Surrogacy in Greece: The EU's Legal Surrogacy Destination
Greece is the only EU member state with comprehensive surrogacy legislation—offering a regulated path for eligible heterosexual married couples within Europe.
Estimated Cost
$50,000 - $70,000
Timeline
16-22 months
LGBTQ+ Friendly
Not Available
Single Parents
Not Available
Eligibility Check Required
Greece has specific eligibility requirements: married heterosexual couples only, and at least one parent must be a Greek citizen or EU resident.See alternative destinations if you don't meet these criteria.
Advantages of Greek Surrogacy
For eligible couples, Greece offers a structured, legal path to surrogacy within the European Union.
EU Member State
Greece is an EU member, offering familiar legal frameworks, reliable healthcare, and straightforward travel for European intended parents.
Legal Framework Since 2002
Greece was the first EU country to legalize surrogacy. The law provides clear procedures for court approval and birth registration.
Affordable European Option
At $50,000-$70,000, Greece offers a more affordable alternative to Western European countries while maintaining high medical standards.
Mediterranean Healthcare
Greek fertility clinics offer excellent care with experienced professionals. Athens and Thessaloniki have well-established IVF centers.
Who Can and Cannot Use Greek Surrogacy
Greece has specific eligibility criteria. Understanding these upfront saves time and resources.
Heterosexual Couples Only
Greek law currently only permits surrogacy for married heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples and single men are not eligible under current legislation.
Residency/Citizenship Requirement
At least one intended parent must be a Greek citizen OR an EU resident. This requirement limits accessibility for non-EU international intended parents.
Court Approval Required
A Greek court must approve the surrogacy arrangement before embryo transfer. This adds time and legal costs but provides structure.
Age Limits Apply
The intended mother must typically be under 50 years old. Medical necessity for surrogacy must be documented.
Requirements for Greek Surrogacy
All of the following requirements must be met to pursue surrogacy in Greece.
Married Heterosexual Couple
Greek law only permits surrogacy for married heterosexual couples. Unmarried couples, same-sex couples, and single individuals are not eligible.
Greek Citizen OR EU Resident
At least one intended parent must be a Greek citizen or legal resident of an EU member state. Non-EU citizens without EU residency cannot pursue surrogacy in Greece.
Medical Indication Required
The intended mother must have a documented medical reason for surrogacy (e.g., absent or non-functioning uterus, medical contraindication for pregnancy).
Age Requirement
The intended mother must typically be under 50 years old. Some flexibility may exist depending on individual circumstances and clinic policies.
Court Approval
All surrogacy arrangements require advance approval from a Greek court. This step must be completed before embryo transfer can occur.
No Genetic Link Required
Unlike some countries, Greece does not require a genetic link between the intended parents and the child. Egg and/or sperm donation is permitted.
Greek Surrogacy Costs: Complete Breakdown
Greece offers an affordable European option at $50,000-$70,000—significantly less than the USA while maintaining high standards.
| Cost Category | Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Agency/Coordination FeesProgram management and case coordination | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Surrogate CompensationSurrogate support and pregnancy allowance | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Medical/IVFFertility treatments, embryo transfer, prenatal care | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| Legal ServicesCourt application, contracts, parentage establishment | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Egg Donation (if needed)Donor compensation and medical procedures | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Court & AdministrativeCourt fees, translations, official documents | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Travel & AccommodationMultiple trips to Greece for legal and medical steps | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $50,000 - $70,000 |
Greek Surrogacy Process Timeline
Expect a 16-22 month journey, with the court approval process being a key early milestone.
Eligibility Verification
1-2 monthsConfirm you meet Greece's requirements: married heterosexual couple, Greek citizen OR EU resident, medical indication for surrogacy, and intended mother under 50.
Agency & Clinic Selection
1-2 monthsChoose a Greek surrogacy agency and fertility clinic. Most are based in Athens or Thessaloniki. Conduct initial consultations and medical reviews.
Court Application
2-4 monthsSubmit your surrogacy application to the Greek court. The court reviews the case, verifies eligibility, and grants permission to proceed.
Surrogate Matching
1-3 monthsMatch with a screened Greek surrogate. Greece has a smaller surrogate pool than larger destinations, but matching is generally achievable within a few months.
Medical Procedures
1-2 monthsComplete IVF procedures at your chosen Greek clinic. This includes egg retrieval (or donor coordination), embryo creation, and transfer to your surrogate.
Pregnancy & Monitoring
9 monthsYour surrogate receives prenatal care in Greece. You'll receive regular updates and can visit for key appointments.
Birth & Registration
1-2 monthsYour baby is born in Greece. With the court order already in place, you're registered as the legal parents on the birth certificate.
Who Greek Surrogacy is For (and Not For)
Ideal For
EU Citizens/Residents
If you're an EU citizen or resident, Greece offers a legal, accessible surrogacy option within the EU framework with familiar travel and legal systems.
Heterosexual Married Couples
Greece is specifically designed for married heterosexual couples with medical need. If this is your family structure, you'll find a clear legal path.
Budget-Conscious Europeans
At $50,000-$70,000, Greece is significantly more affordable than surrogacy in other Western European countries or the USA.
Those Valuing Legal Clarity
Greece's court-approval process provides legal certainty before pregnancy begins. You know your rights before embryo transfer.
Not Ideal For
LGBTQ+ Couples
Greek law does not currently permit surrogacy for same-sex couples. Consider Colombia, certain US states, or Canada instead.
Single Intended Parents
Single individuals cannot pursue surrogacy in Greece under current law. Look to Colombia or the USA for single-parent friendly options.
Non-EU International IPs
If neither parent is a Greek citizen or EU resident, Greece is not accessible. Consider Ukraine, Georgia, Colombia, or Mexico.
Greek Surrogacy FAQ
Can same-sex couples pursue surrogacy in Greece?
No. Greek law currently only permits surrogacy for married heterosexual couples. Same-sex couples should consider Colombia (fully LGBTQ+ friendly), certain US states, or Canada for surrogacy options.
What if I'm not an EU citizen or resident?
At least one intended parent must be a Greek citizen or EU resident. If neither parent qualifies, Greece is not an option. Consider Ukraine, Georgia, Colombia, or Mexico as alternatives for non-EU intended parents.
Why does Greece require court approval?
Court approval provides legal certainty for all parties. The court verifies eligibility, reviews the surrogacy arrangement, and issues an order that ensures intended parents are recognized as legal parents from birth. This step protects everyone involved.
How long does the court process take?
The court application and approval typically takes 2-4 months. This must be completed before embryo transfer, so it's one of the first steps in the process.
Is egg donation allowed in Greece?
Yes. Greece allows egg donation within surrogacy arrangements. Greek egg donors are available, or you can use embryos created elsewhere. There's no requirement for a genetic link between intended parents and the child.
What happens if the surrogate changes her mind?
With the court order obtained before embryo transfer, the intended parents' rights are legally established. The surrogate relinquishes parental rights through the court-approved arrangement. This provides strong legal protection.
How do I get my child's birth certificate?
The court order establishes you as the legal parents. The Greek birth certificate lists the intended parents, not the surrogate. This documentation is typically recognized for citizenship and travel purposes in EU countries.
Is Greece a good choice for UK citizens post-Brexit?
UK citizens are no longer EU residents, so they would need to be Greek citizens to qualify. If neither parent is a Greek citizen, Greece is not accessible. UK intended parents often look to Ukraine, Georgia, Colombia, or the USA instead.
Ready to Explore Greek Surrogacy?
If you meet Greece's eligibility requirements, we can help you connect with experienced Greek agencies and clinics.