Overview: Anonymity of Gamete and Embryo Donation in Europe
Quick reference by country
Each European country has its own legislation and rules regarding gamete and embryo donation. Some countries require strict anonymity, others allow donor-conceived individuals to access the donor’s identity once they reach adulthood, and some operate with mixed models. This overview is designed to help patients navigate options when considering fertility treatment abroad.
Donation regimes by country (alphabetical order)
| Country | Donation regime |
|---|---|
| Albania | Anonymous |
| Armenia | Mixed |
| Austria | Non-anonymous |
| Belgium | Mixed |
| Belarus | Mixed |
| Bulgaria | Anonymous |
| Croatia | Non-anonymous |
| Cyprus | Anonymous |
| Czech Republic | Anonymous |
| Denmark | Mixed |
| Estonia | Anonymous |
| Finland | Non-anonymous |
| France | Non-anonymous |
| Georgia | Mixed |
| Germany | Mixed |
| Greece | Mixed |
| Hungary | Mixed |
| Iceland | Mixed |
| Ireland | Non-anonymous |
| Italy | Anonymous |
| Kazakhstan | Anonymous |
| Latvia | Anonymous |
| Lithuania | Anonymous |
| Luxembourg | Non-anonymous |
| Malta | Non-anonymous |
| Moldova | Anonymous |
| Montenegro | Anonymous |
| Netherlands | Non-anonymous |
| North Macedonia | Anonymous |
| Norway | Non-anonymous |
| Poland | Anonymous |
| Portugal | Non-anonymous |
| Romania | Mixed |
| Serbia | Anonymous |
| Slovakia | Anonymous |
| Slovenia | Anonymous |
| Spain | Anonymous |
| Sweden | Non-anonymous |
| Switzerland | Non-anonymous |
| Turkey | No donation |
| Ukraine | Anonymous |
| United Kingdom | Non-anonymous |
What does “Mixed” mean? Both anonymous and non-anonymous donation models coexist. For example, “identity-release” donors may be available alongside anonymous ones.
What does “Non-anonymous” mean? Donor-conceived children, upon reaching adulthood, generally have the right (depending on the country’s laws) to request information about the donor’s identity. The scope varies by country: from basic personal data to full name and contact details.
What does “Non-anonymous” mean? Donor-conceived children, upon reaching adulthood, generally have the right (depending on the country’s laws) to request information about the donor’s identity. The scope varies by country: from basic personal data to full name and contact details.
Source: Fertility Europe – European Atlas of Fertility Treatment Policies 2024, page 2, column “Gamete and embryo donation”.