Adopting a child from overseas

If you're interested in adopting a child from overseas, Contact Adoption for help and advice on the legal implications and the application and assessment process.

When is overseas adoption allowed?

Adopting a child from overseas (intercountry adoption) is only allowed if:

• The child cannot be cared for in a safe environment in their own country.
• The adoption would be in the best interests of the child and would not affect their human rights.
• The adoptive parent has been assessed as eligible and suitable to adopt from overseas by an adoption agency in the UK. 

You will also need to consider:

• any issues that might arise from relocating a child to the UK
• if you will need to visit the child's country for a period of time
• if your application will need to be considered by the overseas adoption authority and the child's country
• any adoption guidance and legislation in the child's country
• the costs involved in adopting from overseas - costs vary depending on the country involved but you will need to pay for:
  • your assessment and approval as an adoptive parent
  • Department for Education certification and fees
  • costs such as translation and administrative expenses
  • costs in the child's country of origin

Intercountry Adoption Centre (IAC)

The Intercountry Adoption Centre website has lots of information about adopting overseas including which countries you are not allowed to adopt from, legal requirements and more.