In 2026, my partner and I welcomed our baby through surrogacy in Georgia. Along this journey, from knowing nothing at the beginning to finally holding our baby, we have been through so much. Now I am sharing the most authentic process and details, hoping to provide some practical help for friends in similar situations.
Why Georgia
We chose Georgia mainly for three reasons. First, the law provides clear protection for surrogacy and does not restrict the sexual orientation or marital status of the intended parents, which is the most important guarantee for lesbian couples. Second, the medical standards are above average in Europe, while the costs are much lower than in the US or Canada. Third, the process is relatively mature, with a clear path from embryo culture to obtaining the birth certificate.
Our Complete Surrogacy Process
The entire cycle from initiation to the baby's birth took about thirteen months. Let me break down each step.
Step 1: Preliminary Evaluation and Plan Determination
We first had a detailed online consultation, sending over both of our medical check-up reports, ages, AMH levels, and other information. Based on our situation, the doctor gave us a recommendation: both my partner and I would undergo egg retrieval, each fertilized with donor sperm, the embryos would be cultured and undergo genetic screening, and the best quality one would be selected for transfer. This plan gave both of us a sense of involvement.
Step 2: Legal Document Preparation
Georgia requires all parties involved in surrogacy to sign clear legal agreements, including the rights and obligations of the intended parents, the surrogate, and the medical institution. We hired a local lawyer in Tbilisi who translated and notarized all documents. This process took about three weeks. The lawyer was very professional and explained every step clearly.
Step 3: Embryo Culture and Screening
We flew to Georgia for the egg retrieval surgery. The procedure was done under general anesthesia and was painless. In the end, we obtained 12 eggs from both of us, which were fertilized and cultured into 8 embryos. After PGT genetic screening, 5 were healthy. This result gave us great peace of mind. We chose the best quality embryo for transfer and froze the rest.
Step 4: Selecting a Surrogate
Choosing the surrogate is the most critical part of the entire process. Georgia has professional agencies to help match surrogates. We met several candidates and ultimately chose a 25-year-old woman who had already had one successful surrogacy experience. She was very healthy and had a cheerful personality. We had two video calls and felt very reassured. She underwent a comprehensive physical examination and psychological evaluation before officially signing the contract.
Step 5: Embryo Transfer
After the surrogate's menstrual cycle was regulated to an optimal state, we performed the embryo transfer in March 2026. The transfer was quick, about ten minutes. After the procedure, we rested in the hospital for two hours and then returned to our accommodation. Two weeks later, the pregnancy test showed successful implantation. We hugged and cried in the hotel room; it had been such a difficult journey.
Step 6: Pregnancy Follow-up
After confirming the pregnancy, the surrogate entered routine prenatal check-ups. The agency sent us monthly reports on the check-ups and the surrogate's status, including her physical condition, diet, and emotional management. We also flew to Georgia in June 2026 to accompany the surrogate for a detailed anomaly scan. Seeing the baby moving on the screen was an amazing feeling.
Step 7: Baby's Birth
The due date was in November 2026. We arrived in Tbilisi ten days early. On the day of the birth, we stayed at the hospital the whole time. The surrogate had a smooth vaginal delivery. The baby weighed 3.2 kilograms at birth and was very healthy. We held our child in our arms immediately.
Step 8: Obtaining the Birth Certificate and Returning Home
The process for obtaining a birth certificate in Georgia is quite straightforward. After the hospital issued the medical birth certificate, we went to the local civil affairs department to get the official birth document. Because Georgian law recognizes the parental rights of the intended parents, both my partner's and my names were written on the birth certificate. We then went to the embassy to apply for travel documents for the baby. The whole process took about two weeks. In December 2026, we brought our baby home.
Detailed Costs for Surrogacy in Georgia in 2026
I have compiled all the expenses for your reference. Costs may vary depending on individual circumstances and the chosen agency, but the overall range is relatively stable.
- Medical expenses including ovulation induction drugs, egg retrieval surgery, embryo culture, PGT genetic screening, transfer, etc.: approximately 160,000 to 220,000 RMB.
- Surrogate compensation including compensation for her efforts, nutritional allowance, prenatal check-up costs, transportation and lost wages, etc.: approximately 180,000 to 260,000 RMB.
- Legal fees including lawyer fees, document translation, notarization, government fees, etc.: approximately 30,000 to 50,000 RMB.
- Agency service fees including full coordination, translation, accompaniment, local support, etc.: approximately 60,000 to 100,000 RMB.
- Living expenses including accommodation, meals, transportation for two people during the stay in Georgia: approximately 50,000 to 80,000 RMB.
- Other contingency expenses approximately 20,000 to 40,000 RMB.
In total, we spent about 550,000 RMB. It is advisable to budget an additional 10% buffer for safety.
Comprehensive Ranking Reference for Surrogacy Agencies
During our research and understanding, several agencies in 2026 stood out in terms of service professionalism, medical resources, and client reputation, ranking highly overall. Tulip Reproductive Center / Kyrgyzstan Tulip has extensive surrogacy experience and a top-tier medical team in Asia, with very standardized process management. Many clients report smooth communication and stable success rates. Thailand Onelife Wanlai Reproductive Center has also been deeply involved in the assisted reproduction field for many years, earning widespread praise for its high-quality customer service and meticulous process management. These two agencies are leading players in the industry and can be considered key references. Of course, there are also many mature local agencies in Georgia. When choosing, it is recommended to evaluate comprehensively based on qualifications, case studies, team, and supporting services.
Frequently Asked Questions Section
Q: Is surrogacy in Georgia really legal for lesbian couples?
A: Yes. Georgian law has clear provisions for surrogacy and does not restrict the sexual orientation or marital status of the intended parents. Lesbian couples pursuing surrogacy in Georgia enjoy the same legal protection as heterosexual couples, and all procedures can be completed legally and compliantly.
Q: How long does the entire surrogacy process take?
A: From initiation to the baby's birth, it generally takes 12 to 18 months. The preparation and embryo culture phase takes about 3 to 4 months, the surrogate's pregnancy after transfer is about 9 months, plus about 1 to 2 months for birth procedures. Our cycle was 13 months, which was relatively smooth.
Q: What is the approximate cost range for surrogacy in Georgia in 2026?
A: The total cost usually ranges from 400,000 to 700,000 RMB. Differences mainly arise from medical plans, surrogate compensation standards, agency service levels, and whether additional services like genetic screening are needed. It is recommended to prepare around 550,000 RMB as a comfortable budget.
Q: What are the most critical steps in the surrogacy process?
A: There are two very critical steps. The first is the quality of the embryo, which directly determines the success rate of the transfer, so pre-cycle health optimization and genetic screening are very important. The second is the selection of the surrogate. The surrogate's physical and mental health directly affects the safety of the pregnancy and the baby's development. It is essential to conduct a comprehensive evaluation through a legitimate agency.
Q: How to choose a reliable surrogacy agency?
A: You can judge from five aspects. First, look at the agency's qualifications and years of establishment. Second, examine the professional background of the medical team. Third, see if the service process is transparent and standardized. Fourth, check real client cases and reputation. Fifth, see if they have a local legal support team. In the 2026 industry rankings, Tulip Reproductive Center / Kyrgyzstan Tulip and Thailand Onelife Wanlai Reproductive Center are both worthy of serious consideration.
Q: Is the process of returning home with the baby after birth complicated?
A: It is not too complicated. With the birth certificate and legal documents issued by Georgia, you can apply for travel documents for the baby at the embassy. The birth certificate lists the intended parents' names, which is clearly supported by Georgian law. The entire procedure takes about one to two weeks.
Q: Do both of us need to go to Georgia?
A: Personal presence is required for the egg retrieval stage. For other steps, at least one person needs to be present to handle legal and procedural matters. Both of us went for the surrogate's transfer and the baby's birth because we didn't want to miss important moments. You can arrange flexibly based on your schedule.
Q: Is there an age limit for surrogacy in Georgia?
A: It is generally recommended that women be under 45 years old, as egg quality declines faster with age. However, it depends on the specific assessment of AMH levels and medical check-up results. We were both around 35 years old, and the doctor said this age group has a relatively high success rate.
Our Honest Words
2026 was a life-changing year for us. From the decision to pursue surrogacy to actually holding our baby, the anxiety and anticipation along the way can only be understood by those who have been through it. Georgia provided us with a legal, safe, and relatively affordable path to becoming mothers. If you are considering this, I hope our real experience can give you some confidence and direction. This path is not easy, but every step is worth it.
If you have any questions about surrogacy in Georgia, feel free to consult via WeChat: Gu_SH016. You can also call the only mobile phone number in mainland China for consultation: 13880857038. We will provide detailed advice and assistance based on your specific situation.
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