Surrogacy in Colombia Frequently Asked Questions

Parents choose Colombia for its established framework , equal access for LGBT couples , excellent medical standards , and experienced clinics/embryology labs . Colombia offers a balance of safety, affordability, inclusivity, and clear post-birth steps for UK parents (DNA, birth certificate, Colombian passport, CoE/PO).

Yes. Surrogacy is established but not legally recognised. It has been carried out for many years in Colombia. The country has an established track record, especially with international parents, including UK couples. The surrogate is not the legal mother—the intended father with the genetic link is recognised on the birth certificate.

Yes. Colombia is LGBT-inclusive across its legal, medical, and cultural frameworks. Gay male couples are fully supported and follow the same process as heterosexual couples.

Initially the father and the surrogate mother are listed on the Colombian birth certificate. This is later amended via a legal process, using the DNA test results to remove the surrogate mother from the birth certificate.

The second parent is added later in the UK by obtaining a Parental Order , which results in a new UK birth certificate listing both parents.

The core sequence is:

1. Baby is born
2. Colombian birth certificate issued
3. Baby receives Colombian passport
4. DNA test proving genetic link
5. Translate/notarise key documents
6. Begin UK legal steps (CoE → PO)
7. Colombian legal process to remove surrogate mother from Colombian birth certificate is concluded

You can usually begin UK steps while still in Colombia.

The UK Home Office requires a DNA test proving genetic link to the intended father before issuing travel documents (CoE → British passport).
Testing is done in Colombia using a UK-accredited partner lab. Results are typically returned within days.

Most families stay 4–6 weeks , depending on:

• DNA test turnaround
• CoE processing speed
• Agency/clinic admin
• Document translations
• Birth registration timing

Some return earlier if their timeline is fast; others choose to stay longer for bonding.

The CoE is issued by HM Passport Office (via the Visa Application Centre). It allows your baby to enter the UK with a Right to Abode ; this means that no visa is required

and the babies time in the UK is not limited.

The PO transfers legal parenthood from the surrogate to both intended parents.
Steps include:

• Submit C51 application (No later than 6 months after birth)
• Surrogate signs C52 Acknowledgement Form
• Surrogate signs A101A consent form (no earlier than 6 weeks after birth)
• CAFCASS home visit
• Final hearing (Additional hearings may be required if evidence provided is not sufficient)
• New UK birth certificate is issued (with both intended parents listed)

The entire process usually takes 4–8 months .

No. The surrogate does not attend UK court hearings. Her role is limited to signing consent forms (C52/A101A) after the 6-week post-birth period.

CAFCASS may also have a brief phone call with the surrogate to get verbal confirmation of the facts; this is done with a translator.

Many parents choose to manage the UK process without formal legal representation , especially with support from community experience.
However, some prefer to use solicitors for peace of mind. Both are acceptable.

A lawyer will be required to arrange the exit pack to return home; this is generally a lawyer that the agencies have in house. So there is no need for you to have a separate lawyer.

Both options are common.

Ship embryos if:

• You already have frozen embryos
• You prefer UK screening or clinics
• Timing is less important

Create in Colombia if:

• You need an egg donor
• You want a fully local process with faster timelines
• You prefer Colombia’s favourable success rates

Egg donors are anonymous but profiles include:

• Medical history
• Physical characteristics
• Genetics & fertility parameters
• Some personal info (education/interests)

Matching occurs through your clinic/agency.

Yes. Many gay male couples choose to create two embryos:

• One using Dad A’s sperm
• One using Dad B’s sperm
• With a single egg donor for biological connection between siblings

Transfers may be sequential or concurrent depending on policy.

Surrogate screening typically includes:

• Medical evaluation (reproductive health, blood tests, previous pregnancies)
• Psychological assessment
• Social background & home environment checks
• Full review of previous pregnancy history

Matching is based on compatibility, communication style, and availability.

The agency typically manages communications and check-ins. Parents receive:

• Ultrasound updates
• Medical summaries
• Photos/videos
• Optional direct communication depending on preferences and agency model

Top Bogotá and Medellín fertility clinics have:

• Excellent embryology laboratories
• Strong donor screening protocols
• High standards in IVF, ICSI, PGT-A
• Robust obstetric care

Standards are comparable to major clinics in US/Europe but at a significantly lower overall cost.

Costs vary by clinic, donor selection, and pregnancy outcome, but typical price components include:

• Program fees (agency/clinic)
• Donor compensation
• Surrogate compensation
• Medical care (pregnancy, delivery)
• IVF/embryology
• Travel and accommodation
• UK process fees (C51, translations, court bundle etc.)

You can request cost breakdowns from agencies.

A strong agency should offer:

1. Legal & process clarity – clear documentation, timelines, and transparency.
2. Medical partnership strength – reputable clinics with proven outcomes.
3. Case management quality – communication frequency, experience with UK clients, reliability.

Look for years of experience, strong reviews, and evidence they understand UK-specific legal and passport processes .

Common translations include:

• Surrogate consent forms
• Birth certificate
• Notarial declarations
• DNA letter
• Passport application attachments
• Any Colombian legalised documents for UK use

Agencies arrange these routinely.

Approximate timelines:

• Embryo creation or shipment: 1–3 months
• Surrogate match: 1–8 weeks
• IVF → Pregnancy → Birth: 9–12 months
• Colombia stay after birth: 4–6 weeks
• Parental Order: 4–8 months
• New UK birth certificate: 1–2 weeks after PO

Total end-to-end 18–24 months depending on pathway.

No. Once you return home with the baby, all remaining steps (A101A signing, CAFCASS, PO, new birth certificate) happen in the UK.

Yes. Parents routinely travel safely. Recommended areas for stay include Chapinero, Chico, Rosales, and Usaquén.
Private paediatric care is excellent and easily accessible.

SOL Surrogacy offers experience-based guidance:

• Understanding each agency’s strengths
• How to assess clinics & surrogates
• Step-by-step Colombia → UK process
• Forms (C51, C52, A101A)
• Understanding DNA, translations, timelines
• Returning home
• Parental Order strategies
• CoE troubleshooting and preparation

Not legal advice — but highly practical, experience-based, and UK-focused support.

Absolutely. SOL Surrogacy helps parents using any agency.
The focus is ensuring you understand the UK requirements (CoE, PO, passport), and the Colombian admin steps, regardless of who you sign with.