Greece has long been a sought-after destination for intended parents seeking to grow their families through surrogacy.1 With a legal framework that is often considered progressive and a well-developed medical infrastructure, the country has presented a viable option for many.2 However, recent legal changes have significantly altered the landscape, making it crucial for anyone considering surrogacy in Greece to be fully informed about the current regulations. This article will provide an overview of the key aspects of surrogacy in Greece, including the legal requirements, process, costs, and the recent legislative shifts.
The Legal Framework: A History of Progress and Recent Changes
Surrogacy in Greece is regulated by specific laws and articles of the Greek Civil Code.3 The country’s legal system permits altruistic gestational surrogacy, which means that a surrogate mother carries a child to whom she has no genetic link.4 Commercial surrogacy, where the surrogate is paid a fee beyond her expenses, is strictly prohibited.5 The law provides a clear and secure path for intended parents, as a pre-birth court order grants them legal parentage from the moment of birth, protecting them and the child.6
Historically, Greece was one of the few European countries to open its surrogacy program to foreign nationals.7 This was a significant draw for many international couples and single women.8 However, a major legislative amendment in May 2025 introduced a pivotal change: both the intended mother and the surrogate mother must now be legal residents of Greece for a court to approve the surrogacy arrangement.9 This change effectively restricts access for many international intended parents who do not meet the residency criteria.10 The amendment was a direct response to a high-profile scandal involving a clinic in Crete, which led to concerns about human trafficking and exploitation.11 The new law aims to tighten regulations and reinforce local jurisdiction.12
For those who do meet the residency requirements, the legal process is still a key component of the journey.13 It requires the intended mother to file a petition with a Greek court, providing medical proof of her inability to carry a pregnancy.14 This court approval is a prerequisite for any embryo transfer to take place, ensuring a legally sound foundation for the entire process.15
The Surrogacy Process in Greece
The surrogacy journey in Greece is structured and involves several steps, from legal authorization to the birth of the child. It typically begins with a consultation and evaluation by a fertility clinic and legal counsel. Intended parents must gather the necessary medical documentation to prove their need for a surrogate.16
A critical step is the court approval process.17 A Greek court must review and approve the surrogacy agreement before the medical procedures can begin.18 This process can take several months.19 Once the court order is obtained, the medical phase can commence.20 The surrogate, who must be between 25 and 45 years old and have at least one child of her own, undergoes comprehensive medical and psychological screening.21 Embryos are created using the intended parents’ (or donors’) gametes, and then a transfer is performed.22
Throughout the pregnancy, the surrogate receives regular medical monitoring and care, with intended parents often receiving updates on the progress. After the birth, the child’s birth certificate is issued in the names of the intended parents, as per the pre-birth court order.23 This streamlined legal process post-birth is a significant advantage of the Greek system.
Understanding the Costs
The cost of surrogacy in Greece can vary widely depending on the clinic, the program chosen, and whether donor eggs or sperm are needed.24 While commercial surrogacy is illegal, the law does allow for compensation to the surrogate for her expenses.25 This includes medical costs, lost wages, and other pregnancy-related expenses.26 The total amount of compensation is regulated and cannot exceed a certain limit, which has been set at around €10,000 in the past.27
The overall cost for a surrogacy program, including legal fees, clinic fees, and surrogate compensation, can range from $85,000 to $100,000 or more.28 It is important for intended parents to work with a reputable agency and legal team to ensure all costs are transparent and accounted for, avoiding any hidden fees.29
Success Rates and Ethical Considerations
Greece’s fertility clinics are known for their high standards and advanced technologies. Success rates for surrogacy using own eggs and sperm are often reported to be between 75% and 95%.30 When donor eggs are used, the success rates can be even higher.31 The focus on gestational surrogacy (where the surrogate is not genetically related to the child) and the altruistic nature of the program are considered ethical cornerstones of the Greek model.32
However, the recent changes to the law underscore the importance of staying informed and choosing a legal pathway that is both compliant and ethically sound. The new residency requirement, for example, is a direct attempt to prevent the exploitation of foreign women and ensure that surrogacy remains a well-regulated and ethical practice within Greece’s borders.33
The Path Forward
For those interested in surrogacy in Greece, the new laws present a challenge but not necessarily a closed door. The focus has shifted to those who have legal residency in the country. This change, while restrictive for international couples, reinforces the integrity of the Greek system. The anchor text for this journey, maternità surrogata greci, still represents a legally robust and ethically guided path to parenthood, albeit with a new set of requirements. Navigating this landscape requires careful planning, a clear understanding of the legal framework, and the guidance of experienced professionals.
