship. Georgia does not automatically grant citizenship to a child if both parents are foreigners. Therefore, it is critically important to consider the citizenship laws of the future parents' home country and consult with attorneys specializing in international family law.

Special cases of citizenship recognition:

• Citizens of Russia: If at least one parent is a citizen of the Russian Federation, the child automatically acquires Russian citizenship by the right of blood (jus sanguinis).
• Citizens of Israel: Israel recognizes children born abroad to its citizens, provided there is confirmed genetic linkage. To obtain citizenship and travel to Israel, a Georgian birth certificate must be obtained, apostilled, translated, and then submitted to the Israeli consulate. A DNA test confirming genetic relation between the child and at least one parent (usually the father) is mandatory. After a positive result, Israeli citizenship is granted. The second parent (if not genetically related) must establish parenthood through a court procedure in Israel. There are specific requirements, such as the religion of the surrogate or genetic mother for full legal recognition of motherhood, especially for same-sex parents.
• Citizens of Switzerland: Surrogacy is prohibited in Switzerland, and authorities do not automatically recognize foreign-issued birth certificates. The biological mother is required to adopt the child in Switzerland, even if she is genetically related. The procedure of "stepchild adoption" became available on January 1, 2018.
• Citizens of Spain: Surrogacy is prohibited by law in Spain and is considered an invalid legal practice. As of May 1, 2025, Spain’s Ministry of Justice banned automatic registration of such children in civil registries, even with a foreign court decision. Registration is only possible through traditional procedures: proving biological parenthood or adoption. Non-biological parents must undergo an adoption process to gain legal recognition. Since 2014, the government has suspended granting citizenship to such children.

Apart from Georgia, only a few countries officially allow foreigners to participate in surrogacy programs, though their conditions can vary significantly:

USA:

• Status: Commercial surrogacy is allowed in several states (e.g., California, Nevada, Illinois, New York).
• Availability: Widely available for heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, single parents, and foreigners.
• Differences from Georgia: Strong legal protection, parenthood formalized through pre-birth/post-birth court orders, but with the highest overall costs.

Ukraine:

• Status: Commercial surrogacy for heterosexual couples.
• Availability: Foreigners, only heterosexual couples in registered marriages.
• Differences from Georgia: Clear legislation, parenthood registration without adoption. Before the full-scale conflict, it was one of the global leaders in international surrogacy.

Mexico:

• Status: Laws differ by state; some (e.g., Tabasco and Sinaloa) allow and regulate surrogacy for foreigners.
• Availability: Foreigners, couples, and singles (per Supreme Court ruling).
• Differences from Georgia: Legal regulation may be less transparent in some regions, requiring court rulings for parenthood recognition.

Colombia:

• Status: Surrogacy is allowed but not strictly regulated.
• Availability: Foreigners, couples, and singles.
• Differences from Georgia: Legal status is less defined compared to Georgia, the USA, or Ukraine; parenthood recognition may depend on court decisions.

Kyrgyzstan:

• Status: Surrogacy officially allowed since 2024.
• Availability: Foreigners, no restrictions on marital status.
• Differences from Georgia: A new jurisdiction in the international surrogacy market with minimal restrictions for prospective parents.

Greece:

• Status: Only altruistic surrogacy permitted.
• Availability: Foreigners, mainly heterosexual couples, under certain conditions.
• Differences from Georgia: Prior court approval is required before starting the program. Strict oversight and mandatory judicial authorization.

Georgia offers foreign citizens a legally regulated and relatively accessible surrogacy procedure. However, the success of this path to parenthood for international clients largely depends on the legal system of their home country.

JUST Advisors' Recommendations for Prospective Parents:

• Thorough legal analysis: Before starting the program, conduct a comprehensive legal analysis not only of Georgian legislation but also of the laws in your country of citizenship regarding recognition of parenthood, citizenship, and the child’s exit from Georgia.
• Professional legal support: Engaging qualified attorneys in both Georgia and your home country is critically important to minimize risks and prevent potential disputes.
• Meticulous document preparation: Ensure that all necessary documents are prepared, apostilled, and translated in accordance with the requirements of both countries.
• Choosing Georgia for a surrogacy program can be an optimal decision provided that there is comprehensive legal preparation and professional support. JUST Advisors are ready to provide you with the necessary assistance at every stage of this important journey. Contact us to receive a personalized consultation for your case.