Singapore is known for its advanced healthcare system, and fertility treatments are well-regulated. Here, fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), are permitted. However, there are certain legal and ethical considerations. For instance, the country strictly prohibits surrogacy, and there are age limits for women seeking fertility treatments.
-
Only legally married, heterosexual couples can undergo IVF treatment in Singapore. Patients will need to provide a marriage certificate. The age limit for the woman should be 45 years.
-
As of 2023, freezing of a woman’s eggs in Singapore for future use is available to single women aged 21 up to the age limit of 38 for more chances of freezing healthy eggs.
-
Egg and sperm donors are permitted.
-
The public fertility treatment sector is only available to citizens or permanent residents in Singapore. Private fertility specialists are always available for both locals and foreigners.
More comprehensive information on egg freezing and IVF in Singapore.
Fertility Regulations in Malaysia:
Malaysia, like Singapore, allows fertility treatments such as IVF. However, Malaysia’s regulatory framework is less strict than its neighbour. There is no specific legislation addressing assisted reproductive technology (ART), and medical guidelines and ethical considerations generally govern the practices. Malaysia’s more flexible regulatory approach makes fertility treatments more accessible to a broader range of individuals.
-
Only legally married heterosexual couples are eligible for IVF treatment in Malaysia.
-
While there is no age restriction for IVF treatment, many clinics may restrict treatment to pre-menopausal women.
-
Islamic Shariah law prohibits egg freezing for unmarried women. However, only Muslims are legally bound by Shariah laws. Non-Muslims are legally permitted to undergo egg freezing as unmarried women. Eggs must still be tested for infectious diseases to separate affected egg samples and prevent contamination.
More comprehensive information on egg freezing and IVF in Malaysia.
Fertility Regulations in Thailand:
Thailand, too, permits various fertility treatments, including IVF. The country has been a popular destination for medical tourism, attracting individuals seeking fertility services. Thailand allows surrogacy, making it a notable distinction from Singapore. However, it is essential to note that surrogacy regulations have undergone changes in recent years, and certain legal requirements must be met. Thailand’s fertility regulations reflect a balance between providing options for individuals and maintaining legal safeguards.
In an average Thailand IVF clinic, only legally married, heterosexual couples are eligible for fertility treatments. Couples must produce a marriage certificate and a signed consent letter from both parties. The export and import of eggs and embryos are not allowed.
The good news is that everyone is eligible for elective egg freezing in Thailand. Single women, as well as married couples, can have their eggs frozen legally. The patient must sign a consent letter and undergo a health screening for contagious diseases. This allows infected and non-infected eggs to be separated, preventing contamination.
More comprehensive information on egg freezing and IVF in Thailand.
Country comparison table — columns: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand. Rows: egg freezing (social), egg freezing (medical), IVF, IUI, surrogacy, egg donation, sperm donation, age limits, marital status requirements, PGT allowed?
| Treatment | Singapore | Malaysia | Thailand |
| Egg freezing (social) | Women aged 21-37 only | Not permitted for unmarried women under Islamic shariah law – non-Muslims may access it. | Permitted for all women regardless of marital status |
| Egg freezing (medical) | Permitted | Permitted for married couples | Permitted |
| IVF | Permitted for legally married heterosexual couples only – marriage certificate required, women must be under 45 | Permitted for legally married heterosexual couples only – statutory age limits, most clinics recommend under 48 | Permitted for legally married heterosexual couples only – marriage certificate and signed consent required |
| IUI | Permitted for married couples | Permitted for married couples only | Permitted for married couples |
| Surrogacy | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | Commercial surrogacy for foreign couples prohibited since 2015-altruistic surrogacy under review |
| Egg donation | Permitted – altruistic only | MMC 2025 guideline states not permissible – some private clinics continue in a regulatory grey zone | Permitted under regulated conditions |
| Sperm donation | Permitted – altruistic only | MMC 2025 guideline states not permissible – regulatory grey zone exists in private clinics | Permitted under regulated conditions |
| Age limits | IVF-women under 45; egg freezing – women aged 21-37 | No statutory age limit – most clinics recommend under 48 | No statutory age limit |
| Marital status | Married heterosexual couples for IVF and IUI; single women for egg freezing only | Married heterosexual couples only for all ART | Married heterosexual couples only |
| PGT permitted? | Yes – serious genetic disorders only | Yes – severe sex-linked disease only | Yes – including gender selection |
Regulations change frequently; always verify current rules with your clinics and seek independent legal advice before traveling for treatment to ensure compliance.
2026 Regulatory Updates
Singapore. From 1 July 2023, elective egg freezing was legalized for women up to 37 years old, with discussions ongoing to extend this to women up to 45. These updates reflect recent policy changes affecting treatment options.
Malaysia, the second edition of the Malaysian Medical Council’s guidelines, issued in August 2025, states that egg, sperm, and embryo donation are not permissible. However, many private clinics continue operating in a regulatory grey zone, particularly to non-Muslim and foreign clients.
Thailand, commercial surrogacy has been illegal for foreign couples since 2015. However, there have been no significant changes on this front in recent years.
“Cost Comparison” — average treatment costs across all 3 countries (from directory data)
Costs vary significantly across the 3 countries, and for many Singapore-based patients, Malaysia and Thailand offer meaningful savings without compromising clinical quality.
| Treatment | Singapore (SGD) | Malaysia (MYR/SGD equiv.) | Thailand (USD/SGD equiv.) |
| IVF- per cycle | SGD $12000 – $20,000 | MYR 15,000 – 30,000 (SGD $4300 – $8600) | USD $3000 – $6000 (SGD $4000 – $8000) |
| Egg freezing – per cycle | SGD $7000 – $15000 (public SGD $7000-$9000) | MYR 15000 – 20000 (SGD $4300 – $5800) | Approximately USD $3000 – $5000 (SGD $4000 – $6700) |
| Annual storage | SGD $500 – $900 | MYR 1000 – 2000 (SGD $290 – $580) | Approximately USD $200 – $500 (SGD $270 – $670) |
| IUI – per cycle | SGD $1000 -$3000 | MYR 2988 (SGD $860) | Approximately USD $500 – $1500 (SGD $670 – $2000) |
| Medications | SGD $3000 -$8000 | MYR 3000 – 6000 (SGD $860 -$1720) | Approximately USD $1000 – $3000 (SGD $1340 – $4000) |
Frequently Asked Questions
References:
-
-
bk. (2026, June 23). IVF and Fertility Treatments in Malaysia: Process, Costs & What to Expect. Avisena Specialist Hospital 2. https://awcsh.avisena.com.my/health-articles/comprehensive-guide-to-ivf-and-fertility-treatments-in-malaysia-what-to-expect-at-each-stage/
-
Chin, A. H. B. (2022). Singapore needs to update regulation of frozen egg donation after permitting social egg freezing. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 39(7), 1497–1500. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-022-02526-9
-
Egg Donation in Malaysia: Legality, Donors, Costs (2026). (n.d.). Building Asian Families. Retrieved 12 August 2026, from https://buildingasianfamilies.com/egg-donation-in-malaysia
-
Nature, R. C. by S. (2026, May 22). Policy Actions on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) to Address Singapore’s Fertility and Demographic Challenges. Research Communities by Springer Nature. https://communities.springernature.com/posts/policy-actions-on-in-vitro-fertilization-ivf-and-assisted-reproductive-technologies-arts-to-address-singapore-s-fertility-and-demographic-challenges
-
RAISING OF AGE LIMIT FROM 35 TO 37 YEARS FOR EGG DONORS AND ELECTIVE EGG FREEZING. (n.d.). Ministry of Health. Retrieved 12 August 2026, from https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/raising-of-age-limit-from-35-to-37-years-for-egg-donors-and-elective-egg-freezing/
-
UPDATES ON PRICES AND PROCEDURES FOR ELECTIVE EGG-FREEZING IN SINGAPORE. (n.d.). Ministry of Health. Retrieved 12 August 2026, from https://www.moh.gov.sg/newsroom/updates-on-prices-and-procedures-for-elective-egg-freezing-in-singapore/
-
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
