Albania

As surrogacy is unregulated in Albania we do not recommend this destination.

Overview

Albania is rapidly becoming a destination for international surrogacy. Situated in Europe, it offers affordability and accessibility for intended parents compared to traditional surrogacy hubs like the U.S. and Canada. The flexibility of Albania’s surrogacy arrangements has caught attention, especially for single men and heterosexual couples. However, prospective parents face challenges due to a relatively unregulated legal landscape. Despite limited regulations, Albanian surrogacy operates within the broader context of the country’s reproductive health policies, with specialized agencies guiding families through a somewhat complex and evolving process. Albania are consideirng regulating surrogacy but as of yet no law has passed.

Legal Framework

Surrogacy in Albania is governed by Article 43 of Albania’s Reproductive Health Act, which, while permitting the practice, lacks comprehensive regulatory details. This gives surrogacy agencies substantial influence in handling the process, but it also brings a degree of legal uncertainty, particularly regarding international standards and enforceable protections for all parties. Currently, the law permits surrogacy for single men and heterosexual couples, and emerging discussions suggest potential legal frameworks may further define these options in the future.

Costs

Albania’s surrogacy costs offer significant savings compared to the United States. In Albania, packages range from €74,000 to €95,000, often inclusive of medical treatments, surrogate compensation, legal processes, and agency fees. Basic packages typically cover core surrogacy steps such as medical appointments, IVF, and legal documentation, while premium options may include accommodations, personal support services, and comprehensive legal support both domestically and internationally.

Exit Times

Exit times for surrogacy in Albania, though generally efficient, vary due to documentation processes for establishing the newborn’s legal status. Post-birth, intended parents usually need to complete the Albanian birth registration, which would be in the surrogate mother and biological father’s names. You will then need to obtain a passport from your home country’s embassy or passport office in order to exit and return home. Please consult local legal advice on this aspect on how to return home and gain nationality.

Who Can Build a Family in Albania?

Albania’s surrogacy framework is accessible to heterosexual or homosexual couples—married or unmarried—as well as single men. While some countries enforce medical proof of infertility, Albania does not impose such requirements, thus simplifying access for those who may seek surrogacy for various reasons beyond medical need.

Gamete Shipping

In Albania, surrogacy arrangements commonly involve the intended parents’ genetic material, though the country permits the use of donor eggs or sperm as necessary. Agencies generally manage the logistics of shipping gametes from the intended parents’ home country to Albania or from Albania to other countries if only IVF is being done in Albania. To maintain sample quality, gamete shipping adheres to strict protocols involving cryogenic preservation and specialized courier services that coordinate the shipping timeline with the IVF cycle. Intended parents are advised to discuss gamete options with their chosen clinic, ensuring that shipping and storage align with both IVF timing and legal requirements for reproductive material transport.

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