Colombia has emerged as one of the most accessible and affordable destinations for international surrogacy. With costs 40-60% lower than the United States, a welcoming legal environment for both heterosexual and same-sex couples, and high-quality medical care, it's attracting intended parents from around the world.
This guide covers everything you need to know: the legal framework, costs, the complete process, requirements for gay and straight couples, citizenship considerations, and how to find reputable agencies and clinics.
The Legal Framework
Understanding Colombia's legal approach to surrogacy is essential before beginning your journey.
⚖️ Key Legal Points
- No specific legislation: Colombia has no dedicated surrogacy law
- Permitted through court rulings: Constitutional Court decisions (T-968 of 2009, T-127 de 2024) have established surrogacy's legality
- Gestational only: Only gestational surrogacy is permitted — the surrogate cannot provide the eggs
- Contracts are binding: Surrogacy agreements are legally enforceable
- Same-sex couples welcome: Colombia is the most progressive country in Latin America for LGBTQ+ family building
How Surrogacy Works Legally
Because there's no specific statute, surrogacy in Colombia operates within a framework established by Constitutional Court rulings and civil contract law. Key requirements from the T-968 ruling include:
- The surrogate cannot provide genetic material (eggs must come from intended mother or donor)
- Contracts must clearly define roles, financial terms, health provisions, and dispute resolution
- Medical and psychological screening of all parties is required
- The surrogate must be acting of her own free will
April 2025 Legal Development
A recent Bogotá court ruling ordered that surrogates' names appear on birth certificates alongside intended parents, recognizing "pluriparentality." This is still being interpreted and may affect documentation processes. Work with experienced legal counsel who stays current on developments.
⚠️ Work with Experienced Legal Counsel
The lack of specific legislation means experienced legal guidance is essential. Don't attempt surrogacy in Colombia without a lawyer who specializes in reproductive law and stays current on court decisions.
Surrogacy for Gay Couples
Colombia stands out in Latin America as a welcoming destination for gay intended parents.
🏳️🌈 Colombia's LGBTQ+ Legal Landscape
- Same-sex marriage: Legal since 2016
- Same-sex adoption: Legal since 2015
- Surrogacy access: Available on equal terms with heterosexual couples
- No discrimination: Constitutional protections for LGBTQ+ individuals
Process for Gay Male Couples
- Choose sperm provider: One or both partners can provide genetic material. Some couples do "split batches" with each partner's sperm fertilizing half the eggs.
- Select egg donor: Work with your agency to find an appropriate egg donor.
- IVF and embryo creation: Eggs fertilized with selected sperm, embryos created.
- Surrogate match: Agency matches you with screened surrogate.
- Embryo transfer: Embryo transferred to surrogate.
- Pregnancy and birth: Monitor pregnancy, travel for birth.
Parental Recognition for Gay Couples
- Biological father: Initially placed on birth certificate based on DNA evidence
- Surrogate removal: Court process to remove surrogate from certificate after DNA confirmation and her signed waiver
- Non-genetic father: Added through step-parent adoption process or, in some cases, direct court recognition
The legal process typically takes 4-8 weeks after birth. Some agencies and lawyers have streamlined processes that can be faster.
Surrogacy for Heterosexual Couples
Heterosexual couples also find Colombia an attractive option, particularly when domestic surrogacy is unavailable or prohibitively expensive.
Requirements
Some agencies and courts have historically required documented medical necessity (inability to carry a pregnancy) for heterosexual couples. However, this requirement is inconsistently applied and may be changing. Discuss with your agency and lawyer.
Parental Recognition
When both intended parents provide genetic material (her eggs, his sperm):
- Both can be recognized on the birth certificate with DNA evidence
- Process may be more straightforward than for gay couples
- Court still must remove surrogate's name
When using donor eggs or donor sperm, the process is similar to gay couples — genetic parent recognized first, non-genetic parent through subsequent legal process.
Complete Cost Breakdown
One of Colombia's biggest advantages is cost. Here's a detailed breakdown:
| Category | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Agency Fees | $10,000-$39,500 |
| — Surrogate matching | Included |
| — Case management | Included |
| — Coordination services | Included |
| Legal Fees | $5,000-$8,000 |
| — Contract drafting | Included |
| — Court processes | Included |
| — Birth certificate/parentage | Included |
| Surrogate Compensation | $18,000-$25,000 |
| — Base compensation | $15,000-$20,000 |
| — Monthly allowance | $300-$500/month |
| — C-section bonus (if applicable) | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Medical/IVF | $15,000-$25,000 |
| — IVF cycle | $5,000-$8,000 |
| — Medications | Typically included |
| — FET (if needed) | $2,000-$4,000 |
| — Prenatal care | $3,000-$5,000 |
| — Delivery | $3,000-$6,000 |
| Egg Donor (if needed) | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Insurance | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Travel (estimated 2-3 trips) | $3,000-$8,000 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED | $50,000-$80,000 |
US Comparison
For context, surrogacy in the United States typically costs $100,000-$175,000 or more. Colombian surrogacy offers 40-60% savings while maintaining high medical standards.
💡 Cost Factors
- Number of IVF cycles: May need multiple attempts
- Egg donor vs. own eggs: Adds cost if donor needed
- Multiple pregnancy: Higher delivery/care costs
- Complications: NICU, extended hospital stay
- Extended stay after birth: Legal processing time
The Surrogacy Process Timeline
Plan for an 18-24 month journey from decision to bringing your baby home.
Phase 1: Initial Consultation & Matching
- Agency selection and contract
- Medical record review
- Surrogate matching
- Legal contracts drafted
Phase 2: Medical Procedures
- Egg retrieval (if using intended mother's eggs)
- Egg donor cycle (if using donor)
- Embryo creation and possible PGT-A testing
- Surrogate preparation
- Embryo transfer
Phase 3: Pregnancy
- Regular updates from agency
- Prenatal care monitoring
- Optional visit(s) during pregnancy
- Birth preparation
Phase 4: Birth & Legal Processes
- Travel to Colombia for birth
- Hospital delivery
- Birth certificate processing
- Court proceedings for parentage
- DNA testing (if required)
Phase 5: Citizenship & Departure
- US CRBA (Consular Report of Birth Abroad) application
- Passport for baby
- Exit documentation
- Travel home
Surrogate Requirements
Based on Constitutional Court guidelines (T-968), surrogates in Colombia must meet specific criteria:
Surrogate Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 21-37 years old
- Previous birth: Must have had at least one healthy pregnancy and delivery
- Medical screening: Complete physical examination, infectious disease testing, uterine evaluation
- Psychological screening: Mental health evaluation by qualified professional
- No contraindications: No medical conditions that would make pregnancy dangerous
- Informed consent: Must fully understand and consent to the process
Citizenship Considerations
Colombian Citizenship
Children born in Colombia automatically receive Colombian citizenship (jus soli), regardless of parents' nationality. Your child will be a Colombian citizen.
US Citizenship
For US citizens, obtaining citizenship for your child requires:
- Genetic connection: At least one US citizen parent must have a genetic connection to the child
- DNA testing: The US Embassy requires DNA evidence of parentage
- CRBA application: Consular Report of Birth Abroad filed at US Embassy Bogotá
- US passport: Issued based on CRBA
⚠️ Important for Gay Couples Using Donor Eggs
If you're using donor eggs, only the genetic father (sperm provider) can transmit US citizenship automatically. The non-genetic father may need to pursue adoption in the US after returning home. Plan for this with your lawyer.
Other Countries
Citizenship transmission varies by country. UK citizens face particular challenges as UK law does not automatically recognize surrogacy arrangements. Consult with an immigration attorney familiar with your country's laws before beginning.
Choosing an Agency
Working with a reputable agency is essential. Key factors to evaluate:
What to Look For
- Experience: Years in business, number of successful journeys
- Transparency: Clear pricing, willingness to answer questions
- Legal expertise: In-house or partnered attorneys specializing in reproductive law
- Medical partnerships: Relationships with established fertility clinics
- Communication: Responsive, available, clear about updates
- References: Willing to connect you with past clients
- Surrogate care: How they recruit, screen, support, and compensate surrogates
Reputable Agencies in Colombia
- Surrogacy Colombia (Bogotá): 12+ years experience, works with international clients
- Colombia Surrogacy Partners: LGBTQ+-focused, experienced with gay couples
- Sensible Surrogacy: LGBT+-founded, international focus
- Celagem: Medical group with surrogacy program
Fertility Clinics with Surrogacy Programs
- InSer (Medellín): Operating since 1995, comprehensive surrogacy services
- Conceptum (Bogotá): 30+ years, full surrogacy program
- Fertivida (Bogotá): Modern facility, surrogacy coordination
💡 Questions to Ask Agencies
- How many surrogacy journeys have you completed?
- What is your success rate (live births)?
- Can I speak with previous clients?
- What happens if the transfer doesn't work?
- How do you screen and support surrogates?
- What's included in your fee vs. additional costs?
- Who handles legal matters?
- How will you communicate with me during the process?
Travel Planning
How Many Trips?
Plan for 2-3 trips to Colombia:
- Trip 1 (optional): Initial consultation, meeting surrogate, signing contracts
- Trip 2: If using intended mother's eggs — egg retrieval
- Trip 3: Birth and legal processes (plan 4-6 weeks minimum)
Where to Stay
Bogotá is the primary hub for surrogacy legal processes, with the US Embassy located there. Medellín offers excellent medical facilities if using InSer clinic. Both cities have modern healthcare, international-standard hotels, and good infrastructure.
Post-Birth Stay
Plan to remain in Colombia for 4-6 weeks after birth to complete:
- Birth certificate processing
- Court proceedings
- DNA testing
- CRBA application and interview at US Embassy
- US passport issuance
Ready to Explore Surrogacy in Colombia?
We can connect you with experienced surrogacy agencies and fertility clinics to help you understand your options.
Get Free ConsultationRed Flags to Watch For
- Prices too good to be true: If costs are dramatically below market, corners may be cut
- Pressure to sign quickly: Legitimate agencies allow time for decisions
- Lack of legal expertise: No attorney involvement or vague legal processes
- No references: Unwilling to connect you with past clients
- Poor communication: Slow responses, unclear answers
- Surrogate exploitation: Very low surrogate compensation, poor care
Ethical Considerations
International surrogacy raises important ethical questions. Consider:
- Surrogate wellbeing: Is she fairly compensated? Receiving good care? Acting freely?
- Transparency: Does the agency operate openly and honestly?
- Legal protections: Are all parties protected by enforceable contracts?
- Medical standards: Is the clinic reputable? Following best practices?
- Your child's future: Will they have access to information about their origins?
Working with ethical agencies and clinics that prioritize surrogate wellbeing alongside intended parent goals helps ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
The Bottom Line
Colombia offers a compelling option for surrogacy: significant cost savings compared to the US, a welcoming legal environment for both heterosexual and same-sex couples, high-quality medical care, and beautiful destinations to visit during your journey.
Success depends on working with experienced, ethical professionals — a reputable agency, skilled fertility clinic, and knowledgeable legal counsel. Take time to research your options, ask questions, and choose partners you trust.
The journey is complex, but for many intended parents, it leads to the family they've dreamed of building.
Read more: Gay Surrogacy in Colombia | Donor Egg IVF | IVF Cost Guide