This article explains how Surrogacy in Albania works for parents and families in 2026. It explores the current legal status of Surrogacy in Albania, the medical infrastructure available in the country, and the reasons why many residents choose international pathways for a more secure journey. This guide is designed to provide educational clarity on your options in the current year.
The Legal Status of Surrogacy in Albania (2026 Update)
As of early 2026, Albania still does not have a specific law that says “yes” or “no” to surrogacy. Because there is no clear law, surrogacy exists in a “gray area.” This means it is not a crime, but it is also not protected or regulated by the government.
This lack of law creates risks for parents, surrogates, and doctors:
- The Legal Mother: In Albania, the woman who gives birth is usually seen as the legal mother by default.
- The Legal Process: To be recognized as the legal parents, intended parents must go to court after the baby is born. This process is often slow, difficult, and works similarly to an adoption.
- Contracts: Contracts signed before the baby is born (between parents and a surrogate) are generally not enforceable in Albanian courts.
Because of these legal uncertainties, most Albanian parents choose to look for surrogacy services in countries where the laws are clear and protective.
Medical Infrastructure and Fertility Treatment in Albania
Albania’s healthcare, especially in the capital city of Tirana, has improved. Many private clinics now offer advanced fertility help, such as:
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Creating an embryo in a lab.
- ICSI: A specialized way to fertilize an egg.
- Embryo Freezing: Keeping embryos safe for future use.
The Difference Between IVF and Surrogacy
While Albanian clinics can medically create an embryo, they do not have “surrogacy programs.” Because there is no law, clinics cannot easily manage the legal or social parts of a surrogacy journey.
Many parents start their medical journey in Albania by creating and freezing embryos. Then, they transport these embryos to a different country where surrogacy is legal and well-organized.
Read More about: Difference Between IVF and Surrogacy
Analysis of Iran as a Destination for Albanian Parents
Because Albania lacks clear laws, many parents look at surrogacy in Iran. In 2026, Iran remains a popular choice because it has a clear and regulated system for surrogacy.
- Legal Safety: In Iran, surrogacy is supported by both civil law and religious rules. Parents and surrogates sign a formal contract that is checked by the legal system.
- Birth Certificates: One of the biggest advantages in Iran is that the birth certificate is issued directly in the names of the intended parents. You do not need to “adopt” your own child later.
- Medical Quality: Iran has many high-tech fertility clinics that follow international standards.
- Cost: The cost of medical care in Iran is often much lower than in Europe or America. However, parents must remember to calculate the costs of travel, hotels, and the paperwork needed to bring the baby back to Albania.
Comparative Overview of International Surrogacy Programs
The table below shows the typical types of packages offered by international agencies in 2026. Note: Prices are estimates in USD.
| Package Name | Estimated Cost | What is Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Package | $18,000 - $25,000 | One IVF cycle, surrogate payment, and basic legal help in that country. |
| Standard / Success Package | $25,000 - $35,000 | Multiple attempts to get pregnant, better medical tests, and more legal support. |
| Premium / Guarantee Package | $35,000 - $50,000+ | Unlimited attempts or a "guaranteed" baby birth. Includes all legal and passport help. |
Important: These are just examples. You should always check the reputation of any agency and talk to a lawyer before paying any money.
Essential Steps for Albanian Citizens
If you are considering surrogacy, follow these steps:
- Talk to an Albanian Lawyer: Find a lawyer in Albania who understands family law and international birth registration.
- Research the Country: Look at places like Iran, Georgia, or parts of the USA. Check if their laws protect foreign parents.
- Check the Clinic: Don’t just trust an agency. Call the medical clinic directly to make sure they are real and professional.
- Plan Your Budget: Surrogacy always costs more than expected. Plan for extra travel, medical emergencies, or legal fees.
- Plan the Trip Home: Make sure you know how to get an Albanian passport for your baby at the embassy in the country where the baby is born.
Is surrogacy explicitly legal in Albania?
As of 2026, Albania has no specific law that explicitly permits or prohibits surrogacy. It operates in a "legal gray zone." While Article 261 of the Family Code mentions "surrogate adoption," the lack of executive regulations means there is no government-backed protection for the parties involved.
Who is considered the legal mother at birth?
Under current Albanian legislation, the woman who gives birth (the surrogate) is automatically recognized as the legal mother. Intended parents are not automatically granted parental rights at birth. To be recognized, you must undergo a court process similar to adoption.
Are surrogacy contracts legally binding in Albania?
No. Because surrogacy is unregulated, contracts signed between parents and surrogates are generally not enforceable in Albanian courts. This is a primary reason why many parents start their medical journey in Tirana but complete the legal/birth process in countries like Iran or Georgia.
Can LGBTQ+ couples or single individuals pursue surrogacy in Albania?
Yes. Due to the lack of restrictive laws, Albanian clinics are generally inclusive toward LGBTQ+ couples, single parents, and unmarried partners. However, the challenge remains in the legal transfer of parental rights, which can be complex depending on your home country's laws.
What is the approximate cost of surrogacy in 2026?
While local IVF costs are lower, a full surrogacy program (including international legal pathways) typically ranges from $65,000 to $110,000. If you choose a pathway like Iran, as discussed in our analysis, you may find more regulated "Success Packages" within the $35,000 - $50,000 range.
Does the law allow for "commercial" surrogacy?
The law is ambiguous. While there is no direct ban on compensating a surrogate, "trading" in human reproduction is ethically discouraged. In practice, compensation happens through agencies, but these payments carry a legal risk of being challenged due to the lack of clear regulation.
How is the child's citizenship determined?
Albania follows the jus sanguinis (right of blood) principle. However, since the surrogate is the legal mother, the child’s nationality can become a "legal tug-of-war" between countries. We strongly recommend planning the return trip and passport process with a lawyer before the birth.
What is "Surrogate Adoption" in the Family Code?
Article 261 implies that the transfer of the child from a surrogate to the intended parents is treated legally as an adoption. This means parents must prove their suitability to a court, a process that can be slower than direct birthright registration found in other destinations.
Are there specific medical requirements for parents?
Unlike some jurisdictions that require a "medical necessity" certificate, Albania’s unregulated environment is more flexible. Clinics may not strictly demand proof of infertility, making it an accessible option for those pursuing surrogacy for social or personal reasons.
What are the main risks of surrogacy in Albania?
The biggest risks are legal uncertainty and the surrogate’s right to change her mind, as she is the default legal mother. Additionally, hidden costs (legal fees and international travel) can often increase the base budget by 30% to 50%.
Conclusion
Surrogacy is a long and emotional journey. For people living in Albania, the medical technology is available locally, but the legal safety is not. This is why many families choose to go abroad to countries with better laws.
To be successful, you must do your own research, get professional legal advice, and choose reputable clinics. Always put the safety of the child and the surrogate first.