Greek assisted-reproduction law: what is allowed
Greece has one of the most comprehensive and relatively liberal legal frameworks for medically assisted reproduction (MAR) in Europe. Many couples and single women, from Greece and abroad, choose the country precisely for this reason.
The backbone of the framework is Law 3089/2002 (consequences in the Civil Code) and Law 3305/2005 (application of the methods), with significant later amendments. This text gives a general picture; because legislation evolves, the exact details of your case should be confirmed with a physician and a lawyer.
What are the core laws?
Law 3089/2002 “Medical assistance in human reproduction” regulated the fundamental issues and the consequences for parentage and inheritance in the Civil Code. Law 3305/2005 “Application of Medically Assisted Reproduction” regulated the preconditions for applying the methods, the handling of genetic material, and the operation of units and banks.
Amendments followed (among them Law 4737/2020 and, notably, Law 4958/2022), modernizing the framework. The exact content of each provision should be checked against the official text, as it is updated.
Which methods are allowed?
A broad range of methods is allowed: intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), surgical sperm retrieval (TESE/MESA/PESA), donation of sperm, eggs and embryos, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
Altruistic surrogacy is also permitted under strict conditions. Some practices remain outside the framework or are restricted; each method should therefore be assessed against the current law.
What is the upper age limit?
With Law 4958/2022, the upper age limit for the woman undergoing assisted reproduction rose to 54 years. For ages 50–54 a special permit from the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction is required, with medical certification that her health allows pregnancy and delivery.
This limit concerns the recipient/carrier. The details of the approval procedure and the required documents should be confirmed case by case.
How do gamete and embryo donation work?
Donation of sperm, eggs and embryos is legal and altruistic: the sale of genetic material is prohibited, while reimbursement of specific expenses and compensation for the donor’s inconvenience/loss of income is allowed. A national donor registry is maintained.
Age limits apply for donors (according to published information, up to 40 years for a sperm donor and up to 35 for an egg donor) and there is a maximum number of children per donor. The anonymity regime changed with Law 4958/2022, with its implementation still taking shape.
Who has access to the methods?
Access is available to married and unmarried heterosexual couples, as well as single (unmarried) women. Assisted reproduction is permitted to address an inability to have children or to avoid transmitting a serious disease to the child.
Access for same-sex couples — and especially the parentage consequences after Law 5089/2024 on same-sex marriage — is an evolving area; these matters are discussed in a separate article and should be confirmed legally.
Who oversees implementation?
Oversight is exercised by the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction, a state body that sets and monitors the scientific, legal and ethical framework for MAR units and cryopreservation banks, grants licences and keeps registries.
Before any treatment, it is wise to check that the unit holds the required licences and to ask for written information on the legal regime that applies in your particular case.
Summary
The Greek MAR framework (Laws 3089/2002 and 3305/2005, with amendments such as 4737/2020 and 4958/2022) is among the most comprehensive in Europe: it allows IUI, IVF/ICSI, surgical sperm retrieval, gamete and embryo donation, cryopreservation, PGT and altruistic surrogacy under conditions. The woman’s age limit is 54 years (special permit for ages 50–54). Oversight lies with the National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction. Because legislation evolves, confirm the current specifics for your case with a physician and lawyer.
Sources: Law 3089/2002; Law 3305/2005; Law 4737/2020; Law 4958/2022; National Authority for Medically Assisted Reproduction (eaiya.gov.gr). Legislation changes; confirm the current specifics with a physician/lawyer.
⚕ Medically reviewed by Prof. Stratis Kolibianakis · Thessaloniki Medical Association Reg. No. 16340
ARTICLE 33 · GAMETE DONATION & LAW
