What is a surrogate?
A surrogate, or gestational carrier, carries a pregnancy for intended parents who cannot do so themselves. An embryo created from the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm is transferred to the surrogate, so she is not genetically related to the baby she carries. Royal Surrogacy only works with gestational carriers.
Your health and safety come first. Our screening follows, and often exceeds, the standards of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and takes into account the preferences of the reproductive endocrinologist overseeing each transfer.
Basic requirements
- Age 21–36
- BMI under 32
- At least one healthy, full-term pregnancy
- No more than 5 deliveries and 2 C-sections
- Non-smoker and drug-free
- Good mental and physical health
- Stable lifestyle and a clean criminal record
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
See the full surrogate requirements.
How much does a surrogate make?
First-time surrogates earn $50,000–$60,000 in base compensation and experienced surrogates $75,000–$110,000. Monthly allowance, transfer fees, lost wages, childcare, travel and insurance are paid on top. Base pay depends on your state, your health insurance and whether you have surrogacy experience. Payments start with medical screening, before you are pregnant. See surrogate pay and benefits.
How to become a surrogate with Royal
- Check your eligibility against the requirements above.
- Apply online. The application takes about 20 minutes.
- Consultation and review. A Royal advisor contacts you within 24–48 hours.
From application to the start of your transfer cycle can be as short as 9 weeks. See the surrogacy process for surrogates.
Why women become surrogates
- The desire to help. The fulfillment of giving a family the child they have hoped for.
- A positive pregnancy experience. Women who enjoyed pregnancy and want to experience it again with purpose.
- Building their own future. Compensation that can pay for school, a home or savings.
- Being part of something greater. Joining a community of women who change lives.
Who surrogates help
- Heterosexual couples facing infertility, recurrent loss or medical diagnoses
- LGBTQ+ couples and individuals
- Women who cannot safely carry a pregnancy
- International intended parents
- Single people choosing to become parents
Six truths every surrogate should know
- Gestational surrogates have no biological connection to the baby. Their eggs are not used.
- Surrogates are paid throughout the journey, not at the end, and payments start before pregnancy.
- Surrogates choose who they match with. Every match is mutual.
- Surrogates do give themselves injections during IVF. With training and support, most find them manageable.
- Surrogates don’t feel a parental attachment to the baby. They feel purpose, and the joy of watching parents meet their child.
- You get a dedicated case manager, 24/7 availability and full coordination of medical and legal steps.
A surrogate’s story
“My first surrogacy was with a gay couple in 2022. When I saw them holding their twins, both dads crying, I knew I had to do it again. Royal connected me with an amazing therapist who helped me through the postpartum hormones. The $65k I made paid for my daughter’s private school and our down payment.”
Maria G., 32, San Diego, CA. Second-time surrogate, completed journey 2024.