The short answer: yes — but only on an altruistic basis, and now under a strict legal framework. Here's what that means in plain English.
Ireland permits gestational surrogacy only — the surrogate carries an embryo created through IVF and is not genetically related to the child. The arrangement must be altruistic: the surrogate may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, but cannot be paid a fee. Commercial surrogacy, and most payments beyond genuine expenses, are prohibited domestically.
The 2024 Act created a statutory regulator, AHRRA, to oversee assisted human reproduction including surrogacy. Surrogates and intended parents engage with AHRRA's process — including medical and psychological screening, mandatory counselling, and independent legal advice for each party — before an arrangement can proceed. For official guidance, see ahrra.ie. We explain the regulator in detail in our guide to AHRRA.
Irish intended parents can pursue surrogacy either at home or abroad. The key practical difference: domestic surrogacy must be fully altruistic and relies on personal connections (Ireland does not currently have a licensed matching agency), while international surrogacy is the route many families take, and is where payments to agencies/intermediaries are permitted. Both routes require steps to secure legal parenthood in Ireland.
At birth, the surrogate is registered as the legal mother. Intended parents then apply to court for a parental order — usually within six months — to become the child's legal parents. Read our parental orders guide for how that works.
Get independent legal advice early, choose between the domestic and international pathways, and line up an AHRRA-registered fertility clinic, a solicitor experienced in AHR law, and a qualified counsellor. When you're ready, register your interest and we'll point you to the right next step.
Yes. The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 put surrogacy on a clear legal footing for the first time, covering both domestic and international arrangements. It must be altruistic — commercial surrogacy is prohibited — and it is overseen by AHRRA, the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority.
No. Domestic surrogacy must be altruistic. A surrogate can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, but payment beyond that is prohibited. Payments to intermediaries are only permitted in the context of international surrogacy.
The Act is designed to be inclusive of different family types. Eligibility, screening and approval are handled through the AHRRA process and with independent legal advice — speak to a solicitor about your specific situation.
No. The surrogate is the legal mother at birth. Intended parents apply to court for a parental order (generally within six months) to transfer legal parenthood.
Register your interest and we'll point you to the right regulated pathway and the professionals who can help. Surrogacy.ie is an information service — we don't match parties ourselves.
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