Choosing an Agency and Understanding the Financial Aspects

 Once you make the decision to begin a surrogacy program, the next crucial step is choosing an agency. This choice largely determines how comfortable, transparent, and predictable your entire journey will be — from the first consultation to the moment you return home with your baby. Although different countries offer different conditions, there are several universal criteria that remain essential whether you are considering Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Albania, or Greece.

The first thing to look at is the agency’s experience. Surrogacy is a complex process in which legal, medical, and emotional aspects are tightly intertwined. An agency should not merely provide services — it should act as your coordinator, interpreter of legal language, support during stressful moments, and advocate for your interests. Reputable agencies never rely on promises alone; they demonstrate real cases, authentic testimonials, and a clear step-by-step plan of action. In countries with extensive international experience, like Georgia and Ukraine, this is especially noticeable — agencies operate with standardized processes that give a real sense of stability and confidence.

The financial side is a separate and extremely important topic. Many families initially assume they will simply sign a contract and receive one total amount. But in reality, each country has its own structure of payments, which is why it’s so important to understand what you are paying for at every stage. In Georgia and Armenia, for example, payments are often divided into stages: fixed fees for medical procedures, separate compensation for the surrogate mother, and additional costs related to legal support and documentation. In Greece, where the laws regulating foreign participation are more strict, a significant portion of the budget may go toward legal services and court procedures, as the court must approve the intended parents’ participation in the program. Albania, which is only beginning to gain popularity as a surrogacy destination, may offer lower prices, but this requires even greater attention: you must ensure that every expense is clearly outlined and documented rather than hidden behind vague descriptions.

Financial transparency is one of the most important characteristics that separates a professional agency from a questionable one. You should receive not only the final invoice but a detailed breakdown of each payment: medical services, medications, tests, legal fees, compensation, and any additional or unforeseen costs. The best agencies provide monthly or weekly financial reports, with every amount confirmed by a receipt or other document. This is not just a formality — it protects the parents and helps avoid conflicts later on.

It’s also essential to consider whether the agency has a clear policy regarding “hidden costs.” Sometimes programs appear attractive at first glance, but then additional fees unexpectedly arise: for translations, extra medical tests, apostilles, courier services, or medications not included in the base package. Professional agencies disclose these potential expenses upfront — no “pleasant surprises” later.

Another key factor is the agency’s attitude toward the surrogate mother. This is not only a matter of ethics but also your own peace of mind. A surrogate mother should receive quality medical care, proper living conditions (if provided), psychological support, and fair compensation. In Georgia and Ukraine, these standards are well established, while in countries that are newer to surrogacy, such as Albania, the agency itself becomes the primary guarantor that the surrogate mother is cared for properly. When the process is organized ethically, parents feel confident that everything is being done respectfully and fairly for everyone involved.

Ultimately, choosing an agency is a combination of logic and intuition. They should answer every question without rushing or dismissing your concerns. They should provide documents and allow you to review them calmly. They should explain not only how everything normally works but what will happen if something unexpected occurs. In this journey, it is very easy to get lost in numbers, promises, and polished presentations, so it is always helpful to ask yourself a simple question: “Do I see transparency and humanity here?” If the answer is yes, you are most likely on the right path.