Everything you need to know about the intended-parent path in Ireland — including what the 2024 Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act set up, what is already in force, and what still depends on further commencement orders.
Read the June 2026 legal guide for current legal context and key questions.
Note: This page provides general information only. It is not legal or medical advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor and fertility clinician for guidance specific to your situation.
The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 created Ireland's first formal statutory framework for surrogacy. As of June 2026, that framework is still being commenced in stages, so the exact domestic route depends on which provisions are already in force and on current solicitor advice for your circumstances.
At least one intended parent must have a genetic connection to the child. Couples (married, civil partners, or cohabiting 3+ years) and single people are all eligible. Same-sex couples are explicitly included.
The intended-parent journey usually involves these six broad workstreams. Each requires professional support, and the exact statutory route depends on which provisions are in force for your situation.
Research your options — domestic vs. international surrogacy, fertility alternatives. Speak with a specialist counsellor to understand the emotional, medical, and legal dimensions before committing.
Both you and the surrogate must independently obtain legal advice from a solicitor experienced in surrogacy law. This is a legal requirement under the 2024 Act — not optional. Your solicitor will explain your rights, structure the agreement, and later handle the parental order application.
A registered IVF or fertility clinic will carry out medical assessments, create embryos, and manage the IVF process. Choose a clinic experienced in donor and surrogacy arrangements, and confirm with your solicitor or clinic what current licensing and regulatory requirements apply.
Ireland does not allow commercial surrogacy agencies. In practice, people usually connect with a potential surrogate through personal networks, support communities, or professional guidance. Your solicitor can explain what current registration, screening, counselling, and approval steps apply to your chosen route.
Once the legal and clinical approvals needed for your chosen pathway are in place, the fertility clinic carries out embryo transfer. The surrogate undergoes the pregnancy with her own medical care team. Stay in regular contact and maintain the relationship agreed in your surrogacy plan.
At birth, the surrogate is registered as the legal mother. You must apply for a parental order through the courts (typically within 6 months of the birth) to become the child's legal parents. Once granted, the parental order is permanent. Your solicitor manages this process.
Domestic surrogacy in Ireland is a significant financial commitment. These are realistic estimates — always get itemised quotes from your providers.
Multiple IVF cycles are common and each adds €5,000–€15,000. If egg donation is required (e.g. for same-sex male couples or when the intended mother cannot provide eggs), add €3,000–€8,000 for donor fees and coordination. International surrogacy adds agency fees, travel and accommodation, and the cost of legal proceedings to bring the child back to Ireland as an Irish citizen.
Surrogacy in Ireland requires a solicitor, a fertility clinic, and a counsellor — all mandatory under the 2024 Act.
IVF and fertility clinics registered to carry out surrogacy-related treatments under the 2024 Act.
View clinics →Irish law firms specialising in the 2024 AHR Act, surrogacy agreements, and parental order applications.
View solicitors →Counselling is mandatory for intended parents under the Act. Find therapists experienced in surrogacy and fertility.
View counsellors →Under the 2024 Act, intended parents can be a couple (married, civil partners, or cohabiting for at least 3 years) or a single person. Same-sex couples are fully included. At least one intended parent must have a genetic connection to the child.
Domestic surrogacy under the 2024 Act typically costs €30,000–€80,000. This covers legal fees (€3,000–€8,000), IVF and medical costs (€5,000–€15,000 per cycle), surrogate expenses (€5,000–€10,000), and counselling (€1,000–€3,000). Multiple IVF cycles are common. International surrogacy costs €40,000–€100,000+.
Yes — it is a legal requirement under the 2024 Act. Both intended parents and the surrogate must each obtain independent legal advice from a solicitor experienced in surrogacy law before any agreement is signed. Your solicitor will also handle the parental order application after the birth.
A parental order is a court order that legally establishes intended parents as the child's parents. At birth, the surrogate is initially registered as the legal mother. Intended parents typically apply for a parental order within 6 months of birth. Once granted, parental status is permanent and the surrogate has no further legal obligations or rights.
Yes. The 2024 Act explicitly includes same-sex couples. Male same-sex couples typically require both an egg donor and a surrogate. One intended parent must have a genetic connection to the child. The parental order process applies equally to all couples regardless of sexual orientation.
Ireland does not permit commercial surrogacy agencies. Intended parents usually connect with a potential surrogate through personal networks, fertility clinics, support groups, or other professional guidance. Your solicitor can explain what current registration, screening, counselling, and approval steps apply to your route.
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