Thailand Surrogacy Process 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (18-Month Timeline)
Complete guide to Thailand surrogacy: consultation → surrogate matching → IVF → embryo transfer → pregnancy management → birth → China documentation. AddBaby breaks down every stage with timelines and costs.
For families considering surrogacy, the most common question is: What does the entire process actually look like? How long does it take? What do I need to do at each stage?
As a medical tourism agency specializing in Thailand fertility services for over 15 years, AddBaby has guided thousands of families through the surrogacy journey. This guide breaks down the process into 7 clear stages, complete with timelines and what to expect.
Surrogacy Process Overview
| Stage | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Consultation & Evaluation | 1-2 months |
| Stage 2 | Legal Contracts | 1 month |
| Stage 3 | Surrogate Screening & Matching | 1-3 months |
| Stage 4 | IVF & Embryo Creation | 1-2 months |
| Stage 5 | Embryo Transfer & Pregnancy Confirmation | 1-2 months |
| Stage 6 | Pregnancy Management | 9 months |
| Stage 7 | Birth & Return Documentation | 1-3 months |
| Total | Complete Surrogacy Cycle | ~16-24 months |
Stage 1: Consultation & Evaluation (1-2 Months)
Who Is Surrogacy For?
Surrogacy is primarily for:
- Medical reasons: Absent uterus, recurrent implantation failure, uterine infertility
- Advanced age: Severely diminished ovarian reserve, cannot safely carry a pregnancy
- Single men: Wishing to have a genetically related child
- Same-sex male couples: Building a family through surrogacy and egg donation
What to Prepare for Initial Consultation
- Female partner (if applicable): AMH test, FSH/LH/E2 levels, hysterosalpingogram
- Male partner: Semen analysis (within 3 months)
- Previous medical records (if prior IVF attempts)
After initial consultation, AddBaby's medical advisors will provide a personalized plan within one week, including recommended hospital, estimated costs, and treatment timeline.
Stage 2: Legal Contracts (Approx. 1 Month)
This is the most critical foundation stage. Key contracts include:
- Service agreement between intended parents and surrogacy agency (Chinese/English bilingual)
- Surrogacy agreement between intended parents and surrogate (Thai/English)
- Egg donation agreement (if using donor eggs)
- Embryo disposition agreement
Key contract provisions to understand:
- Medical coverage for the surrogate
- Pregnancy behavioral restrictions
- Handling of complications (multiple pregnancy, obstetric emergencies)
- Parentage establishment method after birth
- Dispute resolution mechanisms
Stage 3: Surrogate Screening & Matching (1-3 Months)
AddBaby's partner hospitals apply rigorous multi-dimensional screening:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Age | 21-35 years old |
| Reproductive history | At least one successful full-term delivery, healthy living child |
| Marital status | Married (Thai law requires spousal consent) |
| Health | No infectious, hereditary, or psychiatric conditions |
| BMI | 18.5-28 |
| Psychology | Pass professional psychological assessment |
| Smoking/Alcohol | Neither permitted |
The matching process: receive surrogate profiles → select 3-5 candidates → arrange video meeting → confirm match → sign surrogate agreement.
Stage 4: IVF & Embryo Creation (1-2 Months)
Two Options
Option A (Own Egg Surrogacy): Female partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval; embryo transferred to surrogate
- Best for: Women with uterine issues but functioning ovaries
Option B (Donor Egg Surrogacy): Eggs from a donor combined with male partner's sperm
- Best for: Severely diminished ovarian reserve, single men, male same-sex couples
PGT-A/PGD Genetic Testing
Highly recommended in surrogacy cases to:
- Ensure chromosomally normal embryos (reduces miscarriage risk)
- Identify embryos carrying genetic diseases
Stages 5-7: Transfer, Pregnancy, and Birth
After embryo creation, the surrogate's uterine lining is prepared with hormone protocols, then the best embryo is transferred. Pregnancy confirmation via blood HCG test at day 14.
Success rates per transfer cycle:
- Donor egg surrogacy (donor under 35): 65-75%
- Own egg surrogacy (under 35): 55-65%
- PGT-screened normal embryos: 70-80%
During the 9-month pregnancy, AddBaby provides full coordination: prenatal checkups every key milestone, photo/report sharing with intended parents, and 24/7 emergency response.
After birth, the baby documentation process involves DNA paternity testing at the Chinese embassy in Bangkok to establish parentage and obtain a Chinese passport for return.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Thailand surrogacy through established channels with reputable hospitals is a well-proven path to parenthood. AddBaby has helped 5,000+ families since 2008 through our partnerships with Jetanin, iBaby, and 101 Bangkok IVF.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific situation with our advisory team.
