Surrogacy in Ukraine
Surrogacy in Ukraine is legal for officially married couples. Biological parents are indicated in the birth certificate at once. The surrogate mother holds no legal rights to the child
Avaiable in
Ukraine
Surrogacy Programs Available Across Ukraine and Europe
IVMED continues to successfully run surrogacy programs during the war in Ukraine. Start of the program is possible in Kyiv, Lviv, Uzhhorod (Ukraine), Bratislava (Slovakia), Kraków (Poland) and Koblenz (Germany)
Comprehensive Support Under One Team
Medical care, surrogate matching, legal support, and post-birth documentation are included in one agreement, under one team
Is Surrogacy Still Legal in Ukraine? Current Status (2026)
Surrogacy has been legal in Ukraine since 2002 under Article 123 of the Family Code of Ukraine ‒ one of the earliest and most comprehensive surrogacy laws in the world. This legislation has remained unchanged since the war began in February 2022, providing a stable legal foundation for international intended parents.
In May 2023, the Ukrainian parliament considered and ultimately rejected proposed ban bill 6475-d, confirming that gestational surrogacy remains a protected and legally recognised path to parenthood. The political will to maintain access for international families remains clear.
In 2024, the Ministry of Health issued Order 383, which tightened regulatory oversight of maternity facilities and introduced new safety protocols ‒ but did not restrict who may access surrogacy programs. Foreign married heterosexual couples can still legally pursue surrogacy in Ukraine today.
Who Can Use Surrogacy in Ukraine: Eligibility Requirements
Ukrainian law sets clear criteria for who may access surrogacy programs. Understanding these requirements before you begin can save time and prevent unexpected complications. Below are the current conditions under the Family Code of Ukraine.
Who Qualifies
- Married heterosexual couples (foreign citizens included)
- Medical indication required ‒ documented inability to carry a pregnancy
- At least one intended parent must be genetically related to the child
Who cannot use Ukraine surrogacy
- Single men and single women
- Same-sex couples (same-sex marriage not recognised under Ukrainian law)
- Individuals who are not officially married
- Couples without a documented medical indication
- Couples with no genetic link to the child (double donation programs)
Surrogacy Law in Ukraine: What the Law Actually Says
Family Code of Ukraine, Article 123
Article 123 of the Family Code is the primary legal basis for gestational surrogacy in Ukraine. It establishes a clear and protective framework that gives intended parents full legal status from the very beginning of the surrogacy arrangement ‒ without any need for court proceedings or adoption.
- Notarised surrogacy contract between intended parents and surrogate mother
- Birth certificate registration directly in the intended parents' names
- Apostille and document legalisation for international travel
- Document translation and notary services for home-country submission
Key Regulations Governing Surrogacy in Ukraine
Family Code Art. 123 Part 2
Defines gestational surrogacy; establishes intended parents as legal parents from the moment of conception.
Ministry of Health Order 787 (2013)
Sets clinical protocols and medical requirements for surrogacy arrangements and IVF procedures.
Ministry of Health Order 383 (2024)
Introduced updated safety and oversight requirements for maternity facilities; did not restrict surrogacy access.
Resolution 1025
Permits birth registration without surrogate consent ‒ the birth certificate is issued in the intended parents’ names.
How Surrogacy Works in Ukraine: Step by Step
The Ukrainian surrogacy process is well-defined from first contact to the day you go home with your child. Here’s what to expect at each stage of your surrogacy journey.
STEP 1
Document Preparation and Agency Contact
The first step is gathering the essential documents required to open your surrogacy program in Ukraine. IVMED’s coordination team will guide you through the exact requirements for your country.
- Marriage certificate
- Passport copies of both intended parents
- Medical certificate confirming the need for surrogacy
- Medical treatment anamnesis
- Other documents in case of need
STEP 2
Medical Screening
Screening begins remotely with a review of your existing medical history and test results. Your first visit to Ukraine is typically a 3-day trip to our Ukraine clinic for in-person evaluation.
- Sperm analysis, hormone testing, and karyotype screening
- First in-person clinic visit ‒ typically 3 days
STEP 3
Surrogate Matching
IVMED maintains a database of thoroughly screened Ukrainian surrogates. Each surrogate undergoes medical, psychological, and social evaluation before she is matched with intended parents.
- Surrogate age requirement: 21–35 years
- Psychological evaluation and healthy lifestyle verification
- Must have at least one healthy child of her own
- Matching timeline: typically 3–6 months
STEP 4
IVF and Embryo Transfer
Once matched, the IVF cycle begins. Embryos are created using the intended parents’ genetic material ‒ or through our egg donor programs if needed. Optional PGT-A testing screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer.
- Embryo creation from sperm and eggs (own or donor)
- Optional PGT-A preimplantation genetic testing
- Embryo transfer to the surrogate
STEP 5
Pregnancy Monitoring and Travel Planning
During the pregnancy, IVMED provides regular updates including ultrasound reports, medical summaries, and coordinator check-ins. Travel is managed overland since Ukrainian airspace remains closed.
- Regular ultrasound reports and updates sent to you
- Transfer to clinic
STEP 6
Delivery time and documents processing
Your child is born, and legal registration begins immediately. Because Ukrainian law establishes you as the legal parents from conception, no adoption is needed ‒ the birth certificate is issued in your names directly.
- Obtaining the birth certificate within 2–3 days after discharge from the maternity hospital.
- Assitance in obtaining a travel document for the child to the parents’ country of residence.
Surrogacy in Ukraine During the War: Safety and Logistics
We address the reality of the ongoing conflict with complete transparency and responsibility. Before starting any program, we openly discuss all safety measures and logistical realities with our intended parents, ensuring you are fully informed.
Our agency has successfully adapted to these unprecedented circumstances, creating a secure, highly controlled environment for your surrogacy journey.
Safer Alternative Locations
To ensure maximum safety, we offer program initiation and medical monitoring in locations far from the frontline.
These include Lviv and Uzhhorod, as well as partner clinics in Bratislava and Kraków.
Proven Wartime Success
Hundreds of healthy babies have been safely born through our agency since 2022.
We are now even conducting repeat programs for parents who successfully built their families during the war and have returned.
Enhanced Safety Protocols
We strictly adhere to Ministry of Health Order 383 (2024), which introduced rigorous additional safety and operational protocols for all maternity facilities in the country.
24/7 Coordination & Support
Our team provides round-the-clock support and emergency management.
Your dedicated personal coordinator will keep you continuously informed about any potential threats and instantly adjust plans if needed.
Overland Travel Logistics
Because Ukrainian airspace remains closed, we organize safe, comfortable overland transit.
We manage all travel routes via neighboring countries like Poland, ensuring a smooth journey to our facilities.
Addressing Safety Warnings
While we acknowledge that organizations like Growing Families explicitly warn against travel to Ukraine, our zero-incident track record and strict safety protocols demonstrate that the process remains completely secure.
How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Ukraine?
Cost Breakdown: Ukraine Surrogacy Programs
Program costs vary depending on whether you use your own embryos, require egg donor support, or choose a guarantee program with unlimited IVF cycles included
| Program Type | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| With Own Egg Cells | ~€50,580 |
| With Egg Donation | €45,850 – €51,850 |
| Guaranteed Surrogacy Program | €61,850 – €65,350 |
Ukraine vs Other Countries: Cost Comparison
Program costs vary depending on whether you use your own embryos, require egg donor support, or choose a guarantee program with unlimited IVF cycles included.
| Country | Average Cost | Waiting List | Visa Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ukraine |
€45,000 - €65,000 | 0 days (no waiting list) | Visa-Free (Up to 90 days for most EU/UK/US citizens) |
 USA |
€120,000+ | 12–18 months | ESTA or Visa Required |
 Georgia |
~ €60,000 | 3–6 months | Visa-Free |
 Mexico |
€55,000 - €70,000 | 6–12 months* | Visa-Free |
Get in Touch
Our coordinators are ready to answer your questions about surrogacy programs in Ukraine and Europe. Leave a message and we will get back to you shortly.
info@ivfagency.com.ua
PHONE / WhatsApp
+380 67 108 58 77
ADRESS
2B Aviakonstruktora Antonova street, Kyiv, Ukraine
Send us a message
Legal Recognition in Your Home Country
The Ukrainian birth certificate is issued directly in the intended parents’ names ‒ a significant advantage over surrogacy in countries that do not provide this.
However, how your home country recognises that document varies, and this is one of the most important questions international parents need to resolve before starting a program. IVMED works with legal partners in multiple countries to support you through this process.
Germany
Recognition Process
Court recognition required
Notes
German courts generally recognise the Ukrainian birth certificate; a family court application is needed. Process takes 3–12 months.
France
Recognition Process
Partial recognition
Notes
Biological parent can be registered; non-biological parent may need adoption. Legal advice essential before starting.
Italy
Recognition Process
Court required
Notes
Italian authorities require court recognition. Recent legislative changes make the process more complex ‒ specialist legal support strongly recommended.
UK
Recognition Process
Parental order required
Notes
UK does not automatically recognise foreign birth certificates for surrogacy. A parental order must be obtained within 6 months of birth.
Spain
Recognition Process
Complex ‒ case by case
Notes
Spanish courts have ruled inconsistently. Consular registration may be refused. Specialist legal support in Spain is essential.
Other EU
Recognition Process
Varies by country
Notes
EU member states differ significantly. Some accept the birth certificate directly; others require court recognition. Always consult a local family lawyer.
USA
Recognition Process
Generally straightforward
Notes
US citizens can register the child at the nearest US consulate. Citizenship is typically obtained quickly for children with at least one US parent.
Australia
Recognition Process
Citizenship by descent
Notes
Children born to Australian citizens are eligible for citizenship by descent. A parentage order may also be required depending on the state.
Our patients come from 40+ countries
Building a family knows no borders. We work with intended parents from every continent, with coordinators who speak your language and lawyers who know exactly what your embassy will ask for.
spoken by our team
represented in last year
to start your program
Why International Parents Choose IVMED for Surrogacy in Ukraine
IVMED has built a track record of delivering surrogacy programs in Ukraine through challenging conditions.
Here is what sets our agency apart for international parents considering surrogacy in Ukraine.
We speak your language
Every patient gets a dedicated coordinator who communicates with them in their own language throughout the entire program ‒ so nothing gets lost in translation, whether it's a medical update or a legal document.
We ship embryos internationally
Already have frozen embryos at a clinic abroad? We handle the full logistics of transporting them safely to our laboratory in Kyiv, in certified cryogenic containers.
A full medical institution, not just an agency
IVMED is a large licensed medical clinic with its own in-house cryobank. We control every stage of your program ‒ embryology, surrogacy, legal ‒ under one roof, not through third-party contractors.
We know what your embassy needs
Already have frozen embryos at a clinic abroad? We handle the full logistics of transporting them safely to our laboratory in Kyiv, in certified cryogenic containers.
Easy access to the full donor catalogue
Browse our complete database of egg donors with photos, eye colour, education, blood type and detailed profiles. Available online, with no waiting list and new donors added continuously.
Programs without waiting lists
Surrogate mothers and egg donors are available now. You can begin your program immediately after the matching process ‒ no months-long delays to find a match.
What Our Families Say
Olga Katon
After going through a rough IVF journey that ended in a stillbirth in November 2024, I thought that my dream of having a second baby was lost. We didn’t have the resources for a local surrogacy journey and although the idea of an international journey was very scary it was our only option. We looked at many options both locations and companies but IVMED stood out because not only did we know someone that had a great experience with them but also because of their attentiveness to us and all our questions when we initiated communication with them. They did not over sell, and did not push, they answered us and let us decide!
Our contact was always responsive and accommodating to us throughout our journey, even through my many anxieties as my past experience made the process extra scary and emotional.
To our great joy, we welcomed our sweet baby girl in early January. She came almost 2 weeks early via an emergency C-section, which although stressful, was a true miracle. Not only did we get there early, on an initial recommendation of our contact, we were there for the 38 week check up which showed the need for her urgent delivery to this world.
After the delivery, the agency provided us with immense supported as they helped us navigate the embassy process. We also happened to be in Kiev at the peak of war escalation, which they helped us navigate and make us feel as safe as they could while there and help us plan out a safe exit!
I would sincerely recommend IVMED to anyone looking into surrogacy in Ukraine!
Meena & Germeen
After meeting with numerous surrogacy agencies in Kyiv in 2019, we were emotionally exhausted and close to giving up. IVMed was the final agency we visited, and from the very first meeting, we knew they were different. Their professionalism, transparency, and genuine compassion immediately set them apart, and for the first time, we felt a sense of trust and calm in what had been an overwhelming process.
We chose IVMed as our agency in 2019 undergoing two journeys so far! From the moment we met their team, we knew this was the agency for us. There was an immediate sense of trust, professionalism, and genuine care that stood out from every other agency we had encountered.
We began our first journey with IVMed in 2020 and welcomed our daughter, Delilah-Grace on Nov. 15 2020. In 2025, we returned for our second journey and in 2026 welcomed our daughter, Devina-Mae. Across both experiences, IVMed was consistent, compassionate, and deeply committed at every stage. They were present during the most vulnerable moments and treated our family’s journey with the respect and integrity it deserved. We will always be grateful to IVMed and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone considering surrogacy.
Feel free to reach out at anytime if you have any questions!
Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogacy Programs
Q Is surrogacy in Ukraine legal for foreigners?
Yes. Ukraine’s Family Code, Article 123, explicitly permits married heterosexual couples ‒ including foreign nationals ‒ to use gestational surrogacy. Both partners must be legally married (apostilled marriage certificate required), there must be a documented medical indication, and at least one intended parent must be genetically related to the child. Ukrainian law places no nationality restriction on who may participate in a surrogacy program.
Q Has the war changed surrogacy laws in Ukraine?
No. The legal framework for surrogacy in Ukraine has not changed since the war began in February 2022. The Family Code Article 123, which governs gestational surrogacy, remains unchanged. In May 2023, Ukrainian parliament rejected proposed bill 6475-d, which would have banned surrogacy ‒ confirming the government’s intent to preserve access. The 2024 Ministry of Health Order 383 introduced updated clinical oversight but did not restrict eligibility or program access.
Q Can gay couples or single parents use surrogacy in Ukraine?
No, not under current Ukrainian law. Surrogacy in Ukraine is legally restricted to married heterosexual couples with a documented medical indication. Same-sex marriage is not recognised in Ukraine, and single applicants ‒ regardless of gender ‒ are not eligible. If you are a gay couple or a single parent, IVmed offers alternative surrogacy programs in other jurisdictions. See our pages on gay surrogacy for couples and surrogacy for single parents for details.
Q How do I travel to Ukraine if flights are not available?
Ukrainian airspace has been closed since February 2022. Travel is conducted overland, most commonly via Poland ‒ either by train or car from Warsaw or Kraków to Lviv or Uzhhorod. The journey takes approximately 8–12 hours and is regularly used by business travellers, journalists, and humanitarian workers. IVmed provides detailed logistics support for all required visits, which typically include an initial 3-day screening trip and a return visit for the final stage of the pregnancy.
Q How does my child get citizenship and travel documents after birth in Ukraine?
The process for obtaining citizenship and travel documents for your child depends on your home country. In Ukraine, the birth certificate is issued in the intended parents’ names within 1–3 weeks after birth. To obtain citizenship, you typically register the child at your home country’s embassy or consulate in Ukraine ‒ which will issue an emergency travel document or passport. Some countries require additional legal steps (such as a parental order in the UK, or a court application in Germany). IVmed’s legal team supports families through this process and works with legal partners in your country of origin.
Q How long does the surrogacy process take in Ukraine?
The full surrogacy process in Ukraine typically takes 18–24 months from initial contact to going home with your child. Document preparation and medical screening take 4–8 weeks. Surrogate matching takes 3–6 months. IVF and embryo transfer add 6–10 weeks per cycle. Pregnancy monitoring runs for approximately 9 months. Birth registration and travel document processing add 2–4 weeks at the end. Guarantee programs ‒ which include unlimited IVF cycles ‒ may take longer if multiple transfers are needed. Your IVmed coordinator will provide a personalised timeline at the start of your program.