Am I required to do military service?
Yes: military service is compulsory for men. Liable are all Greek men, from the year they turn 19 (liability to 45); women only volunteer. The duration is 12 months generally and 9 months for border/strategic postings (Thrace, E. Aegean, ELDYK, Presidential Guard). Under Law 5265/2026 (in force), from 2026 all conscripts enlist in the Army — mandatory Navy/Air Force conscription is abolished; basic training extended to 10 weeks. There are deferments (school until 21, university 25–27, PhD 30). In short: yes, Army, 12 months.
📋 The rules
- Liable: Greek men from 19 (to 45)
- Duration 12 months (9 in border areas)
- From 2026: all in the Army (Navy/Air Force abolished)
- Deferments: school 21, university 25–27, PhD 30
- Buyout ~€810/month (age threshold now 40)
🔓 Exceptions
- Women: volunteer only
- Permanent residents abroad: deferment/exemption while resident abroad
- Health grounds: exemption/deferment case by case
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Draft evasion (failure to report) is fined €6,000 (€1,000 for reservists), plus criminal sanctions under the Military Penal Code, an exit ban and loss of political rights. There's a regularization window until 31.12.2027 to lift the consequences and refund fines. Beware myths: "Greece is abolishing conscription / going fully volunteer" — wrong (only Navy/Air Force conscription ended, the Army draft remains); the "33-year buyout age" and "€8.80 allowance" are outdated. To stay compliant: regularize your conscription status in time, apply for a deferment if eligible, and if you're a resident abroad declare it to the recruitment office.
📎 Official sources
- Law 5265/2026 (Gazette A' 3/2026) — conscription →
- Conscription Service — legislation →
- Hellenic MFA — military obligations →
❓ Frequently asked
Is military service compulsory in Greece?
Yes, for men. All Greek men are liable from the year they turn 19, with the obligation lasting to 45. Women serve only as volunteers. It's a conscription-based army, not a purely professional one.
How long does service last?
The general duration is 12 months, dropping to 9 months for those serving in border or strategic postings, such as Thrace, the East Aegean, ELDYK in Cyprus and the Presidential Guard. From 2026, basic training was extended to 10 weeks.
Has conscription been abolished?
No. Law 5265/2026 abolished only mandatory conscription in the Navy and Air Force; from 2026 all conscripts enlist in the Army. Compulsory service remains in force, so it's a myth that Greece became a purely professional army.
Can I get a deferment?
Yes, under conditions. Deferments are provided for studies, e.g. for school students until 21, university students until 25–27 depending on the programme, and PhD candidates until 30. Permanent residents abroad can defer or be exempt while resident abroad.
What do I risk if I don't report?
Draft evasion is fined €6,000, plus criminal sanctions, an exit ban from the country and loss of political rights. But there's a regularization window until 31 December 2027, which lifts the consequences and provides for refunds of fines.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “military service duration 2026”
- “law 5265/2026 conscription”
- “army deferment students”
- “service buyout cost”
- “draft evasion fine 6000”
- “navy air force conscription abolished”