North Cyprus

As North Cyprus is a satellite stated, disputed and governed by Turkey we advise extreme caution in engaging in practices here.

Surrogacy in Cyprus has gained attention due to its affordability and legal flexibility, but it remains an unregulated practice. This lack of formal regulation can be beneficial for intended parents looking for a simpler process, although it also presents risks. Cyprus has become an attractive option for international intended parents, particularly due to the quality of healthcare services and availability of fertility treatments, despite the absence of specific legal protections for surrogacy agreements.

Legal Framework

The legal framework in Cyprus surrounding surrogacy is limited, as the country does not have specific legislation regulating the process. The legal relationship between the intended parents and the surrogate is not formally recognised, which means surrogacy arrangements rely heavily on private agreements. This can complicate parental rights for intended parents after the birth of the child, especially for those from international backgrounds. Legal support is critical to navigate these complexities and secure parental rights through post-birth court processes.

Costs

Surrogacy in Cyprus is relatively affordable when compared to regulated countries, with the total cost typically ranging from €60,000 to €70,000. This covers IVF treatments, surrogate compensation, medical expenses, and legal fees. It is not possible to obtain a local passport and therefore a long exit time is likely adding to costs.

Exit Times

For international intended parents, exit times after the birth of their child can vary depending on the legal process required to establish parental rights and obtain travel documents. Without a legal framework for surrogacy, intended parents must be prepared to spend several weeks or months in Cyprus after birth to complete these formalities. Working with local legal experts can help to streamline the exit process and avoid delays however sometimes birth certificates have to be sent to Istanbul for issuing and you will need to obtain a passport from your home country to exit the Cyprus.

Who Can Build a Family in Cyprus?

Cyprus offers surrogacy options to a broad range of family structures, including heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single individuals. However, given the lack of formal regulations, intended parents should be aware of the potential challenges involved in securing legal parental rights, especially for international parents. Consulting with legal experts familiar with Cyprus’s surrogacy process is crucial for ensuring a smooth journey to parenthood.

Gamete Shipping

Cyprus allows the shipping of gametes (sperm and eggs) for IVF procedures, making it convenient for intended parents to use genetic material from abroad. Fertility clinics in Cyprus are well-equipped to handle the importation of gametes, ensuring they are stored and used in compliance with international medical standards.

Healthcare and IVF Clinics

Cyprus is home to a number of high-quality IVF clinics that provide advanced fertility treatments, including surrogacy, embryo transfer, and egg donation. The country’s medical infrastructure meets international standards, with clinics offering affordable and effective healthcare services. The availability of IVF and fertility treatments further strengthens Cyprus’s appeal as a destination for surrogacy, even in the absence of formal legal regulations. However, please be aware that surrogates may not live in Cyprus and return to their own country while pregnant which may not have good healthcare. In addition, NICU is expensive in Cyprus and usually not included in any programs from surrogacy agencies.