Surrogacy for Japanese Parents

Build your family through safe, legal surrogacy in the United States with support tailored for Japanese parents.

Why More Japanese Families Are Choosing U.S. Surrogacy

For many families in Japan, the path to parenthood through surrogacy can feel uncertain. Surrogacy is not legally recognized in Japan, and there is no domestic framework to protect intended parents or children born through surrogacy arrangements. Because of this, more Japanese parents are turning to the United States, where surrogacy is clearly regulated, ethically guided and supported by strong legal protections for all involved.

At Joy of Life, we help Japanese families navigate this process with confidence and compassion. With full-service support throughout the process, we make every step feel secure and achievable.

Dedicated Support for Japanese Intended Parents at Every Step

As a Japanese intended parent, your surrogacy journey involves not only medical and legal steps in the United States, but also careful planning for citizenship, travel and life after returning home.

That’s why our compassionate care team provides full-service support tailored specifically for families traveling from Japan to the United States. From coordinating U.S. legal processes to preparing documentation for Japanese authorities, we manage the details so you can focus on welcoming your baby.

Securing Parental Rights in the U.S.

Pre-birth court orders establish intended parents as the legal guardians before delivery.

Japanese Documentation Support

Support with birth registration filings, family registry considerations and consular procedures.

Translation & Certification Support

Assistance with certified Japanese translations of U.S. court orders, birth certificates and related documents.

Preparing for U.S. Passport & Travel

Guidance on applying for your baby’s U.S. passport and planning entry into Japan.

What Japanese Parents Should Know Before Starting U.S. Surrogacy

Before starting your U.S. surrogacy journey, it’s important for Japanese families to understand the legal requirements related to birth, citizenship and documentation. Below is a high-level overview of key points and how Joy of Life supports you throughout the process.

Surrogacy is not legally recognized in Japan.

Japan does not have a legal framework that permits or recognizes surrogacy. Under Japanese law, the woman who gives birth is considered the legal mother, regardless of genetics.

As a result, Japanese families who pursue surrogacy do so abroad, most commonly in the United States, where surrogacy is legally supported and medically regulated.

Additional steps are required for a child born via surrogacy to enter Japan.

A baby born in the United States through surrogacy will receive U.S. citizenship at birth. However, because Japan does not recognize surrogacy, Japanese authorities require specific documentation and review before the child may enter Japan as a Japanese national.

The required steps depend on family circumstances, including genetic connection and marital status, and may involve consular filings, birth registration and family registry procedures. These steps must be handled carefully and within specific timeframes.

Dual citizenship is possible at birth, but Japanese nationality is not automatic.

Children born in the United States automatically acquire U.S. citizenship. Japanese nationality may be available if at least one parent is a Japanese national, but it is not automatic in surrogacy cases and requires formal registration and approval.

Japan allows children to hold dual citizenship at birth, but Japanese law requires a choice of nationality later in life.

We walk you through every step.

Because Japanese family law and nationality law differ significantly from U.S. law, planning in advance is critical. From understanding which documents are required to ensuring translations and filings are completed correctly, each step must be handled with care.

Joy of Life works closely with Japanese families to explain typical requirements, coordinate documentation and help you prepare for both the U.S. birth process and the steps that follow.

Become a Parent

How Citizenship Works for Japanese Families

When your baby is born in the United States through surrogacy with Joy of Life, they automatically receive U.S. citizenship and a U.S. birth certificate. This allows you to apply for your baby’s passport and begin the process of returning home.

Japanese nationality is handled separately. Because Japanese law defines parentage differently from U.S. law, additional documentation and legal review are required. Depending on your situation, this may involve birth registration filings, proof of genetic connection and family registry procedures.

Our team works closely with Japanese parents to prepare the necessary documents, arrange translations and guide you through the consular process to ensure everything is addressed correctly and with care.

How We Support Japanese Parents at Every Step

Every international surrogacy journey follows a series of important milestones. Here’s an overview of what Japanese families can expect when working with Joy of Life.

Step1

Remote Consultation

Meet virtually with an experienced international coordinator to discuss your goals and review the U.S. surrogacy process.

Step2

Surrogate Matching

We help you connect with a surrogate whose values, communication preferences and expectations align with your family.

Step3

Record Collection & Clinical Review

We gather your medical records and your clinic reviews them to confirm next steps. This waiting period can take time, and we’ll keep you updated throughout.

Step4

Medical Screening

Your surrogate completes medical evaluations through a leading U.S. fertility clinic.

Step5

Legal Agreements

Review and sign U.S. surrogacy contracts with attorney guidance and translated explanations.

Step6

Embryo Transfer

The embryo transfer marks the beginning of your surrogacy journey.

Step7

Pregnancy Updates

Receive regular updates and plan for travel to the U.S. as delivery approaches.

Step8

Baby’s Arrival & Return Home

After birth, we support passport applications, documentation preparation and planning for your return to Japan.

Why Japanese Parents Trust Joy of Life

For more than a decade, Joy of Life has supported international families through ethical, transparent and fully guided surrogacy journeys in the United States. Japanese parents choose Joy of Life for our experience, professionalism and compassionate approach.

Here’s what makes us a trusted partner for Japanese families:

Over 10 years of experience supporting international families

Deep understanding of U.S.–Japan legal and documentation differences

Partnerships with top fertility clinics and legal professionals

Personalized, attentive support at every stage of your surrogacy journey

Common Questions From Our Japanese Families

Is surrogacy legal in Japan?

Japan does not have a legal framework that permits or recognizes surrogacy. Japanese courts apply the rule that the woman who gives birth is considered the legal mother. Because of this, many Japanese families choose to pursue surrogacy in countries like the United States, where gestational surrogacy is legally supported and medically regulated. Working with an experienced U.S. agency helps ensure the process follows established legal standards.

How much does surrogacy cost for Japanese parents?

For Japanese intended parents pursuing gestational surrogacy in the United States, total costs are generally similar to those for U.S. intended parents, with additional considerations for international travel and documentation.

As a general guide, U.S. gestational surrogacy typically ranges from approximately USD $150,000 to $160,000, not including travel, accommodations or other international-related expenses. Final costs vary depending on factors such as medical needs, legal requirements, insurance coverage and the surrogate’s experience.

Because surrogacy is not recognized in Japan, Japanese families may also incur additional costs related to document translation, consular procedures and extended stays in the U.S. after birth.

Because every surrogacy journey is unique, Joy of Life works closely with Japanese families to help clarify typical costs, identify potential international-related expenses early and support thoughtful financial planning from the very beginning.

Can my baby enter Japan after birth?

In most cases, yes, but additional legal and documentation steps are required. Because Japan does not recognize surrogacy, Japanese authorities review each case individually. Requirements vary depending on factors such as genetic connection and documentation.

At Joy of Life, we help families understand typical procedures, prepare required documents and avoid common delays that can occur without proper guidance.

Will my child have dual citizenship?

Children born in the U.S. receive U.S. citizenship at birth. Japanese nationality may also be possible, but it requires formal procedures and approval. Dual citizenship is allowed at birth, with a later nationality choice required under Japanese law. Our team helps families understand typical requirements and coordinate with the appropriate authorities.

How long do we need to stay in the U.S.?

Most Japanese families plan to stay several weeks after delivery to complete the baby’s U.S. passport application and prepare documentation for travel and post-birth procedures. Timelines vary based on processing times and individual circumstances.

Working with an experienced agency like Joy of Life helps families plan realistic travel timelines and avoid unnecessary extensions or delays.

Do we need to speak English or have legal contacts in the U.S.?

No. As a full-service surrogacy agency, Joy of Life coordinates communication with U.S. fertility clinics, attorneys, hospitals and other professionals on your behalf.

Why is it important to work with an experienced surrogacy agency as a Japanese family?

International surrogacy involves careful coordination of legal, documentation and post-birth steps across two countries with very different laws.

An experienced agency:

Understands the legal differences between the U.S. and Japan
Helps prepare documentation in a way that Japanese authorities are familiar with
Anticipates common issues that can delay travel or registration
Provides step-by-step guidance so nothing is missed

Joy of Life has extensive experience supporting international families and works closely with trusted medical and legal professionals to help Japanese parents move through the process with clarity and confidence.

Begin Your Journey With Joy of Life

No matter where you live, we’re here to guide your surrogacy journey with clear communication, legal confidence and full-service support.

Become a Parent

Surrogacy for Japanese Parents

Build your family through safe, legal surrogacy in the United States with support tailored for Japanese parents.

Why More Japanese Families Are Choosing U.S. Surrogacy