For many intended parents, surrogacy can be a hopeful and life-changing path to parenthood. Armenia is just one country emerging as a compelling destination for surrogacy. Why is this? 

Armenia has a clear legal framework, relatively affordable costs, and a growing network of reputable clinics and agencies. So, whether you’re just beginning your research or you’re ready to take those next steps, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about surrogacy in Armenia.

Why Choose Surrogacy in Armenia?

Armenia has quietly become a preferred destination for international intended parents, especially those from countries where surrogacy is heavily restricted or just too expensive. 

• Legal surrogacy for heterosexual couples and single individuals: Armenia allows for gestational surrogacy for married heterosexual couples or individuals (regardless of sexual orientation), both local and foreign.
• Parental rights from birth: Intended parents are legally recognized as the child’s parents at birth, and there’s no need for adoption procedures.
• Lower surrogacy costs: Compared to countries like the United States or Canada, surrogacy in Armenia can be much more affordable and often ranges from around $35,000 to $60,000 in total.
• Reputable medical clinics: Armenia has many internationally accredited fertility centers that offer modern IVF procedures and strong success rates.

Step One: Get to Know the Legal Requirements

Before you actually dive into the process, you should know who is eligible and how the law supports intended parents in Armenia.

• Surrogacy is legal for individuals or heterosexual couples, married or unmarried.
• At least one intended parent must have a medical reason for needing surrogacy, like infertility, repeated IVF failure, or a condition that makes pregnancy dangerous.
• Surrogacy agreements are recognized under Armenian law, and the intended parents are listed on the birth certificate from the start.

You will need to have documentation like passports, medical records, and a contract that outlines everyone’s rights and responsibilities. It’s also highly recommended that you work with a legal expert who is familiar with Armenian reproductive law.

Step Two: Choose the Right Agency or Fertility Clinic

Partnering with a reputable surrogacy agency or fertility clinic in Armenia is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. These organizations can guide you through every step of the process, from finding a surrogate mother to coordinating legal paperwork and medical care.

When researching, be sure to ask:

• How long have they operated in Armenia?
• What is included in their surrogacy program?
• Do they offer fixed-price packages or itemized billing?
• What is their surrogate screening process?

Working with a trusted agency helps ensure that your surrogate has been properly vetted, physically, emotionally, and psychologically, and ensures she fully understands her role.

Step Three: Matching With a Surrogate Mother

Once you’ve selected your agency, the process of surrogate matching can begin. This typically involves:

• A comprehensive screening process for potential surrogates that includes medical exams, background checks, and psychological evaluations. 
• Reviewing surrogate profiles based on compatibility and differences
• A meeting or virtual introduction to establish trust and communication

A surrogate mother in Armenia generally has to be between 20 and 35 years old, have previously given birth, and be in good health. Agencies usually maintain a database of pre-screened candidates, which helps speed up the matching process overall. 

Step Four: Embryo Transfer

After you have been successfully matched, the medical phase can begin.

• IVF and embryo creation: The intended mother or egg donor undergoes egg retrieval, and the embryos are created using IVF
• Embryo transfer: The healthiest embryos are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus
• Pregnancy monitoring: Regular checkups and ultrasounds are performed at the fertility clinic.

Armenian clinics follow international standards of care, with English-speaking coordinators on hand to assist foreign clients throughout the process.

Step Five: Pregnancy, Birth, and Bringing Baby Home

Once pregnancy is confirmed, your surrogate will receive ongoing care and support. Most agencies also assist with prenatal care logistics, translation and travel coordination, and provide regular updates on the surrogate’s health and the baby’s development. 

When the baby is born, you will receive legal documentation that names you as the child’s legal parents. Armenian law supports the immediate issuance of the birth certificate with your names, which helps intended parents avoid legal hurdles there might be in other countries.

Once all this is done, your agency or legal team will help you obtain the necessary documents you need to travel home with your child, including a passport or visa if it is required by your country of residence. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing surrogacy in Armenia isn’t just a practical decision; it’s a deeply personal journey toward building your family. With a supportive legal environment, experienced medical professionals, and a growing surrogate infrastructure in place, Armenia offers a reliable and compassionate path to parenthood for many hopeful couples.

So, if you’re ready to explore this option, start the process by researching agencies, scheduling consultations, and speaking with other parents who have walked the same path. Your future family really could be just a few short steps away.