For those that were born abroad, have lived abroad their whole lives, and have been declared in a Greek government office by their parents, the law states that they can complete their military service in 3 months. But even for this 3-month military service, you may receive a postponement until/if you choose to go to the military.

If you are a male born in Greece that has the status of permanent resident abroad, you may ask for and receive postponement of your military service until you choose to go to the military, or until/if you loose your status as permanent resident abroad. If you decide to go to the army, your military service is reduced to 6 months instead of 9. You can complete your service in parts of at least 2 months each time, except during time of war.

Your status as permanent resident abroad is proven through a certificate from your local Greek embassy or consulate. This certificate is then valid for six months from its date of issuance. In order to get a postponement you must provide your nearest embassy or consulate with (a) the certification that you are a permanent resident abroad and (b) your application for postponement, before you turn 19.  If you fail to provide the previously stated documents, you are subject to punishment of added months to your already exisiting military service.

You are considered a permanent resident abroad if:

1. You have had a main and permanent residence abroad for at least 11 continuous years. This allows you to stay in Greece for a period of 6 consecutive months. If during these 11 years you have stayed in Greece for more than 6 consecutive months, then they’re not considered “continuous.”

2. You have lived and worked abroad for at least 7 continuous years. Again, if during these 7 years you have stayed in Greece for more than 6 consecutive months, then these 7 years are not considered “continuous.”

The above prerequisites are not taken into consideration for Greek civil servants living abroad and their children.

You may lose your status of permanent resident abroad if:

1. You are deported to Greece.

2. You stay in Greece for more than 6 months in the same year.

*Check with your local military office or embassy for more detailed and accurate information.