India as a Surrogacy Destination for International Couples: What You Need to Know

Surrogacy in India has become a hopeful option for international couples struggling with infertility. With its advanced medical infrastructure, skilled fertility specialists, and relatively lower costs compared to Western countries, India attracts couples from across the globe seeking to build their families. For many, surrogacy in India is not just about affordability but also about accessibility to world-class treatment and compassionate care.

 While the country has undergone several legal reforms to regulate surrogacy practices, the process still offers a viable and ethical solution when guided by registered clinics and legal frameworks. International couples are often drawn to India for the professional approach, medical transparency, and emotional support offered throughout the surrogacy journey. 

Understanding the eligibility, legal aspects, and procedural steps is crucial for a smooth experience. This article explores the key aspects of Surrogacy for International Couples in India, including costs, legalities, and the process involved.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a fertility treatment where a woman, called the surrogate, agrees to carry and deliver a baby for another person or couple known as the intended parents. There are two types of surrogacy in India:

Traditional Surrogacy: Where the surrogate’s own egg is used for the fertilisation process. 

Gestational Surrogacy: Where the embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donor’s egg and sperm, and the surrogate has no genetic link to the child. This surrogacy is commonly used by the intended parents. 

India only permits gestational surrogacy under strict laws and only for altruistic reasons. It means without commercial benefits. So, as per the Surrogacy Regulation Act 2021, traditional surrogacy and commercial surrogacy are banned. 

The process of surrogacy at Select IVF 

The procedure of surrogacy step-by-step in India, in Select IVF, takes 11 to 18 months for both domestic and international patients. We have specialised plans for international patients and have personalised options for domestic patients. 

First, let’s talk about our domestic and international patients’ procedure of surrogacy step-by-step in the form of a table for your easy understanding: 

The procedure of surrogacy for domestic patients	Domestic patients for surrogacy in India	The procedure of surrogacy for International Patients	International patients for surrogacy in India
Consultation	Discussion of causes of infertility, the success rate of surrogacy, cost, and other essential things with domestic patients.	Contact a clinic & get a consultation	Reach out to a reputable clinic in India such as Select IVF. Get a consultation by phone to discuss your medical history and suitable treatment options.
Ovarian stimulation	Providing hormonal injections to women or egg donors to produce eggs	Initial consultation	Schedule an initial consultation with the surrogacy specialist to discuss essential things such as the medical history, costs, success rate, etc.
Egg retrieval	Eggs are harvested from the uterus of the woman using a catheter	Application for a medical visa	Get a medical visa from India, this thing typically requires documentation.
Sperm collection	Sperms are gathered from the male partner	Testing	Tests advised by fertility doctors such as blood tests, semen analysis, and other procedures.
Fertilization	Eggs and sperm are combined together on a laboratory dish to form an embryo	Ovarian stimulation	Providing hormonal injections to women or egg donors to produce eggs
Embryo transfer	The embryo formed through fertilization is placed into the uterus of the woman	Egg retrieval	Eggs are harvested from the uterus of the woman using a catheter
Pregnancy check	After 12 days, a blood test is performed to check the results of the embryo transfer	Sperm collection and fertilization	Sperms are gathered from the male partner, & Eggs and sperm are combined together in a laboratory dish to form an embryo
		Embryo transfer & pregnancy check	The embryo formed through fertilization is placed into the uterus of the woman, & After 12 days, a blood test is performed to check the results of the embryo transfer.

Surrogacy law in India

India’s surrogacy regulations have seen a major shift with the implementation of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. This law permits only altruistic surrogacy and bans commercial surrogacy. It also clearly defines who is eligible to undertake surrogacy in India.

Under the new law:

• Only Indian heterosexual married couples (married for at least five years) can legally pursue surrogacy.
• The couple must be medically certified as infertile or unable to conceive.
• Surrogacy must be altruistic, meaning the surrogate mother cannot be paid beyond medical expenses and insurance.
• Surrogacy is not permitted for foreign nationals, single individuals, live-in couples, LGBTQ+ couples, or commercial surrogacy agents.

Surrogacy for International Couples in India 

India was once a top destination for international couples seeking surrogacy due to its affordability and advanced fertility services. However, with the passing of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, the country no longer allows foreign nationals to opt for surrogacy within its borders. This includes commercial surrogacy, which was previously common and legal.

International couples are now prohibited from undergoing surrogacy in India, regardless of their medical condition or intent. They are advised to explore countries where laws are more accommodating and transparent for non-citizens seeking surrogacy.

Are NRI or OCI cardholders eligible for surrogacy in India?

Yes, NRI (Non-Resident Indians) and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders are eligible for altruistic surrogacy and gestational surrogacy in India if they meet the criteria under the Surrogacy Act. Key conditions include:

• The NRI or OCI must be Indian by origin and married to another Indian or OCI/NRI partner.
• The couple must be legally married for at least five years.
• They must provide a medical certificate of infertility.
• The surrogacy must be altruistic, not commercial.
• They must obtain a certificate of essentiality and eligibility from the appropriate authority.

Surrogacy Cost in India

Surrogacy is a series of complex procedures that involve the help of a surrogate, several medical examinations & procedures, and advanced ART technologies such as IVF, ICSI, IUI, cryopreservation, PGT, PGD, etc. These factors make up the overall surrogate cost. The average cost of surrogacy in India ranges between ₹12,00,000 to ₹20,00,000. 

With the help of the following table, you will understand the cost of surrogacy in India: 

Surrogacy Procedure in India	Cost of surrogacy in India (INR)
Surrogacy using own eggs & own sperm	Rs. 12 Lakh To 18 Lakh
Surrogacy by donor eggs and own sperm	Rs. 13 Lakh to 19 Lakh
Surrogacy with donor sperm and own eggs	Rs. 14 Lakh to 20 Lakh
Surrogacy (cost) & Embryo Transfer (Cost)	Up to Rs. 4 Lakh
Surrogate Mother Selection (Cost)+ Blood Tests (Cost) + Surrogate Mother Preparation (Cost)	Up to Rs. 2 Lakh
Normal Vaginal Delivery Cost	Up to Rs. 70,000
Cesarean  section or C-section Delivery Cost	Up to Rs. 1 Lakh to 2 Lakh
Housing for Surrogate mother (Cost) + Food (Cost)	Up to Rs. 3 Lakh

The following will help you to understand the surrogacy treatment cost in different states of India: 

States of India	Cost of surrogacy in different states of India (INR)
Surrogacy cost in Andheri	12 to 20 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Hyderabad	12 to 18 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Bangalore	14 to 20 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Delhi	13.4 to 23.7 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Mumbai	14.65 to 24 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Punjab	10.08 to 20 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Haryana	12.64 to 20 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Rajasthan	15.9 to 20 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Uttar Pradesh	14 to 21 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Madhya Pradesh	14 to 20.02 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Dehradun	14.91 to 20 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Bihar	13.5 to 20 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Jharkhand	14 to 20 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Assam	12 to 18 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Gujarat	14 to 20.8 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Tamil Nadu	14.47 to 23 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Andhra Pradesh	14 to 20 lakh
Surrogacy cost in Himachal Pradesh	14.06 to 20.62 lakh

Factors Affecting the Surrogacy Cost in India 

While the estimated cost range gives a basic idea, several specific factors can cause variations:

1. IVF Cycle Complexity

If multiple IVF cycles are required to achieve a successful embryo, the costs increase. If donor eggs or sperm are needed, there are additional charges.

2. Surrogate Health and Care

If the surrogate has special medical needs or if there are pregnancy complications, additional care and hospitalization charges may apply.

3. Legal and Administrative Fees

Drafting contracts, completing the legal paperwork, court appearances, and registration costs can vary between law firms and states.

4. Delivery Method

If a normal delivery occurs, the cost is lower. However, if a C-section is required or if the surrogate or baby needs extended hospitalization, costs rise.

5. Use of Donor Programs

If you require egg donation, sperm donation, or embryo donation, additional charges apply, depending on the donor’s background, screening, and compensation.

6. Clinic Reputation and Technology

Well-established fertility centres with higher success rates often charge slightly higher fees because they offer better technology, experienced doctors, and better overall success chances.

7. Insurance Coverage

New insurance policies are mandatory for surrogate mothers under Indian law, and the cost of comprehensive coverage is added to your package.

What is the success rate of surrogacy for international couples in India?

The success rate of surrogacy for international couples in India is determined by combining many factors that including the age of the surrogate mother, age of the intended couple, the skills and expertise of the surrogacy practitioners, the number of IVF attempts involved in the surrogacy process, and the usage of technology and the technique. So its success rate ranges from 80 to 98% in India. In short, the success rate of surrogacy in India varies based on the patient’s overall condition and case complexity. 

With the help of the following table, you will understand the surrogacy success rate in India: 

Surrogacy treatment in India	Success rates of surrogacy in India
Surrogacy with self-eggs	50 to 90%
Surrogacy with self-sperm	55 to 80%
Surrogacy with donor eggs	70 to 95%
Surrogacy with donor sperm	73 to 97%
Surrogacy with FET	60 to 65%
Surrogacy with ICSI	50 to 65%

What should you consider when selecting the top surrogacy clinic in India?

We understand how difficult it is to select the best option for your infertility treatment, but do not get tense, as one of the best options is going to be suggested to you where the patient collaborates with highly experienced and qualified doctors. The patient will find it comfortable as the staff will always stand by them, away from all the worries that come to their mind. We offer all types of infertility treatment, so contact us today! To start, consider the following factors while selecting a location:

i. The patient-focused assistance of the centre

ii. Professionals with extensive education and experience

iii. Infrastructure that is well-built for maximum comfort and happiness

iv. The entire medical staff treats you with respect

v. Assists you throughout the entire process from the beginning

vi. Offers transparent fees and processes

You have the option of choosing surrogacy for all of these! So, reach out to us at +91- 9899293903 | Email ID: info@www.selectivf.com

Why pick Select IVF for surrogacy in India?

Several infertile couples trusted the select IVF for their bright future. We care for every patient who has issues of infertility. We understand the phase of infertility, and that’s why we want to assist you in your dream of achieving parenthood. 

The prices of surrogacy treatment are reasonable at our centre, We ensure the highest success rates, we maintain transparency, and ensure personalised care and support to our patients. Get the treatment from our clinic and make your life stress-free by hearing the giggling of your newborn. 

Here’s why Select IVF is best for surrogacy treatment in India:

• The high success rate of surrogacy and other infertility treatments 
• Several infertility treatments for different infertility issues 
• Use of cutting-edge technologies 
• Equipped with highly skilled and educated doctors 
• Affordable prices for surrogacy and other infertility treatments 
• Ensures utmost comfort and support during the procedure

Last words

Surrogacy in India has undergone significant legal transformations in recent years, impacting its availability for international couples. While India once stood as a global hub for affordable and accessible surrogacy, the current laws now restrict this option to Indian citizens only, particularly for altruistic surrogacy. Despite these restrictions, the country still offers high standards of fertility treatments, and international couples can explore ethical alternatives in countries with more favorable laws. For those considering surrogacy abroad, it is crucial to stay informed about legal, medical, and procedural guidelines to ensure a safe and successful journey to parenthood. Consulting with trusted fertility clinics and legal experts can help navigate this sensitive and life-changing process. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)