Gestational surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for individuals and couples who are unable to carry a pregnancy. Whether due to uterine absence or dysfunction, recurrent pregnancy loss, serious health conditions, or same-sex male partnership, surrogacy may be the right option. This guide covers everything international patients need to know about pursuing surrogacy in Albania.
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate (gestational carrier) carries an embryo created from the intended parents' own gametes — or from donor egg and/or sperm — through IVF. The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child she carries. This distinguishes gestational surrogacy from traditional surrogacy, in which the surrogate's own egg is used.
All surrogacy arrangements coordinated through HealthFirst IVF are gestational. This is the standard of care internationally and provides the clearest legal framework for intended parents.
"Surrogacy is not a shortcut — it is a profound act of partnership. Our role is to make every step transparent, ethical and as smooth as possible for all parties." — HealthFirst IVF Surrogacy Team
Albania is developing its legal framework around surrogacy. While specific surrogacy legislation continues to evolve, gestational surrogacy arrangements can be structured legally with the assistance of experienced reproductive law specialists. HealthFirst IVF works with dedicated legal professionals who specialise in reproductive agreements in Albania.
We strongly recommend that all intended parents obtain independent legal advice in their home country regarding how a surrogacy-born child will be recognised and the parentage process required.
Important: Legal requirements vary significantly by country. Before beginning surrogacy, always consult a family law specialist in your country of residence to understand passport, citizenship and parental recognition requirements for your child.
We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your situation, fertility history and goals. Our medical and legal advisors will outline the process, timeline, costs and legal requirements for your specific country.
Intended parents undergo medical screening: hormone and genetic testing, semen analysis (if applicable), and assessment of any embryos already in storage. If egg or sperm donation is required, this is arranged alongside the surrogacy coordination.
Surrogates in our network are carefully screened: they must have completed their own family, be in excellent physical and psychological health, and fully understand the process and its implications. Matching considers compatibility, location, and the preferences of both parties.
A comprehensive surrogacy agreement is drafted and reviewed by legal counsel for both the intended parents and the surrogate. No medical procedures begin until all legal documentation is signed and in place.
Embryos are created through IVF using the intended parents' or donors' gametes. After embryo development and quality assessment (with PGT genetic testing available), selected embryos are transferred to the surrogate's prepared uterus.
HealthFirst IVF coordinates all medical appointments throughout the pregnancy. Intended parents receive regular updates and can be present at key milestones. Our team supports both the surrogate and intended parents through the entire journey, from positive pregnancy test to birth.
After birth, the process of establishing legal parentage begins. Requirements vary by the intended parents' country of nationality. Our legal team supports you through the local birth registration process; your home country legal advisor handles the recognition process on your return.
A full surrogacy journey — including IVF, surrogate compensation, legal fees, medical monitoring and HealthFirst IVF coordination — typically takes 12–18 months from initial consultation to birth. Costs in Albania are substantially lower than in the United States, Canada or Ukraine, while maintaining rigorous medical and ethical standards.
We provide a detailed, itemised cost breakdown at your initial consultation. There are no hidden fees.
Surrogacy is the most complex journey we support — and the one where comprehensive, expert coordination matters most. Our team has managed surrogacy arrangements for intended parents from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Australia and beyond. We speak your language — literally and figuratively — and we stay with you every step of the way.
Book a free consultation with our specialists — no obligation, just clarity.
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