Eligibility

Egg Donation Requirements (2026)

Before you apply, see whether you actually qualify. Here is the real checklist most agencies use, plus what commonly disqualifies applicants.

馃攧 Verified: August 05, 2026

What are the requirements to be an egg donor?

Most agencies require egg donors to be age 21 to 34, have a healthy BMI (roughly under 28 to 30), be a non-smoker, with no serious genetic or reproductive health issues, and have a regular menstrual cycle. Exact criteria vary by agency.

The short version: Most agencies require egg donors to be age 21 to 34, a healthy BMI (roughly under 28 to 30), a non-smoker, with no serious genetic or reproductive health issues and a regular menstrual cycle. Exact criteria vary by agency.

Standard egg donor requirements

RequirementTypical criteria
Age21 to 34 (some agencies 19 to 35)
BMIHealthy range, usually under 28 to 30
Smoking and drugsNon-smoker, drug-free
HealthNo significant genetic, reproductive, or psychiatric conditions
CycleRegular menstrual cycles, both ovaries
OtherWilling to do injections, attend appointments, pass screening

What commonly disqualifies applicants

The majority of applicants are not accepted, so knowing this upfront saves you time. Common disqualifiers include being outside the age range, higher BMI, smoking or nicotine use, certain genetic conditions, irregular cycles, or not passing the psychological and medical screening. This is normal. Agencies screen hard because demand for proven donors is high.

How much do egg donors get paid in 2026?

Egg donors who qualify and complete a donation cycle typically earn $8,000 to $15,000 per cycle. First-cycle donors start near the lower end; repeat donors with in-demand profiles reach the top. Pay is set by the agency, not by how many eggs are retrieved. See the full breakdown: how much egg donors get paid.

Ready to apply? Applying is free and takes a few minutes:

Apply to become an egg donor →

Apply to become an egg donor →

Not eligible, or not a woman? Egg donation is for women only. If you are a man, you can still get paid to donate: sperm donors earn up to about $4,200 in their first few months. See PaidSpermDonor.com.
Disclosure: EggDonorPay may earn a referral bonus if you apply through our links. This never changes donor compensation. Not medical advice; confirm requirements with the agency.

FAQ

What are the requirements to donate eggs?
Most agencies require egg donors to be age 21 to 34, have a healthy BMI (under 28 to 30), be a non-smoker, have no significant genetic or reproductive health issues, and have regular menstrual cycles. Exact criteria vary by agency.
What is the age limit for egg donation?
Most agencies accept donors aged 21 to 34, though some extend to 19 to 35.
Can you donate eggs with a high BMI?
Most agencies require a healthy BMI (often under 28 to 30) because it affects retrieval safety and success.
What disqualifies you from egg donation?
Age outside range, high BMI, smoking or nicotine use, certain genetic or reproductive conditions, irregular cycles, or not passing screening.