Age limit, waiting times, cost, documents, reimbursement, choosing a clinic: here, in a few lines each, are the answers I give every week. Each answer links to the detailed guide.
IVF in Greece always raises the same questions, and almost always in the same order: is it possible in my situation, how long will it take, how much will it cost, and who can I trust? Here are the twenty-five questions I’m asked most often, with a short answer and a link to the detailed article, which cites its sources. The rules set out here are those in force as of October 2026.
Up to 54 years of age for the woman. Between 50 and 54 years of age, treatment is only possible with authorisation from the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction, which the clinic will apply for using your medical records. Further details can be found in the age limit in Greece.
Yes. Greek law permits this, with sperm donation if necessary; consent is given by a notarised deed. See assisted reproduction for a single woman.
The 2024 law on marriage equality did not extend assisted reproduction to female couples as a couple. One of the two women undergoes the process as a single woman, and the ROPA method is not provided for. See female couples and assisted reproduction in Greece.
In Greece, donation is anonymous by default; since 2022, the law has also provided for non-anonymous forms of donation, but these remain rare in practice. The clinic selects a donor whose physical characteristics and blood group match yours. See the legal framework for egg donation and the issue of resemblance.
It is legal and supervised by a judge, but since Law 5197/2025 came into force, the intended mother and the surrogate mother must be resident in Greece. It is therefore no longer an option for anyone living abroad. See surrogacy in Greece.
No. A married couple signs a written consent form; an unmarried couple living together signs a notarised deed. See the documents to prepare.
No, not in the sense in which it is understood in France: the allocation of a donor usually takes a few weeks, slightly longer if your profile is uncommon. See the timeframes for egg donation.
Allow two to four months for a cycle involving egg donation, and three to five months if using your own eggs. This timeframe is mainly due to the time taken to gather the necessary test results and documents. See the IVF timeline in Greece.
Two to four days for a transfer using donor eggs, two to three days for a frozen embryo transfer, eight to twelve days for IVF using your own eggs, or two short stays. See how many days to stay in Greece.
Yes, for the most part: the initial assessment, followed by ultrasound scans and follow-up blood tests, the results of which are sent to the Greek clinic. See remote monitoring before departure.
His written consent is essential. He may attend only on the day of collection, or have his sperm frozen in advance. See if the partner is unable to attend.
A form of identification with the same name on all documents, the consent forms, a notarised document depending on your circumstances, and recent test results: serological tests, hormone profile, semen analysis and blood group. The clinic sets its own list of required documents and the validity period it accepts.
Not for citizens of the European Union or Swiss nationals. British, Canadian or American nationals do not need one for a short stay, up to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period; nationals of countries not exempt must apply for a Schengen visa. See visa, EES and ETIAS.
In 2026, you should generally expect to pay between 3,000 and 5,000 euros for IVF or ICSI using your own eggs, between 5,000 and 8,000 euros for egg donation, and between 900 and 1,800 euros for a frozen embryo transfer, excluding medication, travel and accommodation. See the cost of IVF in Greece.
Often, yes: their prices are set by the state and are the same in all pharmacies. See IVF medicines in Greece.
Partially, if you are insured in France, subject to prior authorisation from the National Centre for Healthcare Abroad (form S2) before treatment begins. If you pay the costs up front, the amount reimbursed is based on the higher of the Greek or French rates; for example, €2,774.76 for IVF without egg donation and €1,428.99 with egg donation, plus a maximum of €300 for transport. The clinic’s invoice is not reimbursed in full. See the S2 form, step by step.
According to the rates published by several Greek clinics in 2026, generally between 200 and 350 euros per year. Check in writing what happens in the event of late payment. See the cost of embryo storage.
A fixed fee, which depends on your treatment and the length of your stay, agreed in writing before any commitment is made. I do not receive any commission from the clinics: treatment, travel and accommodation are paid directly to each service provider. Details can be found on the services page.
No country has ‘better rates’ per se: what matters is the clinic, your age and the type of treatment. Ask for birth rates per transfer and by age group, along with their definitions. See how to interpret a success rate.
Yes, with your consent, prior genetic counselling and authorisation from the National Authority. Screening for chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A) is only of real benefit in certain situations; see PGT-A in Greece. For a known genetic condition in the family, pre-implantation diagnosis is explained in PGD in Greece.
Greek law sets a maximum of three embryos for women up to the age of 40 and four for those over 40; in the case of egg donation, it is the donor’s age that counts, and the National Authority may set lower limits. The recommended practice is usually to transfer just one. See one embryo or two.
Yes, from the very next day and often on the same day: there is no evidence to suggest that flying has any effect on implantation. Following an egg retrieval, clinics often advise waiting 24 to 48 hours. See flying whilst undergoing IVF.
In the public register of the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction, which lists accredited units and cryopreservation banks. See how to check accreditation.
No. If you do choose one, ask in writing who pays them: in Greece, the Code of Medical Ethics prohibits doctors from paying intermediaries on a percentage basis. See using an agency and how to read reviews and forums.
Athens has more clinics; Thessaloniki is a smaller city, where it is often easier to find accommodation near the treatment clinic. In both cases, the choice of clinic matters more than the choice of city. See Athens or Thessaloniki.
Every situation raises its own questions: a previous failed attempt, embryos already frozen elsewhere, a tight work schedule. If you’d like to discuss this, the initial consultation is free: write to me.
No. Centres that treat international patients operate in English, and many documents are available in English. I translate whatever needs translating and provide support in French, English or Greek.
Yes. Within the European Union, Directive 2011/24/EU governs the rights of patients receiving treatment in another Member State, and IVF is governed by Greek law. Check that your situation is permitted in Greece, and what arrangements your own country has in place for the next steps.
Just one for an embryo transfer using donated eggs, as the preparation takes place in your home country. If using your own eggs, a stay of eight to twelve days or two short stays. The first consultation is often conducted via video call.
No. It provides access to medically necessary public healthcare during a temporary stay, but not to scheduled treatment or private healthcare. For a person insured in France, partial reimbursement for IVF requires prior authorisation and the S2 form.
Source: https://fertilitegrece.com/en/blog/ivf-greece-faq/ — Triada Baloukoudis, IVF patient coordination in Greece. General information, not medical or legal advice. Printed on
Triada Baloukoudis
Independent IVF patient coordinator in Thessaloniki, with 24 years of experience supporting patients travelling from abroad. More · Contact · Facebook
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IVF and egg donation in Greece for patients from abroad: legal framework, actual costs, length of stay, documents and S2 reimbursement. The complete guide.
Read the articleIdentity documents, consent forms, notarised deeds for unmarried couples and single women, medical examinations.
Read the articleHow to check whether a Greek fertility clinic is licensed: the public register of the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction.
Read the articleSurrogacy in Greece in 2026: legal and supervised by a judge, but restricted since Law 5197/2025 to people domiciled in Greece. Conditions, costs, parentage.
Read the article