We analyse your needs, treatment type, destination preferences and find top IVF clinics for you.
Table of Contents
Greece passed its reproductive health legislation in 2005 – it’s widely considered to be one of the most patient-friendly and liberal IVF laws in Europe. No wonder – nowadays Greece offers the perfect combination of innovative medical services and reasonable rates. It is attracting international IVF patients with its highly trained and experienced medical professionals and state-of-the-art technological equipment. High average success rates are a great indicator of the clinics’ impressive experience in IVF treatments.
| Egg Donation and IVF in Greece – cost and availability | |
|---|---|
| IVF with own eggs in Greece – average cost | €3,200-6,200 |
| Egg donation in Greece – average costs | €5,000-8,000 |
| Average egg donation success rates in Greece* | 58.7%* |
| Maximum patient – woman age | 54 additional tests and qualification restrictions may apply to patients over 50 |
| IVF treatments for single women | Allowed signing a notarial deed is required |
| IVF treatments for female same sex couples | Not allowed |
| Gender selection / sex selection | Allowed only if there are medical reasons Not allowed for family balancing reasons |
| Maximum number of embryos to transfer IVF with donor eggs | 2 |
| Maximum number of embryos to transfer IVF with own eggs | Age-dependent: two if under the age of 35, three if over the age of 40, or the age of 35 if two transfers failed previously |
| Egg donation – anonymity | Anonymous Some characteristics, history and skills may be revealed to the recipient – depending on clinic’s decision |
| Egg donor availability in Greece | Very good Caucasian, Latino, Indian, Arab |
| Egg donor age | 20-35 |
| Maximum number of born children from the same egg donor | 10 |
| Sperm donor – maximum age | 40 |
| Maximum number of children born from the same sperm donor | 10 |
| IVF clinics in Greece | Best IVF clinics in Greece >>> |
Greece is known for some of the best egg donor clinics in Europe. Nowadays, the country offers over 50 IVF clinics, and most of them are located in the biggest Greek cities: Athens and Thessaloniki, and on Crete. The number of procedures performed and their comparatively high average success rate perfectly demonstrate Greek clinics’ experience in IVF treatments.
The EmBIO Clinic in Athens, Greece, has been a beacon of hope since its inception in 1996. Over the years, the clinic has successfully assisted in the conception of more than 30,000 babies. Athens, with its many daily flights, is a convenient destination for all your needs. It is a
Newlife IVF Greece is one of the leading fertility clinics in Greece that provides a full range of fertility examinations and treatments, including a highly successful program with donor eggs. The clinic has a broad experience with international patients. Their high pregnancy rates, fairly liberal Greek IVF laws, high-quality care,
Pelargos IVF Fertility Group is a unique group of specialists, that provides Greek and overseas women, with top-quality medical services at the best Fertility Centers in Athens, Greece. In accordance with the Greek IVF law, Pelargos IVF accepts women up to the age of 54, however, women above 50 will
Greece is famous for its tolerant legal framework for IVF services. When it comes to IVF cycles with own eggs and egg donation, the age limit for women undergoing IVF treatment is 54 years old. There are no exceptions in terms of the marital status of heterosexual couples in the sense that all the procedures are available to both married and unmarried couples provided that the latter has signed a notarial deed. The same procedures are also available to single women after signing a notarial deed.
In all cases the treatment is anonymous – neither the donor nor the patients’ identities are released to the other party. Social freezing of eggs and sperm is also permitted; embryo freezing is also an option. Embryos, eggs and sperm can be stored for up to ten years. The number of embryos that is permitted to be transferred varies with age. Patients under 35 are allowed to transfer two embryos, unless they already had two failed embryo transfers; in that case, those patients are allowed to transfer three embryos. Patients over the age of 40 are also allowed to transfer three embryos.
Fertility patients in Greece have access to genetic testing options, such as PGT-A (also known as PGS), as well as PGD. Sex selection of embryos is permitted, but only for medical reasons, such as when the mother carries a disease transferred through the Y chromosome. Surrogacy is also an option – but only if the patients have medical documentation proving them incapable of having children of their own.
IVF for same sex female couples in Greece is forbidden. Only infertile heterosexual couples and single woman can be treated in Greece.
The strong anonymity laws regarding egg and sperm donation in Greece makes it a very attractive option for women seeking to donate their eggs; as such, there’s a lot of willing donors of multiple ethnic backgrounds. This is good news for patients who decide to receive an egg or sperm donation treatment – there’s virtually no waiting list! Additionally, the average cost of IVF with donor eggs is still quite reasonable. All these factors make Greece an attractive option for patients from all over Europe who are considering undergoing egg or embryo donation abroad.
Greece offers the full anonymity of egg and sperm donation. Strict regulations prevent clinics from divulging any personal information about donors to patients. However, a comparatively high amount of metrics are available to patients. Apart from the basic information (such as the donor’s phenotype, blood type, age and race), patients also have access to the donor’s education history, athletic and musical skills and also genetic history. As phenotype matching is obligatory in Greece, patients have full confidence their child will look like them.
Greece’s anonymity laws prevent donors from ever contacting the children born through the donation process.
Donors in Greece are aged between 20 and 32 and they are allowed a maximum of 10 offsprings. In order to be qualified as a donor, a person has to have regular blood tests and karyotype testing conducted. Additionally, they are screened for certain serious diseases.
Donors are legally obliged to have the following tests:
Some clinics also perform psychological screening of their donors – although this is not required by law in Greece, clinics perform these tests in order to ensure that donors understand the consequences of the donation.
The maximum number of born children through egg donation from the same egg donor is 10.
Embryo donation is possible and usually turns out to be more affordable than egg donation. However, patients interested in embryo donation in Greece should prepare for a six to twelve-month wait.
Some clinics also offer a “double donation” – that is, two separate donations of egg and sperm cells.
As we mentioned earlier, Greece boasts 50 fertility clinics, an impressive number for a relatively small country. Taking into account this as well as the high quality of medical services – it must be noted that the prices of IVF and egg donation treatments are considered very good value. Egg donor programmes in Greece are between €5,000 and €8,000. In case of a single IVF cycle with own eggs, patients may pay around €3,200-€6,200.
| IVF costs abroad – popular countries | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country / IVF treatment type | Egg donation costs | IVF own eggs costs |
| Spain | €5,900 – €11,000 | €4,100 – €7,100 |
| Czech Republic | €4,500 – €8,000 | €2,700 – €5,700 |
| Greece | €5,000 – €8,000 | €3,200 – €6,200 |
| North Cyprus | €4,500 – €6,000 | €2,700 – €5,700 |
| Portugal | €6,000 – €8,000 | €3,200 – €6,200 |
| Latvia | €5,000 – €8,000 | €3,200 – €6,200 |
| UK | €10,000 – €14,000 | €6,000 – €10,000 |
| Denmark | €7,000 – €8,300 | €3,300 – €4,500 |
| South Africa | €3,838 – €6,142 | €4,354 – €5,122 |
| Argentina | €5,700 – €9,530 | €3,330 – €5,000 |
| Ukraine | €4,000 – €7,000 | €2,200 – €5,200 |
| Poland | €4,000 – €6,000 | €2,200 – €5,200 |
| Russia | €3,800 – €7,000 | €2,000 – €5,000 |
Remember that not all clinics are transparent about the costs associated with additional services. When you contact the clinic of your choosing, make sure their advertised price includes:
The success rates of own eggs and egg donation IVF treatments are hard to compare because there is no way to access aggregate data published by a Greek, independent third party. However, patients do have access to Licensed In Vitro Fertilization Units (IVFU) & Cryopreservation Banks (CB) in Greece, where clinics accredited by the Greek National Authority of Assisted Reproduction are listed. If you decide to choose Greece for your IVF treatment, make sure your clinic of choice is listed there.
ESHRE is an independent source that publishes data on the success rates of IVF treatments in Greece; however, their reports are published with a large delay.
IVF with donor eggs (egg donation) success rates in Greece as compared to other European countries according to ESHRE latest report.
| Egg Donation Success Rates* per woman age in Europe – popular countries | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country / Woman age | <34 | 35-39 | ≥40 |
| Spain | 53.8 | 57.4 | 53.7 |
| Czech Republic | 44.7 | 41.0 | 40.2 |
| Greece | 59.6 | 58.9 | 54.3 |
| North Cyprus | No data / not collected by ESHRE | ||
| Ukraine | 64.3 | 66.3 | 61.9 |
| Russia | 46.7 | 45.5 | 42.8 |
| Portugal | 43.7 | 46.4 | 49.2 |
| Poland | 45.3 | 44.2 | 40.3 |
| Latvia | 100.0* | 16.7* | 7.7* |
| UK | 41.9 | 44.0 | 41.8 |
IVF success rates in Greece as compared to other European countries according to ESHRE. As you can see, Greece enjoys a comparable level of success to the rest of Europe.
Greece is a well-established destination for fertility treatment, offering high medical standards, experienced specialists, and competitive pricing compared to other European countries. With a patient-friendly legal framework, many international patients choose Greece for treatments such as IVF and egg donation.
Here are some of the top IVF clinics in Greece, known for their expertise and high-quality care:
Many clinics provide services tailored to international patients, including multilingual support, remote consultations, and assistance with travel arrangements.
IVF treatments in Greece are regulated by the Greek National Authority for Assisted Reproduction. They regulate the way clinics operate, as well as issue guidelines and perform regular unannounced inspections of clinics and cryopreservation banks in Greece. All accredited assisted reproduction units are listed in the register of Licensed In Vitro Fertilization Units (IVFU) and Cryopreservation Banks (CB).
The basic legal framework describing assisted reproduction treatments in Greece is described in two laws:
Greek fertility clinics are acknowledged for their high medical standards, advanced technology, and supportive legal framework for assisted reproduction. Many follow strict international guidelines from organizations like European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the World Health Organization (WHO), ensuring quality care and ethical practices. Greece is also known for its high IVF success rates, cutting-edge laboratories, and experienced medical professionals trained in top fertility centers.
The Greek climate and natural surroundings offer a peaceful setting that can support emotional wellness and promote physical recovery during IVF treatment. With mild winters, warm summers, and plenty of sunshine, the Mediterranean climate helps reduce stress, which can positively impact fertility outcomes.
Beyond the weather, Greece’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and coastal resorts offer a peaceful retreat between appointments. Many fertility clinics are in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as on tranquil islands, allowing patients to combine treatment with relaxation.
With its well-connected airports and efficient transportation system, Greece makes it easy for international patients to access fertility clinics. Major international airports, including Athens (ATH), Thessaloniki (SKG), Heraklion (HER), and Chania (CHQ), offer frequent direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, making travel convenient and affordable.
Once in Greece, getting around is simple with taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transport available in major cities. Many fertility clinics also offer airport pickup and help patients book accommodations near their treatment center.
Yes, many fertility clinics in Greece offer IVF packages that include medical services and accommodation, making travel planning easier for international patients. These packages can cover IVF treatment, lodging, transportation, airport transfers, consultations, and follow-up care.
Clinics frequently partner with hotels, serviced apartments, or private villas, offering discounted rates. Packages vary to suit different budgets, from basic to premium options.
The price of IVF in Greece usually covers essential services and treatments like consultations, fertility tests, ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. Most clinics offer all-inclusive packages that include medications, monitoring, and procedures. Some may also include embryo freezing and short-term storage, but this varies.
Extras like egg or sperm donation, genetic testing, and long-term embryo storage typically cost more. Since pricing depends on the clinic and treatment plan, patients should confirm what’s included in their treatment.
In Greece, the cost of IVF usually does not cover the medications required for treatment. Ovarian stimulation drugs and other prescriptions are usually charged separately, with prices varying based on the patient’s treatment plan and medication type. Clinics typically provide cost estimates after assessing individual needs and may offer guidance on sourcing medications.
Some clinics have all-inclusive IVF packages that cover medication costs, especially for international patients. To avoid unexpected expenses, patients should confirm with their clinic what’s included in the quoted price.
Greece has a thorough IVF screening process that follows international best practices. Clinics conduct medical evaluations, including blood tests, ultrasounds, and STI screenings, to ensure both partners are in good health. Genetic screening may also be offered to detect inherited conditions that could affect pregnancy or the baby’s health.
Greece’s screening standards are comparable to top fertility destinations like Spain and the UK but are often more affordable and accessible. The country also has a patient-friendly legal framework, ensuring donor anonymity, patient privacy, and ethical fertility practices.
Egg donors must pass psychological screenings to ensure they are mentally and emotionally prepared for the donation process. A licensed psychologist assesses their well-being, emotional stability, and understanding of the commitment involved. This includes interviews to explore their motivations, awareness of the implications, and ability to handle potential emotional challenges.
In Greece egg donation is anonymous, so while recipients cannot meet the donors, they can review the donor’s profile before making a decision. These profiles include non-identifying details such as physical traits (height, eye color, hair color), medical history, education, and sometimes personality traits or interests. This allows recipients to choose a donor based on important factors while maintaining anonymity.
Yes, future parents can select egg donors based on physical characteristics such as height, eye color, hair color, and blood type. Many clinics offer detailed profiles that include these characteristics, and some may also include information about the donor’s education, profession, and personality. However, medical history and genetic screening results are typically the most important factors in the selection process, as they are crucial for ensuring the health and success of the IVF treatment.
The average waiting time to match with an egg donor is very short or non-existent for international patients deciding on Caucasian donors. This few-week waiting period is due to efficient egg donation programs at many clinics, which maintain a large pool of pre-screened donors. The exact waiting time depends on factors like the recipient’s preferences for donor traits and the availability of compatible donors.
If a recipient has very specific requirements, the wait may be slightly longer. However, many clinics offer flexible matching systems, helping patients find a donor within a reasonable time frame.
In Greece, recipients can choose between shared and exclusive donor cycles, offering flexibility based on preferences and budget.
In a shared donor cycle, one donor’s eggs are used by multiple recipients, making the treatment more affordable. The donor undergoes ovarian stimulation, and her eggs are divided among several patients. Exclusive donor cycles involve one recipient using all the eggs from a single donor. While more expensive, this option maximizes the chances of success by providing access to all of the donor’s eggs.
Yes, unused donor eggs can usually be frozen for future cycles. If a donor cycle produces more eggs than needed, the extra eggs can be cryopreserved for later use. This allows to preserve embryos or eggs for future IVF cycles without needing another egg retrieval, saving time and money.
However, there may be storage fees for freezing and storing the eggs or embryos, and these fees vary depending on the clinic and storage duration. Check the clinic’s policies and costs before proceeding to ensure they are comfortable with the arrangements.
Fertility clinics match egg donors with recipients by performing extensive medical evaluations, genetic screenings, and offering detailed profiles of the donors. The process starts with a thorough evaluation of the recipient’s needs, considering factors like physical traits (e.g., hair color, eye color, height, and blood type) and medical history. Clinics aim to match donors with recipients based on these factors to guarantee the best possible compatibility and meet the recipient’s preferences.
Yes, independent organizations, such as the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) track and maintain fertility treatment data. This helps ensure that fertility clinics follow best practices and offer high-quality care.
Many clinics in Greece voluntarily share their success rates with patients, either by publishing them on their websites or providing them upon request, ensuring transparency and trust. This allows patients to make informed decisions based on evidence-based outcomes.
Greek fertility clinics use advanced technologies and personalized approaches to improve IVF success rates, especially with egg donation. One key method is PGT, which screens embryos for chromosomal issues, ensuring that only healthy embryos are selected for transfer. Clinics’ high-tech embryology labs monitor embryo development, helping embryologists choose the best embryos for transfer. Egg vitrification allows for the safe freezing of eggs and embryos for future use. Additionally, Greek clinics customize ovarian stimulation protocols to suit each patient’s needs.
One of the major factors contributing to the high success rates is the exceptional medical care. Greek fertility clinics are known for their experienced and internationally trained doctors, embryologists, and medical staff. These clinics use advanced technologies like time-lapse imaging, embryo genetic screening, and egg vitrification, which help improve embryo selection and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Additionally, Greece focuses on personalized care, tailoring treatment protocols to each patient’s specific needs, further optimizing outcomes.
Future parents in advanced maternal age should be mindful of potential risks that can affect treatment success. As women age, especially after 35, the quality and quantity of eggs tend to decrease, which can lower the chances of successful fertilization and implantation. There is also a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos and pregnancy complications.
During your fertility journey Greek clinics provide personalized care to manage these risks. However, in case of any questions, discuss your concerns with fertility specialists who will guide you to get the best results.
As set by the National Authority for Assisted Reproduction, the legal age limit for IVF treatment is 54. In some cases, exceptions may be made for women over this age if they are in good health and receive medical clearance. This usually involves thorough medical evaluations to assess the safety of pregnancy, and regulatory approval may be required.
While clinics follow strict ethical and medical guidelines, some may be more flexible for older future parents, particularly in cases involving egg donation or embryo adoption, where egg quality is not affected by the patient’s age.
Greek fertility clinics offer inclusive and supportive reproductive care. They provide options like sperm donation, IVF, and sperm freezing for male patients. Male same-sex couples can use egg donation with sperm from one or both partners to create embryos for transfer into a surrogate, as surrogacy is legal in Greece.
For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, options such as egg donation, sperm donation, and embryo adoption are available, depending on their needs. Surrogacy is also an option for male couples looking to have a biological child.
EU and non-EU residents generally face the same eligibility criteria for fertility treatments, including medical assessments and legal requirements. The main difference is that non-EU residents may need a medical visa or travel authorization, depending on their nationality and the length of their stay.
Greek fertility clinics personalize treatment plans based on each patient’s medical history, age, hormone levels, reproductive health, and previous treatments. Fertility specialists conduct detailed consultations and use advanced diagnostic tools to create the most effective approach. Clinics also offer ongoing support, including psychological counseling. The medical team works closely with the patient to adjust the treatment plan as needed based on the patient’s response to medications and progress through the treatment cycle.
While it’s possible to transport genetic material (such as sperm, eggs, and embryos) to or from Greece for treatment, doing so requires navigating a complex set of legal regulations and making sure all safety protocols are followed during transport. If you need this service, contact your clinic for more details.
Greece offers comprehensive fertility preservation options, including egg, sperm, and embryo freezing. This process uses advanced, internationally recognized vitrification techniques to maintain cell quality. Greek clinics provide secure, long-term storage for several years under strict regulations.
Fertility treatment regulations are the same for both EU and non-EU residents. All patients must meet the legal requirements, including the IVF age limit of 54 and necessary medical evaluations. Treatments like IVF, in-vitro with donor eggs, and embryo adoption are available to everyone who complies with Greek laws.
The key difference for non-EU patients is travel and visa requirements. While EU citizens can enter freely, non-EU residents may need a medical visa based on their country and stay duration. Certain legal processes, such as surrogacy, may also require extra documentation.
Greek IVF clinics follow strict confidentiality policies to protect patient privacy, complying with both Greek data protection laws and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These regulations ensure that personal and medical information is securely stored and accessed only by authorized professionals.
Clinics also implement in-clinic privacy measures, such as secure communication channels, encrypted digital records, and private consultation rooms. Many use anonymous patient identifiers to further enhance confidentiality, ensuring that all aspects of fertility treatment remain discreet and secure.
Using a foreign donor in Greece is legally permitted but must comply with strict regulations set by the National Authority for Assisted Reproduction. All donors (whether Greek or foreign) must remain anonymous, meaning that identifying information is not accessible to recipients or donor-conceived children.
Foreign donor sperm or eggs must come from an authorized and recognized bank that meets Greek and EU fertility standards. This ensures that all imported genetic material has undergone thorough medical screening and quality control to safeguard against genetic or infectious diseases.
Greece is a great year-round destination for IVF treatment, but some times of the year may offer additional benefits in terms of weather, travel costs, and clinic availability. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are particularly favorable due to mild weather, more affordable flights and accommodations, and less crowded places.
Summer (June to August) is also a busy season, especially for those combining treatment with a vacation, though high temperatures and busier tourist areas may be a consideration. Winter (December to February) provides a quieter experience, lower travel costs, and easier scheduling at clinics, though some islands and coastal areas may have fewer services available.
Visa requirements depend on the patient’s nationality and the duration of their stay. Citizens of the EU and Schengen Zone countries do not need a visa and can travel freely to Greece for fertility treatments. Patients from countries with visa-free agreements with the Schengen Zone can enter Greece for short-term medical visits without a visa. However, those from other non-EU countries will need to apply for a visa before traveling.
Greek fertility clinics often provide extensive support for international couples, helping with travel planning and accommodation arrangements. Many clinics assign dedicated patient coordinators who assist with booking flights, arranging airport transfers, and offering guidance on visa requirements when needed.
Additionally, clinics offer recommendations for nearby hotels, serviced apartments, or clinic-affiliated accommodations to ensure patients have comfortable and convenient lodging options. Some clinics even partner with local hotels to offer discounted rates for fertility patients, making the experience more affordable and seamless.
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