Destination profile: Surrogacy in Georgia

Australian intended parents considering international destinations might come across surrogacy in Georgia as an option.

Note: nothing in this article qualifies as legal advice, nor does it replace advice from a lawyer who can give advice about surrogacy in Georgia. The surrogacy and political landscapes can change dramatically at short notice and this article will not be updated frequently. Sarah is not able to verify with 100% accuracy the information in this article.

Intended parents should consider what best practice, ethical surrogacy looks like and research widely before choosing a pathway. Agencies, intermediaries and trade shows are often conflicted from giving unbiased advice. Australian consumer laws will not protect intended parents if an international business does not deliver on their promises.

Georgia is in Eastern Europe and is bordered by Russia, Türkiye and Armenia, with a population of less than 4 million. Georgian is the main language.

Australia’s Smartraveller website provides up-to-date information for travellers to Georgia. In June 2025, Smartraveller advised travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in most areas.

Legal Status:  In 2023, the Georgian government announced they would ban surrogacy for foreigners. The law to reform surrogacy has not progressed and is currently sitting before the Georgian parliament. Gestational surrogacy is available and open to married heterosexual couples.

Risks: There may be some risks in engaging in surrogacy in a country bordered by Russia, with political tensions ongoing. Australia does not have an embassy in Georgia, so parents will need to travel to Türkiye to collect their child’s passport. The child cannot leave Georgia until a passport is issued.

Some services offering surrogacy in Georgia offer ‘travelling surrogates’ which may also be referred to as human trafficking. Surrogates travelling from Russia and Ukraine may be recruited as surrogates and living in Georgia for the pregnancy, and housed with other surrogates in dedicated accommodation.

Safeguards: Intended parents should satisfy themselves that safeguards have been met, including that:

• the surrogate has appropriate citizenship, visa and travel documents to be living in Georgia.
• adequate legal protections are available to intended parents, the surrogate and the child.
• the surrogate has been medically and psychologically assessed and has access to psychological support.
• the surrogate can read and understand the surrogacy contract, and is assisted by an interpreter when needed – including during medical treatment.
• the surrogate and the child will have access to high quality healthcare, before, during and after pregnancy and birth.
• the parties have access to legal advice from an independent lawyer – one that is not employed by an agency or clinic.

Intended parents should seek advice from a Georgian lawyer about the potential changes to the surrogacy legal framework in Georgia.

Egg Donation: egg donors are generally anonymous in Georgia, meaning you may only be given non-identifying information about a donor. A child has a right to know their genetic and birth heritage, and anonymous donation is not considered to be in a child’s best interests.

Parentage and birth certificates:  For children born via surrogacy in Georgia, intended parents are usually able to obtain a birth certificate listing both intended parents and the full name they have chosen for the child.

Australian recognition: intended parents pursuing surrogacy in Georgia should seek independent legal advice from an Australian lawyer. Australia does not necessarily recognise an international birth certificate or court order.

Parents need to travel to Türkiye to collect the child’s passport before returning to Australia.

You might be exploring surrogacy in Colombia and other international surrogacy destinations.

Intended parents explore many different international surrogacy destinations. Find more information including links to Facebook groups about different options.

If you are considering surrogacy in Australia, you can read about how to find a surrogate, or how to become a surrogate yourself. You can also download the free Surrogacy Handbook which explains the processes and options.

You can read a broad overview for surrogacy in Australia and how it works.