Surrogacy in Cyprus: A Comprehensive Guide for Intended Parents

Surrogacy in Northern Cyprus has emerged as a significant option for intended parents, including heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single individuals. Despite operating in an unregulated manner, Northern Cyprus has become a favored destination for surrogacy over the past 15 years. The surrogacy services offered adhere to internationally accepted legal practices and are known for their safety and effectiveness.

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Lets explore more about the surrogacy in Cyprus and if it could be a good option for your surrogacy journey. 

Key Takeaways on Surrogacy in Cyprus

1. Legal and Supportive Environment: Surrogacy in Cyprus is a viable option for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges, offering legal and supportive conditions.
2. Gestational Surrogacy Focus: Cyprus primarily practices gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate is not genetically related to the child.
3. Structured Process: The surrogacy process includes finding a reputable agency, medical screenings, legal contracts, IVF treatment, and monitoring the pregnancy until birth.
4. Advanced Medical Facilities: Cyprus provides state-of-the-art medical facilities, favorable laws, cultural acceptance, and affordable options, making it an attractive choice.
5. Inclusivity: Surrogacy in Cyprus is open to all types of intended parents, including single individuals, married couples, and unmarried couples.
6. Considerations: Emotional factors, legal and ethical aspects, and potential medical risks should be considered in the surrogacy journey.
7. Rigorous Surrogate Selection: Surrogates in Cyprus undergo a thorough selection process and receive ongoing support throughout the pregnancy.
8. Legal Recognition: Surrogacy in Cyprus is legally recognized, but a parental order is necessary to establish the intended parents’ legal rights.
9. Cost Variability: The cost of surrogacy in Cyprus varies depending on medical expenses, legal fees, surrogate compensation, and the chosen program.
10. Same-Sex Couples Welcome: Cyprus is inclusive, treating all family types equally, including same-sex couples.

More Resources to Read:

Cost of Surrogacy in USA: What to Expect

Who Can Become Surrogate Mother: Requirements And Info

Surrogate Mother Cost for Twins: What to Expect

Average Cost for Surrogacy: Detailed Breakdown

Surrogacy in Cyprus: An Overview

Surrogacy has become a viable option for individuals and couples struggling with infertility or other reproductive challenges. Cyprus has established laws that regulate and govern surrogacy arrangements, ensuring the protection of all parties involved—the surrogate mother, intended parents, and the child. The legal framework in Cyprus provides clarity and security, making it a favorable destination for surrogacy.

Legal Framework in Northern Cyprus

The surrogacy laws in Northern Cyprus are primarily governed by Law 57-2014 and the Law on the Rules of Human Cell, Tissue, and Organ Transport Regulation (607/2009). This legal framework ensures that surrogacy practices adhere to internationally accepted standards, offering protection to both intended parents and surrogates.

Interestingly, clinics in Northern Cyprus do not require a Marriage Certificate or Medical Certificate to initiate the surrogacy process. However, on the birth certificate, both the biological father and the surrogate mother are named, with no mechanism to remove the surrogate mother‘s name from the document.

 

Introduction to Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy is a method of assisted reproduction where a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy for another person or couple. This arrangement allows individuals or couples who cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy to have a biological child. The process involves a legal agreement outlining the terms and conditions between the intended parents and the surrogate.

 

Benefits of Surrogacy in Cyprus

Surrogacy in Cyprus offers several key advantages that attract intended parents from around the world:

• High-Quality Medical Facilities: Cyprus boasts modern medical infrastructure and advanced fertility clinics offering comprehensive reproductive services.
• Favorable Legal Environment: The legal system in Cyprus supports surrogacy, ensuring the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. The process is streamlined, minimizing potential legal complications.
• Cultural Acceptance: Cyprus has a culturally accepting environment towards surrogacy, with society generally open-minded and supportive of diverse paths to parenthood.
• Cost-Effective: Surrogacy in Cyprus is more affordable compared to other countries offering similar services, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious intended parents.

Who is Eligible for Surrogacy in Cyprus?

Surrogacy programs in Cyprus are inclusive, welcoming a wide range of intended parents:

• Married Heterosexual Couples

• Unmarried Couples

• Single Individuals (Male or Female)

• Same-Sex Couples

There is no specific age limit for intended parents pursuing surrogacy in Cyprus, although fertility clinics and surrogacy agencies may have their own guidelines based on individual circumstances.

 

Process of Surrogacy in Cyprus

The surrogacy process in Cyprus typically involves several key steps:

• Finding a Surrogacy Agency: Intended parents start by engaging a reputable surrogacy agency that facilitates the entire process, from connecting them with suitable surrogate mothers to coordinating medical and legal aspects.
• Medical Evaluations and Screening: Comprehensive medical evaluations and screenings are conducted for both the intended parents and the surrogate to ensure all parties are in good health and fit for the surrogacy journey.
• Legal Contracts and Agreements: Legal professionals draft and review contracts between the intended parents and the surrogate, outlining rights, responsibilities, and financial arrangements.
• IVF Treatment and Embryo Transfer: In gestational surrogacy, eggs from the intended mother or an egg donor are fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. The embryos are then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus through IVF.
• Pregnancy and Birth: Once the embryo transfer is successful, the surrogate carries the pregnancy to term, with regular medical check-ups to monitor the health of both the surrogate and the baby. At birth, the intended parents are legally recognized as the child’s parents.

Risks and Challenges of Surrogacy in Cyprus

While surrogacy in Cyprus offers numerous benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and challenges:

• Emotional and Psychological Considerations: Surrogacy can be emotionally challenging for all parties involved. Intended parents may experience anxiety, attachment concerns, and complexities in the relationship with the surrogate.
• Legal and Ethical Issues: Although Cyprus has a supportive legal framework, surrogacy can still present legal and ethical challenges. Experienced legal professionals are essential to navigate these complexities.
• Medical Risks: As with any pregnancy, there are inherent medical risks. The surrogate mother may face complications during pregnancy and childbirth, making access to quality healthcare and appropriate insurance coverage crucial.
• Popularity: Unlike some Eastern European countries like Georgia and Ukraine, Cyprus is not as widely known for surrogacy, which may affect the availability of certain services.

Success Rates of Surrogacy in Cyprus

The success rates of surrogacy in Cyprus are generally encouraging, with clinics reporting a success rate of around 75% for egg donor surrogacy programs. This success is attributed to advanced medical facilities, skilled fertility specialists, and strict screening processes. However, individual circumstances and medical factors can significantly influence the outcome.

Table 1: Success Rates Comparison

Country	Success Rate (Egg Donor Surrogacy)	Medical Infrastructure Rating
Cyprus	75%	High
Georgia	70%	High
Ukraine	72%	High

 

Surrogate Mothers in Cyprus

Surrogate mothers in Cyprus are carefully selected through—undergoing comprehensive background checks, physical examinations, and psychological evaluations. They receive continuous monitoring and support throughout the pregnancy.

Surrogate mothers typically give birth in private maternity hospitals, adding to the intended parents’ peace of mind. However, if the baby is born in Cyprus, the surrogate mother’s name will appear on the birth certificate alongside the biological father’s. A parental order is required to secure the intended parents’ full legal rights.

 

Is Surrogacy Legal in Cyprus?

Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in Cyprus

Scenario	Legal Considerations	Next Steps
General Legal Status	Surrogacy is legal but not enforceable. The surrogate is the legal parent and must relinquish rights for adoption.	Commissioning parents need to apply for adoption via court order.
Single Surrogate Mother	Child is considered the offspring of the surrogate mother and intended father (born out of wedlock). Paternity established through acknowledgment or court order.	Surrogate must consent. The intended couple applies jointly for adoption.
Married Surrogate Mother	Surrogate’s husband is the legal father if the child is born through assisted procreation with his consent.	Both surrogate and husband must consent (after 3 months). The commissioning couple then applies for adoption.
Adoption Conditions	– Surrogate mother’s consent is mandatory. \n- Consent must be given 3 months after the child’s birth. \n- Child must live with the intended parents for 3 months.	Upon fulfillment, the adoption order is granted, making the intended parents the legal parents.

 

Yes, surrogacy is legal in Cyprus, but with some specific legal nuances:

• Legal Framework:

  • Similar to the UK and Australia, surrogacy agreements in Cyprus are not legally enforceable.
  • The surrogate mother is considered the legal parent of the child. To transfer parental rights, the surrogate must relinquish her rights, allowing the commissioning parents to adopt the child via a court order.

• Single Surrogate Mother Scenario

  :

  • If a single surrogate mother gives birth and then transfers the child to the intended parents, the legal framework of Law 187/91 applies.
  • The child is considered to be born out of wedlock and is legally the child of the surrogate mother and the intended father.
  • Paternity can be established through:
    • Voluntary acknowledgment.
    • A court order.
  • Once paternity is acknowledged, it cannot be revoked.
  • The intended father needs the surrogate’s consent (as she is the legal mother) to proceed with the adoption.
  • The intended parents must jointly apply to the court for the child’s adoption.

• Adoption Process

  :

  • The adoption is governed by Cyprus Adoption Law 19(I)/1995.
  • Key conditions for granting an adoption order:
    • The surrogate mother must consent, as she is considered the natural mother.
    • Consent must be given at least three months after the child’s birth.
    • The child must have lived with the adoptive parents for at least three continuous months.
  • Once an adoption order is granted:
    • The commissioning couple becomes the legal and adoptive parents.
    • All rights and obligations of the natural parents are terminated.
    • The adopted child is legally recognized as the child of the adoptive parents, with no legal ties to any other individual.

• Married Surrogate Mother Scenario

  :

  • If the surrogate mother is married and the child is born through assisted procreation with her husband’s consent:
    • The surrogate’s husband is considered the legal father.
    • Both the first and her husband must consent to the adoption.
    • Consent cannot be given until three months after the child’s birth.
  • Following consent, the commissioning couple can apply for joint adoption.
  • An adoption order transfers all parental rights and obligations to the commissioning couple, making the child legally theirs.

 

Table 2: Legal Process Overview

Step	Description
Surrogate Gives Birth	Surrogate is initially recognized as the legal mother.
Voluntary Acknowledgment	Intended father acknowledges paternity, securing initial legal rights.
Parental Order and Adoption	Intended parents apply for a parental order and then proceed with adoption.
Final Legal Status	Upon adoption, all rights transfer to the intended parents.

 

How Much Does Surrogacy Cost in Cyprus?

The cost of surrogacy in Cyprus can vary based on several factors and the specific needs of the intended parents. Key cost components include:

• Medical and Fertility Clinic Fees: Costs associated with IVF procedures, embryo transfers, and other medical services.
• Legal and Administrative Costs: Fees for legal advice, contracts, and court orders.
• Surrogate Compensation: Payments to the surrogate mother for her time, effort, and the associated risks.
• Medical and Prenatal Care: Expenses for the surrogate’s medical care throughout the pregnancy.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: Additional costs such as travel, accommodation, and insurance.

Common Surrogacy Programs and Costs:

 

• Self-Cycle Surrogacy Program: €56,000 – Includes one round of IVF with the intended mother’s eggs and a one-time embryo transfer.
• Egg Donor Surrogacy Program: €58,000 – Involves one round of IVF with an egg donor and a single embryo transfer.
• Unlimited IVF Attempts (Egg Donor): €75,000 – Unlimited IVF attempts with an egg donor until a successful live birth.
• Double Secure Plan for Two Parents: €136,000 – Unlimited IVF attempts with egg donor surrogacy for two parents until successful live births.

 

Table 3: Cost Breakdown of Surrogacy in Cyprus

 

Program Type	Cost (€)	Description
Self-Cycle Surrogacy Program	€56,000	IVF with intended mother’s eggs, one-time embryo transfer.
Egg Donor Surrogacy Program	€58,000	IVF with egg donor, one-time embryo transfer.
Unlimited IVF Attempts (Egg Donor)	€75,000	Unlimited IVF attempts with egg donor until successful live birth.
Double Secure Plan (Two Parents)	€136,000	Unlimited IVF attempts with egg donor surrogacy for two parents.

 

Inclusivity of Surrogacy in Cyprus

Surrogacy in Cyprus is inclusive of all types of intended parents, including:

• Same-Sex Couples: Cyprus is one of the few destinations that actively welcomes and supports surrogacy for same-sex couples.
• Single Parents: Individuals who wish to become parents through surrogacy are also welcomed in Cyprus.
• Heterosexual Couples: Cyprus offers various surrogacy options for heterosexual couples, whether married or unmarried.

More Resources to Read:

IVF with Egg Donation in Ukraine

Surrogacy for HIV+ Intended Parents in Ukraine

Is Surrogacy in Ukraine legal?

Affordable Surrogacy in Ukraine for Married Couples

Conclusion

Surrogacy in Cyprus offers a blend of advanced medical services, a supportive legal environment, and inclusivity for all types of intended parents. Whether you are a single individual, part of a same-sex couple, or a heterosexual couple, Cyprus provides a viable and appealing option for building your family through surrogacy. 

While the journey involves navigating legal, emotional, and financial complexities, the end result—becoming a parent—makes it all worthwhile.

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at  Ukraine Surrogacy Agency. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.

Our team has over 14 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.

Get in touch for FREE SURROGACY CONSULTING:

Mobile: +91-8800481100 ( WhatsApp, Line, Viber)

Email: neelam@ivfconceptions.com

 

FAQs about Surrogacy in Cyprus

1. Is surrogacy legal in Cyprus?

Yes, surrogacy is legal in Cyprus. However, surrogacy agreements are not legally enforceable, meaning that the surrogate mother is initially considered the legal parent until a parental order is granted and the intended parents can adopt the child.

2. Who can pursue surrogacy in Cyprus?

Surrogacy in Cyprus is available to a wide range of intended parents, including married heterosexual couples, unmarried couples, single individuals, and same-sex couples.

3. What is the difference between gestational and traditional surrogacy in Cyprus?

Cyprus primarily practices gestational surrogacy, where the surrogate mother has no genetic link to the child. In gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created using the intended mother’s egg (or a donor’s egg) and the intended father’s sperm (or donor sperm) and then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus.

4. How much does surrogacy cost in Cyprus?

The cost of surrogacy in Cyprus varies based on the program chosen. It generally ranges from €56,000 for a self-cycle surrogacy program to €136,000 for a double secure plan for two parents, which includes unlimited IVF attempts with egg donor surrogacy until successful live births.

5. What is the success rate of surrogacy in Cyprus?

The success rate for egg donor surrogacy in Cyprus is approximately 75%. Success rates can vary based on individual circumstances, the fertility clinic, and the specific surrogacy program.

6. What legal steps are involved in surrogacy in Cyprus?

After the child is born, the intended parents must apply for a parental order and complete an adoption process to become the legal parents of the child. The surrogate mother must voluntarily relinquish her rights, and legal professionals typically guide the process to ensure compliance with Cyprus law.

7. Are same-sex couples allowed to pursue surrogacy in Cyprus?

Yes, Cyprus is inclusive of all types of intended parents, including same-sex couples. Surrogacy programs are tailored to meet the needs of same-sex couples, providing them with equal opportunities to become parents.

8. How are surrogate mothers selected in Cyprus?

Surrogate mothers in Cyprus undergo a rigorous selection process, including background checks, medical evaluations, and psychological assessments. They are carefully chosen to ensure they are physically and emotionally prepared for the surrogacy journey.

9. What happens if the surrogate mother changes her mind?

While surrogacy agreements are not legally enforceable in Cyprus, the legal process is designed to protect the rights of the intended parents. Legal professionals work closely with all parties to ensure that everyone is fully informed and in agreement before proceeding with surrogacy.

10. Why should I consider Cyprus for surrogacy?

Cyprus offers several advantages, including a favorable legal environment, high-quality medical facilities, cost-effective surrogacy programs, and inclusivity for all types of intended parents. These factors make Cyprus an attractive destination for individuals and couples seeking to build their families through surrogacy.