Trusted Support. Clear Compensation.
Become a Surrogate
with Golden
Golden Surrogacy supports remarkable women who want to become a Surrogate with thoughtful matching, clear compensation, and dedicated case management. Our experienced team advocates for you throughout the Surrogacy Journey with personal attention, professionalism, and care.
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Take the next step to become a Surrogate with Golden Surrogacy.
Golden Surrogate Standards
60
Days on average to complete pre-screening
100%
Surrogates undergo single embryo transfers only
#1
Consistently rated among top agencies
Most matches are completed within 30 to 60 days because we take time to create a strong fit that supports success, trust, and a positive journey for both the Surrogate and the Intended Parents.
Gestational Surrogacy
What Is a Gestational Surrogate?
A gestational Surrogate carries a pregnancy for Intended Parents using an embryo created through in vitro fertilization. She does not provide the egg used to create the embryo. Golden guides gestational Surrogates through screening, matching, legal preparation, embryo transfer, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum support.
The Agency You Deserve
Guided Step by Step, With Advocacy and Support
Golden genuinely cares about its Surrogates. You will be guided through your entire Surrogacy Journey step by step with advocacy and support.
Full Service Coordination
Your care team coordinates the details of your journey so you can focus on your family, health, and daily life.
Care Team Support
Your assigned surrogacy professionals guide you step by step and are available whenever you need support.
No Conflicts of Interest
Golden Surrogacy is committed to ethical matching, clear communication, and advocacy that protects your best interests.
If you are still comparing agencies, read our guide to how to choose the best surrogacy agency for Surrogates so you know what to look for in support, compensation transparency, legal protections, and overall fit.
Compensation & Benefits
Benefits That Protect and Reward Our Surrogates
Golden offers a fair, transparent compensation structure designed to support the generous women in our program.
Your compensation is never based on your insurance, employment status, or state of residence, and every Surrogate receives the same robust benefit package.

Transparent Compensation
A Verified $70,000 Minimum for First-Time Golden Surrogates
Golden offers a transparent compensation structure designed to support the generous women in our program. Every first-time Golden Surrogate receives the same standard base compensation and benefits, regardless of state, insurance, or employment status, with the option to negotiate individual terms when appropriate.
$50,000
Base Compensation
Standard base compensation for every first-time Golden Surrogate.
$20,000
Standard Golden Benefits
The same standard Golden benefit package for every first-time Golden Surrogate.
$70,000
Minimum Total Compensation
A verified minimum total, not a best-case figure.
Golden believes compensation should be transparent and easy to understand. Our minimum total reflects real base pay plus standard Golden benefits, rather than inflated figures that rely on rare or catastrophic circumstances.
In addition to base compensation and standard Golden benefits, Intended Parents cover legal fees, medical bills, mileage, childcare for qualifying appointments, lost wages, approved travel expenses, and other reimbursable costs outlined in the gestational surrogacy agreement.
Our Process
Four Steps From Application to Embryo Transfer

Pre-Screening
As a newly enrolled applicant, you will complete an interview and profile with our Intake team. You will also be asked to visit your OB/GYN for medical clearance while our team helps coordinate your psychological assessment, virtual home visit, and pregnancy-record collection for review.
Matching
Based on your matching preferences, Intended Parent profiles are presented for your consideration. Once you agree to move forward, the official matching process begins and a member of your assigned care team facilitates introductions and next steps.
Legal
After your match is finalized and the in-person medical exam is completed, attorney referrals are provided to guide you through the legal agreement phase of your Surrogacy Journey.
Embryo Transfer
As you begin the prescribed medication protocol, your Care Team monitors your progress and coordinates any required travel arrangements to help make your embryo transfer experience as smooth and supported as possible.
Support Through Delivery and Beyond
Golden continues supporting each Surrogate through pregnancy, delivery planning, birth, and postpartum recovery. Your Care Team remains available to coordinate important details, answer questions, and help you prepare for every stage.
Requirements
Do You Qualify to Be a Golden Surrogate?
Our team reviews your health history, prior pregnancies, support system, and overall eligibility during the intake and pre-screening process. If you are unsure whether you qualify, we can help you understand the next steps.
- Be between the ages of 23 and 37
- Have a BMI of 30 or under before medical clearance
- Have given birth to and personally raised, or currently be raising, at least one biological child
- Have a history of uncomplicated pregnancies
- Have had no more than 3 previous deliveries
- Have had no more than 1 previous C-section
- Be in excellent overall health
- Have a stable and supportive family
- Be a non-smoker and free of illegal drug use
- Have no criminal history
- Have had no tattoos or piercings in the last 12 months
- Be enthusiastic and ready to begin the Surrogacy Journey
A Letter from a Golden Surrogate
“I felt as if I carried for a friend.”
What can I say? The name fits perfectly. They are Team Golden! They strive for compassion and excellence. When searching for an agency they were the last that I asked information about, yet the first to get back to me. I had the most rewarding and blessed journey and I owe it all to them. Within weeks my application was complete and my profile was up to view. Soon after I had a conference call with an Intended Father and we agreed to move forward together. My match was absolutely perfect and we developed a special bond.
As a Surrogate, I had a very stress-free experience which led me to complete a very easy pregnancy and delivery. Frank Golden is absolutely a delight. There was never an email, phone call, or text that went unanswered within a couple hours. I love how personable and caring everyone at Golden Surrogacy is. I recommend Golden Surrogacy to everyone I come across.
Katrina D.Golden Surrogate
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Surrogate
Explore answers about compensation, eligibility, matching, travel, testing, communication, and what to expect throughout the Surrogacy Journey.
How much do Surrogates get paid with Golden Surrogacy?
Golden Surrogates receive a generous compensation and benefit package totaling a minimum cash value of $70,000. To learn more about base compensation, standard benefits, and reimbursed expenses, please visit our Surrogate Compensation page.
If you are still comparing agencies, read our guide to how to choose the best surrogacy agency for Surrogates so you know what to look for in support, compensation transparency, legal protections, and overall fit.
What are the requirements to become a Surrogate?
Golden Surrogacy reviews age, BMI, pregnancy history, overall health, lifestyle, stability, and readiness before moving forward with an applicant. These core requirements help support safer and more successful surrogate journeys.
You can learn more on our Surrogate Requirements page.
If you want a broader look at the personal, practical, and emotional traits agencies value beyond the checklist, read What Makes a Good Surrogate? Qualities Agencies Look For .
What could disqualify someone from becoming a Surrogate?
Factors such as significant pregnancy complications, elevated BMI, recent tattoos or piercings, smoking, illegal drug use, unstable living circumstances, or certain medical or legal concerns may affect eligibility.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, applying is the best next step so our team can review your situation and help determine whether surrogacy may be a good fit.
How long does it take to match with Intended Parents?
The matching process can move quickly in some cases, but for most Surrogates it depends on how promptly agency forms are completed and how long it takes to collect and review your medical records. After your records are reviewed and eligibility is confirmed, the matching phase can begin.
Before matching can begin, applicants complete the agency agreement, the background check authorization, and the medical release documentation that allows Golden to coordinate pregnancy and delivery record collection through a professional third-party medical service and review by the potential Intended Parents’ IVF clinic medical team.
On average, most matches are completed within 30 to 60 days after eligibility is established because Golden takes time to create a strong fit that supports success, trust, and a positive journey for both the Surrogate and the Intended Parents.
Do I have to live in Illinois where your Agency is located?
No. You do not need to live in Illinois to become a Surrogate with Golden Surrogacy. We work with qualified candidates in surrogacy-friendly states from which we recruit. If you are wondering whether the agency itself needs to be close to you, read our guide on why a surrogacy agency does not need to be local .
After a successful match, you will travel to the Intended Parent(s)’ fertility clinic for screening and embryo transfer, and those travel expenses are paid by the Intended Parent(s). Golden coordinates travel and appointments to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
What type of testing is required?
Surrogates and, when applicable, their spouse or partner typically complete a range of tests based on fertility-clinic requirements and certain FDA requirements. This usually includes infectious disease screening as well as testing for nicotine and illegal drug use.
In some cases, Intended Parents may also request updated nicotine or illegal drug testing during the pregnancy.
Will I get to keep my OB?
Yes. In most cases, Golden Surrogates may return to their regular OB after being released from the IVF clinic’s care. In rare situations, Intended Parents may request a different OB based on location, insurance coverage, hospital facilities, quality of care, or legal considerations tied to parental rights.
What level of communication is expected between the Intended Parent(s) and the Surrogates?
Golden treats communication preferences as an important part of the matching process. Your goals and comfort level are discussed before matching so that both sides can better understand what kind of relationship and level of interaction feels appropriate.
Because every match is different, the outcome can vary based on chemistry and shared expectations. Intended Parents and Surrogates should discuss communication openly and agree on an approach before legal contracts are signed.
If I've had my tubes tied (tubal ligation), can I still be a Surrogate?
Yes. In gestational surrogacy, the fallopian tubes are not needed because an embryo is transferred directly into the uterus rather than relying on natural conception.
What are the differences between Gestational and Traditional Surrogacy?
In a gestational surrogacy arrangement, embryos are created through IVF using the Intended Parent(s)’ genetic material or donor eggs, and the Gestational Surrogate carries the pregnancy without a genetic relationship to the child.
In traditional surrogacy, the Surrogate uses her own eggs and therefore has a genetic connection to the child. Golden only recruits Gestational Surrogates and manages Gestational Surrogacy arrangements.
Do you issue 1099 tax forms to your Surrogates?
No. Golden Surrogacy does not issue 1099 forms or provide tax advice to Surrogates.
Your compensation and any tax-related decisions are your responsibility, so we recommend speaking with a licensed Certified Public Accountant who specializes in tax filings for professional guidance.
Where You Live
Become a Surrogate in Your State
Golden works with qualified candidates in surrogacy-friendly states. Review state eligibility, compensation, and the referral program before you apply.
Become a Surrogate by State
See where Golden recruits and what state law means for your surrogacy journey.
View StatesSurrogate Compensation
Base compensation, standard benefits, and reimbursed expenses, explained in full.
Review CompensationSurrogate Requirements
Age, BMI, pregnancy history, and lifestyle factors reviewed before matching.
Read RequirementsSurrogate Timeline
What happens at each stage, from application through delivery and beyond.
View the TimelineReferral Program
Refer someone you know to Golden and receive a referral benefit when she is matched.
Explore ReferralsWhy Golden
How Golden supports Surrogates with advocacy, care teams, and clear communication.
See Why Golden
Surrogacy Is a Golden Opportunity
Trusted support, thoughtful matching, and clear compensation
Take the next step to become a Surrogate with a team that guides and advocates for you at every stage of the journey.







