Alexander is a transgender person who has lived with his girlfriend Marie for more than seven years. Because of the designation “female” on his passport and his trans identity, Alexander cannot find a job and has to lead a secret life. Violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity brings the couple to make the decision to leave their homeland. To afford this exodus, Marie signs a contract to be a surrogate mother. Instructions for Survival narrates the love between two people whose lives are a constant battle but who stick together against all odds.