Whether or not you have to go to the Greek Army is an issue that haunts every male Greek that lives abroad. In the past it was even the reason why so many men didn’t set foot ιn Greece for several years after their 19^th birthday. The information in this section was obtained from official government documents; however, do not take this as an official source. For more detailed information on your individual cases contact your local embassy or military office (Στρατολογικο Γραφειο) wherever you or your parents are registered in Greece.

Every Greek male between the ages of 19 and 45 must serve in the military. Currently, compulsory military service is 9 months, and it can be reduced or skipped completely in special circumstances. Every boy in high school, here in Greece, completes what is known as a δελτίο απογραφής, which is basically a form where you state all of your personal information as well as where you would like to serve in the military (they don’t really take this request into consideration). Failure to complete such a form results in a prolonged military service as punishment.

If their military service isn’t postponed for any reason, these men are then enlisted. On the first day they go through medical tests, shots for viruses etc, they receive all of the appropriate clothes and accommodation, and in the next few days their military training begins. Basic military training lasts a month.

If you want to work in the public sector in Greece and you haven’t completed your military service here, then you are most likely not going to be hired. It’s also difficult for some companies in the private sector to hire you if you are eligible and haven’t done your military service yet.