What changed in 2025?
Order no. 1757 of 30 December 2024, issued under section 33 of the Danish Children Act, took effect on 1 January 2025. It allows Familieretshuset to decide motherhood, fatherhood, co-motherhood or co-fatherhood on the basis of a surrogacy agreement made abroad. Before this, the non-genetic parent usually had to complete a stepchild adoption, which could only start months after the birth.
Two further conditions matter: the agreement must be made before the pregnancy begins, and the surrogate must live abroad and have done so for the six months before the agreement.
Which documents are required?
- documentation of a genetic link between the child and at least one intended parent
- a notarial declaration, issued in the child’s country of birth, in which the surrogate confirms after the birth that she wants to transfer parenthood and the child
- a copy of the surrogacy agreement
- the child’s birth certificate
Familieretshuset may ask for originals or certified copies. When a decision takes effect, it notifies the Danish civil registration system (CPR).
Passport for the child
A Danish representation abroad can issue a provisional passport when Familieretshuset has decided that parenthood has passed to the Danish parent or parents, or on the basis of the birth certificate and consents, or a certificate of Danish citizenship together with the surrogate’s consent.
Ukraine or Georgia?
The order refers to an intended-parent couple or a single intended parent and does not set a marriage requirement, so it can apply to married couples in Ukraine and to unmarried couples in Georgia. Agreements made before 1 January 2025 follow the earlier rules described on borger.dk.
About this guide
This guide summarises official sources for planning. It is not legal advice for your individual case; a lawyer in your country confirms the route before you sign.
