As more Canadians face challenges building families through surrogacy at home—whether due to legal restrictions, ethical concerns, or logistical limitations—many are now exploring surrogacy abroad. But where can Canadians go for legal, safe, and affordable surrogacy? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the top countries offering surrogacy options for Canadians, balancing cost, legal clarity, and reliability.
Why Are Canadians Looking Abroad for Surrogacy?
Although surrogacy is legal in Canada, it’s heavily regulated under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA). Here are key limitations:
- Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted, meaning surrogate mothers cannot be paid beyond reimbursement of pregnancy-related expenses.
- Finding a surrogate in Canada is extremely difficult and can take 1–2 years or more.
- Intended parents cannot select the gender of their baby through preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A).
- The legal process is complex and varies between provinces.
Due to these limitations, many Canadians are turning to international surrogacy to access more predictable, faster, and flexible paths to parenthood.
What Makes a Country Ideal for Canadian Surrogacy?
When evaluating surrogacy destinations, Canadian intended parents typically consider:
- ✅ Legal clarity and enforceable contracts
- ✅ Affordability compared to North America
- ✅ Surrogate mother protection and ethics
- ✅ Parental rights and citizenship documentation process
- ✅ LGBTQ+ and single parent accessibility
- ✅ Travel safety and healthcare standards
Top 5 Countries Offering Legal and Affordable Surrogacy for Canadians (2025 Edition)
1. United States 🇺🇸
Best for: High-budget families seeking legal certainty
- Legal status: Commercial surrogacy is legal in multiple U.S. states (e.g., California, Nevada, Illinois).
- Average cost: $120,000 – $180,000 USD
- Timeframe: 12–15 months
- LGBTQ+ friendly: ✅ Yes
- Gender selection: ✅ Allowed
- Legal security: ✅ Very strong
The U.S. remains the gold standard for international surrogacy, offering a legally robust environment with enforceable surrogacy agreements. Surrogates are carefully screened, and intended parents are listed on the baby’s birth certificate from birth in surrogacy-friendly states.
Drawback: It’s the most expensive destination, but for those who can afford it, the U.S. offers unparalleled peace of mind.
2. Colombia 🇨🇴
Best for: Mid-budget families looking for reliable service and legal protection
- Legal status: Surrogacy is legal and regulated
- Average cost: $50,000 – $70,000 USD
- Timeframe: 10–14 months
- LGBTQ+ friendly: ✅ Yes
- Gender selection: ✅ Often permitted
- Legal security: ✅ Moderate to strong (depends on agency)
Colombia has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for Canadian couples and LGBTQ+ individuals seeking cost-effective surrogacy. Major cities like Bogotá and Medellín offer advanced medical infrastructure and internationally oriented surrogacy agencies.
Advantages:
- Lower costs than the U.S.
- Favorable parental rights laws for foreigners
- Relatively short waiting times
Caution: Only work with agencies that have experience handling Canadian clients and understand the post-birth legal steps required to return home with the baby.
3. Georgia 🇬🇪
Best for: Heterosexual married couples with moderate budgets
- Legal status: Commercial surrogacy is legal for married heterosexual couples only
- Average cost: $40,000 – $60,000 USD
- Timeframe: 12–16 months
- LGBTQ+ friendly: ❌ No (restricted to married heterosexual couples)
- Gender selection: ✅ Often available
- Legal security: ✅ Strong (but limited to specific demographics)
Georgia is an increasingly attractive surrogacy destination, especially for Canadian couples who meet the eligibility criteria. It offers a solid legal framework, English-speaking coordinators, and reputable clinics.
Pros:
- Legally binding contracts
- Affordable pricing
- Efficient medical care
Cons:
- Strict eligibility: Single individuals and LGBTQ+ couples are not allowed
4. Mexico 🇲🇽
Best for: LGBTQ+ or single Canadian parents seeking a North American location
- Legal status: Legal in select states (e.g., Tabasco, Mexico City)
- Average cost: $50,000 – $75,000 USD
- Timeframe: 12–15 months
- LGBTQ+ friendly: ✅ Yes (in specific states)
- Gender selection: ✅ Often available
- Legal security: ✅ Moderate (regional differences apply)
Mexico has re-entered the international surrogacy scene after reforms in several states clarified the legal standing of foreign parents. Many Canadian agencies and doctors now partner with clinics in Mexico.
Benefits:
- Relatively low cost
- Proximity to Canada
- Increasing legal recognition of same-sex and single parents
Tip: Be cautious about the state in which the process is done. Only choose legally approved areas, and ensure legal documentation is handled properly.
5. Ukraine (Post-War Consideration) 🇺🇦
Best for: Future planning (currently paused due to conflict)
- Legal status: Legal for married heterosexual couples only
- Average cost: $40,000 – $60,000 USD
- Timeframe: Not currently recommended due to war
- LGBTQ+ friendly: ❌ No
- Gender selection: ✅
- Legal security: ✅ Strong (when active)
Before the war, Ukraine was one of the most trusted and affordable destinations for international surrogacy, with an extensive network of clinics and legal protections for intended parents. Once the situation stabilizes, it may again become a top choice.
Key Questions Canadian Intended Parents Ask
❓ Is it legal for Canadians to pursue surrogacy abroad?
✅ Yes. There are no Canadian laws prohibiting citizens or permanent residents from pursuing surrogacy outside Canada, provided the process complies with local laws in the destination country.
❓ Will the baby automatically become a Canadian citizen?
✅ Yes, in most cases. If at least one parent is a Canadian citizen or PR, the child will be eligible for Canadian citizenship or travel documents. You’ll need:
- Birth certificate with parental names
- Court or legal documentation confirming parentage
- Application for Canadian citizenship certificate or passport
The process varies depending on whether the child is born via egg/sperm donation or if both intended parents are biological.
❓ How do I bring the baby back to Canada?
You’ll need to complete:
- DNA testing (if required)
- Legal parentage documentation
- Canadian citizenship certificate or temporary travel document
- Health screening and travel clearance
With a qualified agency or lawyer, this process usually takes 2–8 weeks after birth.
Choosing the Right Country for Your Surrogacy Journey
Here’s a quick summary for decision-making:
| Country | Cost (USD) | LGBTQ+ Friendly | Legal Strength | Wait Time |
| USA | $120K–$180K | ✅ Yes | ✅✅✅✅✅ | 12–15 months |
| Colombia | $50K–$70K | ✅ Yes | ✅✅✅✅ | 10–14 months |
| Georgia | $40K–$60K | ❌ No | ✅✅✅✅ | 12–16 months |
| Mexico | $50K–$75K | ✅ Yes (limited) | ✅✅✅ | 12–15 months |
| Ukraine | $40K–$60K | ❌ No | ✅✅✅✅ | N/A (paused) |
Final Thoughts: Is Overseas Surrogacy Worth It for Canadians?
For Canadians who are facing long delays, strict legal limits, or difficulty finding surrogates domestically, international surrogacy is a life-changing option. With the right country, agency, and legal support, you can achieve your dream of parenthood safely and legally—often with more flexibility and better timing than at home.
Need Help Getting Started?
If you’re considering surrogacy outside Canada, consulting a Canadian Canbaby surrogacy agency with experience in international arrangements can make the journey smoother. They can help with:
- Choosing the right country
- Legal document preparation
- Navigating citizenship and immigration
- Partner clinic coordination
The dream of parenthood is possible—no matter where it begins.
Keywords :
Canadian surrogacy, surrogacy abroad for Canadians, affordable surrogacy, legal surrogacy for Canadians, surrogacy options outside Canada, surrogacy for LGBTQ Canadians, Canadian parents surrogacy, cross-border surrogacy
