Surrogacy has emerged as a life-changing solution for couples and individuals who are unable to carry a pregnancy on their own. With advancements in fertility treatments and a growing demand for parenthood options, many people are exploring surrogacy as a hopeful path to building their families. While surrogacy laws in Dubai are still evolving, the city offers world-class IVF services, top-tier fertility specialists, and seamless coordination with countries where surrogacy is legally permitted.
For intended parents starting their journey in Dubai, understanding the full picture especially the financial aspect—is crucial. The surrogacy cost in Dubai includes embryo creation, medical services, legal arrangements, and cross-border surrogacy coordination. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types of surrogacy, associated costs, success rates, legal considerations, and step-by-step procedures to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to begin, this guide is your complete starting point.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a fertility arrangement where a woman (called a surrogate) agrees to carry and deliver a child for another person or couple (called the intended parents). The process is typically chosen by people who cannot carry a pregnancy due to medical or personal reasons.
Here are the main types of surrogacy:
- Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate carries a child created from the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material. She has no biological link to the baby. This is the standard and legal form used in Dubai.
- Traditional Surrogacy: In this outdated and now mostly banned form, the surrogate uses her own egg and is genetically related to the child. It is not permitted in Dubai due to ethical and legal concerns.
- Altruistic Surrogacy: This legal form of surrogacy in Dubai involves a surrogate who carries a child for the intended parents without receiving monetary compensation, except for medical and pregnancy-related expenses.
- Commercial Surrogacy: In contrast, this type involves financial compensation to the surrogate beyond reasonable expenses. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited in Dubai due to the risk of exploitation and ethical violations. Participating in such arrangements can result in legal consequences.
In most professional settings today, gestational surrogacy is preferred because it ensures legal clarity and protects the rights of all parties.
Step-by-Step Surrogacy Process in Dubai
Surrogacy is a beautiful journey that helps create families when natural conception is not possible. Here’s a friendly guide to understanding how surrogacy in Dubai typically works:
1. Initial Consultation and Counselling
The journey begins with a meeting at a trusted fertility clinic or surrogacy agency. Both the intended parents and the surrogate receive counselling. This ensures everyone understands the emotional, medical, and legal aspects involved. The doctors explain the full process, including responsibilities, risks, and expectations.
2. Health Checkups and Medical Screening
Medical tests are conducted for the intended parents and the surrogate. These screenings rule out infections or genetic issues and check the surrogate’s uterus to ensure she can safely carry a baby. This is a vital part of building a healthy pregnancy foundation.
3. Legal Agreement
Legal clarity is essential in surrogacy clinics. A legal expert helps draft a surrogacy contract that defines roles, compensation (if any), rights, and responsibilities. This agreement protects all parties and is mandatory in ethical surrogacy practices in Kenya.
4. IVF Procedure and Embryo Creation
Eggs are retrieved from the intended mother or an egg donor, and sperm from the intended father or a donor. These are fertilised in the lab to form embryos. This is the core medical process in surrogacy in Dubai, carried out in modern IVF labs.
5. Embryo Transfer to the Surrogate
When a healthy embryo is ready, it’s gently transferred into the surrogate’s uterus. This simple procedure is done in a clinic setting and involves minimal discomfort. Hormonal support is given to ensure the best chance of successful implantation.
6. Pregnancy Monitoring
After about two weeks, a pregnancy test confirms if the surrogate has conceived. Once positive, the surrogate’s health is closely monitored through regular scans, check-ups, and blood tests. Intended parents are kept informed and may participate in milestone appointments.
7. Emotional Support
Surrogacy is more than a medical procedure; it’s deeply emotional. Many Dubai surrogacy clinics provide psychological counselling for both the surrogate and the intended parents. Open communication and mutual respect are encouraged throughout the journey.
8. Delivery of the Baby
When the time comes, the baby is delivered at a reputable hospital under expert care. The intended parents are often present for this life-changing moment. The surrogate hands over the baby as agreed, with love and professionalism.
9. Legal Handover and Documentation
Legal documentation follows after the baby’s birth. The baby’s birth certificate is issued in the name of the intended parents. The legal system in Dubai supports surrogacy and ensures that the process is completed without complications.
10. Postnatal Care
After delivery, the surrogate receives full medical and emotional support. The intended parents begin a joyful new chapter with their child. The experience of surrogacy in Dubai is made smoother and safer through compassionate care and strong legal backing.
Surrogacy Cost in Dubai
Surrogacy in Dubai isn’t legally performed locally, but many intended parents begin their journey here, completing IVF and embryo creation in Dubai before transferring embryos to surrogate-friendly countries like Dubai or Ukraine. Understanding surrogacy costs in Dubai is important for planning both medical and legal steps.
As a guideline, the total estimated cost (including IVF in Dubai and surrogacy abroad) typically falls between AED 265,000 and AED 530,000 (approximately USD 72,000–144,000). This comprehensive package usually includes IVF treatment, embryo freezing, legal coordination, surrogate compensation, prenatal care, delivery, and more.
| Surrogacy program | Surrogacy Cost (USD) |
| IVF (Dubai-based) | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Embryo Freezing & Storage (Dubai) | $800 – $1,500 |
| Donor Egg/Sperm (if needed) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Legal & Documentation (Dubai + Abroad) | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Surrogate Compensation & Care | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| Prenatal (Tests, Monitoring) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Delivery (Normal/C-section) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Insurance, Counselling, Admin | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $64,800 – $120,500 |
The following is the table of expenses involved in the procedure of IVF packages at Next IVF Dubai:
| Destination Country | Surrogate & Maternity Cost (USD) |
| Georgia | $45,000 – $70,000 |
| Ukraine | $50,000 – $80,000 |
| USA | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Kenya | $35,000 – $55,000 |
Factors Affecting Surrogacy Cost in Dubai
The following factors affect the surrogacy cost in Dubai:
1. Destination Country for Surrogacy
Since surrogacy is not legally permitted within the UAE, couples in Dubai usually opt for countries like Georgia, Kenya, Ukraine, or the USA where commercial surrogacy is legal. The choice of destination significantly affects the cost. For instance, Dubai or Georgia offers surrogacy at nearly half the price compared to the USA.
Dubai range between $35,000 and $70,000, while the USA often exceeds $150,000. The destination also influences surrogate compensation, hospital fees, legal structure, and newborn documentation, so choosing wisely based on both cost and legal safety is essential for couples starting their journey from Dubai.
2. Number of IVF Cycles Required
In most cases, IVF is the first step completed in Dubai before embryo transfer abroad. However, some couples may need multiple IVF cycles to create enough viable embryos, which can increase the cost significantly.
A single IVF cycle in Dubai may cost between $6,000 to $10,000, but if fertilization fails or embryo quality is low, additional cycles might be required. This is particularly relevant for older women or couples with fertility complications. It’s always wise to have financial room for at least two cycles, especially if you’re planning to freeze embryos or undergo genetic testing.
3. Legal Documentation & Parentage Rights
International surrogacy always involves legal coordination—contracts with the surrogate, parentage declarations, and country-specific documentation.
For Dubai-based parents, lawyers must ensure documents are valid in the surrogate’s country and comply with UAE laws for registering the baby. Legal costs range from $3,000 to $10,000, and include surrogate agreements, birth certificates, embassy paperwork, and parental orders. Countries like Dubai and Ukraine offer smoother legal transitions, while in the USA, legal protections are stronger but also more expensive. Always consult a legal expert familiar with cross-border surrogacy to avoid complications during your child’s citizenship or exit process.
4. Use of Donor Egg or Sperm
If the intended parents cannot use their own gametes (eggs or sperm), they may opt for donors. This is common for women with low ovarian reserve or genetic conditions. In Dubai, egg donation is not legally permitted, so the procedure is arranged in the destination country. The cost for using a donor typically ranges between $3,000 to $8,000 depending on whether the donor is anonymous, known, or from a premium egg bank.
Donor sperm is more affordable, costing around $500 to $2,000. Using donor gametes also means additional testing, stimulation cycles, and legal documentation.
5. Surrogate Care, Pregnancy Monitoring & Delivery
Prenatal care for the surrogate is one of the most important and cost-sensitive components. It includes regular checkups, scans, medication, hospitalization, and delivery (C-section or normal). This entire phase is managed in the surrogate’s country and typically costs between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on the healthcare system and type of delivery.
Some programs offer surrogate insurance, which adds extra cost but covers emergencies. Well-monitored care reduces risks and improves birth outcomes. Clinics in countries like Dubai often include full surrogate care packages, which provide peace of mind for Dubai-based couples during the pregnancy phase.
6. Travel, Accommodation, and Exit Process
Even if the medical part begins in Dubai, intended parents must travel to the destination country for embryo transfer, legal procedures, delivery, and bringing the baby home.
Costs for flight tickets, accommodation, food, and local transport can quickly add up, especially for longer stays (2–6 weeks). This expense can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the country, visa requirements, and how long the stay is after delivery. Additionally, the exit process for the baby can take 2–4 weeks and may involve embassy visits, legal translations, and waiting for the baby’s passport or citizenship paperwork.
Success Rates of Surrogacy with IVF in Dubai
Success in surrogacy depends on several key factors: the quality of embryos, the health of the surrogate, and the expertise of the IVF clinic managing the process. Clinics in Dubai are well-equipped with modern technology and skilled embryologists, which greatly improves success outcomes.
Success Rates Overview:
- Fresh Embryo Transfer: 55% to 65%
Fresh embryos tend to perform slightly better as they haven’t undergone the freezing and thawing process, especially when the eggs are from a healthy donor or a young woman. - Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): 45% to 55%
While slightly lower, FET is safer in certain cases and allows for flexible timing. Most clinics in Dubai have well-optimized freezing and thawing protocols to maintain high success. - With Donor Eggs: Up to 75%
When using donor eggs from young, fertile women, success rates can reach 70% to 75%, even for women above the age of 40 or those with low egg quality.
What Makes Dubai IVF Clinics Successful?
- Use of PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing): Helps ensure only genetically healthy embryos are transferred.
- Laser-assisted hatching and blastocyst culture: Enhances embryo implantation.
- Comprehensive monitoring: Both intended mothers and surrogates are closely monitored before and during pregnancy.
- High-quality labs: Dubai’s IVF labs follow international standards with high embryo survival and fertilisation rates.
Why Trust Next IVF Dubai?
Dealing with infertility can be one of the toughest challenges in life, emotionally and physically. But you don’t have to face it alone. At Next IVF Dubai, we blend the latest medical technology with genuine care and understanding to help you fulfil your dream of becoming parents.
Our center is committed to offering personalised fertility treatments designed just for you. We know how important starting or growing your family is, and our team — including IVF specialists, gynaecologists, embryologists, and caring support staff — is here to guide you at every step.
Why choose Next IVF Dubai as your fertility partner?
- Comprehensive treatments: From IVF, IUI, frozen embryo transfer to egg and sperm donation, laparoscopy, ICSI, PGD, and male infertility treatments, we cover it all with advanced methods.
- High success rates: Our experienced doctors and proven protocols increase your chances of success.
- Affordable care: We believe quality fertility treatment should be available to everyone, so we offer top-notch care at prices that won’t break the bank.
Don’t wait any longer to start your journey to parenthood. Reach out to Next IVF Dubai today at +91 7827636596 or email us at info@nextivf.com. Together, we’ll turn your hope into a happy family — with the right centre, expert doctors, and heartfelt care.
Conclusion
Surrogacy in Dubai is becoming a preferred option for many couples across the world who are struggling with infertility. With its clear legal structure, skilled doctors, and cost-effective packages, Dubai offers a secure and affordable path to parenthood.
Whether you’re considering surrogacy due to medical reasons or past IVF failures, the country provides both emotional and medical support throughout the journey. Just be sure to consult a reliable clinic, understand the package inclusions, and clarify any hidden costs beforehand. Kenya’s surrogacy process combines heart, hope, and health for parents ready to welcome a child.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How much does surrogacy cost in Dubai on average?
The surrogacy cost in Dubai typically ranges between AED 180,000 to AED 300,000. This cost covers IVF procedures, surrogate mother compensation, legal formalities, medications, and maternity care. However, the final cost may vary depending on the clinic, the use of donor eggs/sperm, and additional services like genetic testing or embryo freezing.
2. Is surrogacy legal in Dubai for international couples?
Surrogacy laws in Dubai and the UAE are complex. As of now, commercial surrogacy is not legally permitted within the UAE. Most intended parents living in Dubai opt for surrogacy abroad (in countries like Dubai, Kenya, or Ukraine) through international surrogacy agencies while managing the medical part (like IVF) in Dubai.
3. Can I start IVF in Dubai and complete surrogacy abroad?
Yes, many intended parents begin their IVF cycle in Dubai clinics and then ship the embryos to surrogacy-friendly countries. Dubai has excellent fertility clinics equipped to perform IVF and embryo freezing, which makes it a convenient starting point for the journey.
4. What factors affect the overall surrogacy cost in Dubai?
Several factors can influence the surrogacy cost in Dubai:
Whether you’re using donor eggs or own eggs
The number of IVF cycles needed
Legal and embassy paperwork (if going abroad)
Type of surrogate (first-time or experienced)
Use of PGT or other advanced treatments
Always ask for a detailed breakdown from the clinic or agency to avoid hidden fees.
5. Are payment plans or financing options available?
Some fertility clinics and international agencies offer payment instalments or financing to help manage surrogacy costs. This makes it more affordable for couples who cannot pay the full amount upfront. Be sure to check with the clinic or surrogacy provider for available options.
6. Is the success rate worth the surrogacy cost in Dubai?
Yes, especially if you are working with reputed clinics and expert embryologists. With fresh or donor eggs, success rates can be as high as 70–75%, making the investment worthwhile for many couples who have struggled with infertility for years.
