Disclaimer: This article is an original work by Canbaby Fertility Consultant LTD, a Canadian surrogacy consulting company. Reproduction or redistribution without permission is strictly prohibited.
As the cost of fertility treatments and surrogacy continues to rise in North America, more Canadians are exploring affordable international surrogacy options to fulfill their dreams of parenthood. While Canada legally permits altruistic surrogacy, the limited number of available surrogates, long waitlists, and legal restrictions have led many hopeful parents to search abroad for faster and more cost-effective alternatives.
In this article, we explore the most affordable surrogacy destinations for Canadians in 2025, and offer insights into what you should consider when pursuing low-cost surrogacy outside of Canada.
Why Canadians Are Choosing Surrogacy Abroad
Although surrogacy in Canada is legal under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA), it is only allowed on an altruistic basis—meaning surrogates cannot be paid beyond reimbursement for reasonable expenses. This has led to:
- A shortage of willing surrogates
- Wait times exceeding 12–24 months
- High agency and legal costs, even without surrogate compensation
- Complex and sometimes inconsistent provincial regulations
As a result, Canadians are increasingly looking for international surrogacy options that are faster, more flexible, and, crucially, more affordable.
What Is “Low-Cost Surrogacy”?
“Low-cost surrogacy” doesn’t mean cutting corners—it refers to countries where:
- Living costs and medical care are lower
- Legal surrogacy is permitted or tolerated
- Surrogates are compensated within ethical guidelines
- Fertility clinics offer competitive pricing
The average surrogacy journey in the United States costs $150,000–$200,000 CAD, which is not feasible for many Canadian families. In contrast, low-cost destinations offer full surrogacy programs for $50,000–$90,000 CAD—sometimes even less, depending on the package.
Top 5 Low-Cost Surrogacy Destinations for Canadians in 2025
1. Colombia 🇨🇴
- Estimated Cost: $55,000–$75,000 CAD
- Legality: Permitted under Colombia’s constitutional right to family and reproductive autonomy
- Who It’s For: Heterosexual and LGBTQ+ couples, single parents
Why Canadians Choose Colombia:
Colombia has emerged as a top low-cost surrogacy destination thanks to
its inclusive legal framework, modern clinics in Bogotá and Medellín,
and comprehensive agency support. Many surrogacy programs offer all-inclusive
packages, which cover IVF, surrogate compensation, legal services, and
post-birth support.
Pros:
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Short matching times (2–4 months)
- Experienced legal and medical teams
Cons:
- Spanish is the primary language (though English support is often available)
- Requires careful coordination for exit paperwork
2. Mexico 🇲🇽
- Estimated Cost: $60,000–$80,000 CAD
- Legality: Legal in certain regions, including Mexico City and Tabasco
- Who It’s For: Heterosexual and LGBTQ+ couples, single parents
Why Canadians Choose Mexico:
Mexico has re-entered the international surrogacy market with progressive
laws in some regions, welcoming Canadian families who want an affordable,
culturally familiar option close to home. Many clinics in Mexico City offer
bilingual services, and some agencies offer concierge packages that simplify
the process.
Pros:
- Geographical proximity to Canada
- English-speaking coordinators
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Legal status varies by state; due diligence is essential
- Not all regions protect parentage rights
3. Georgia 🇬🇪
- Estimated Cost: $45,000–$65,000 CAD
- Legality: Commercial surrogacy legal for married heterosexual couples only
- Who It’s For: Heterosexual married couples
Why Canadians Choose Georgia:
Georgia is a long-standing hub for affordable surrogacy programs, with a
strong legal structure and low medical costs. Agencies in Tbilisi work with
reputable fertility clinics and provide full legal assistance, making it a
reliable low-cost option for the right demographic.
Pros:
- Strong legal protections for intended parents
- Low overall costs
- Experienced surrogacy infrastructure
Cons:
- Not available to LGBTQ+ or unmarried couples
- Potential concerns over regional political instability
4. Ukraine 🇺🇦 (status dependent on conflict situation)
- Estimated Cost: $50,000–$70,000 CAD
- Legality: Commercial surrogacy legal for married heterosexual couples
- Who It’s For: Heterosexual married couples
Why Canadians Previously Chose Ukraine:
Before the conflict, Ukraine was a top choice for affordable surrogacy
thanks to its modern medical facilities, clear laws, and transparent surrogate
matching systems. Many Canadians who had already frozen embryos in Ukraine
prior to the war are still navigating delayed timelines but may resume journeys
once it is safe.
Pros:
- Established clinics with English-speaking staff
- Affordable legal and medical costs
Cons:
- Ongoing geopolitical instability in 2025
- Travel and exit logistics may be complicated
5. Kenya 🇰🇪 (emerging and unregulated)
- Estimated Cost: $40,000–$60,000 CAD
- Legality: No formal surrogacy law; legally unregulated but practiced
- Who It’s For: Heterosexual couples (some agencies offer to LGBTQ+ clients)
Why Some Canadians Consider Kenya:
Kenya is one of the most affordable destinations, but it comes with significant
legal and ethical risks. The lack of surrogacy laws means parentage is
determined case-by-case, and protections for all parties may be weak. That
said, some international agencies operate here and work with legal advisors to
support Canadians on a budget.
Pros:
- Extremely low cost
- English is widely spoken
- Expanding fertility sector
Cons:
- No formal legal protection for surrogacy
- Higher potential for disputes or delays
- Ethical concerns must be carefully considered
Important Considerations Before Choosing a Destination
Whether you are drawn to low-cost surrogacy in Colombia, Georgia, or elsewhere, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Here’s what every Canadian intended parent should consider:
✔ Legal and Immigration Requirements
- Will your child qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent?
- Does the destination country recognize you as the legal parent(s)?
- Are there exit procedures or court approvals required post-birth?
✔ Agency and Clinic Reputation
- Work only with established, ethical agencies that have a proven track record.
- Look for clinics with international accreditations, English-speaking staff, and transparent pricing.
✔ Surrogate Protections and Ethics
- Does the surrogate receive fair compensation and medical care?
- Are her rights and well-being fully protected by the program?
- Avoid “surrogacy mills” or unethical brokers promising unrealistically low prices.
✔ Financial Transparency
- Ask for a detailed cost breakdown before signing any agreements.
- Factor in travel, legal fees, emergency expenses, and currency fluctuations.
- Some agencies offer financing options or staged payments.
Working with Canadian Fertility Consultants
For Canadian families navigating international surrogacy for the first time, working with a Canada-based surrogacy consultant can streamline the process. Companies like Canbaby Fertility Consultant Ltd, based in British Columbia, help you:
- Compare low-cost surrogacy destinations
- Vet international agencies and clinics
- Understand immigration, parentage, and exit laws
- Get bilingual support (English and Chinese) throughout the journey
Having a Canadian advocate who understands both ends of the process can save time, money, and stress.
Final Thoughts: Affordable, Safe, and Ethical Is Possible
Choosing low-cost surrogacy outside of Canada doesn’t mean sacrificing safety or ethics. With the right preparation, legal guidance, and partners, Canadian intended parents can successfully build their families abroad without taking on overwhelming debt.
In 2025, destinations like Colombia, Mexico, and Georgia provide a balance of affordability, accessibility, and professional care. However, your family’s needs—relationship status, budget, timeline, and ethical values—should guide the final decision.
Want help finding the best low-cost surrogacy destination
for your family?
Contact Canbaby Fertility Consultant for a free consultation. We’ll help you
match with ethical, affordable programs around the world—so your journey to
parenthood is as smooth as possible.
