·  You were born abroad by Greek parents who never declared your birth in any government office in Greece or the μητρώο αρρένων (for example, if they didn’t state your birth or make you a δημότη/resident at their village or place of birth). This means that you don’t have Greek citizenship yet;

· You are found ineligible to serve due to health reasons. Of course, you have to be found ineligible by the right authorities and have certification for this;

· You are the father of three or more children;

· You are the only or eldest son of parents who are deceased, and you have at least one under age, or unmarried or incompetent for labor sibling;

· You are a widower and father of an under age or incompetent for labor child;

· You are the father of at least one under age or incompetent for labor child, and your wife is also incompetent for labor;

· You have served in the armed forces of a country in the European Union or an ally country of Greece (several different parameters stand for this specific bylaw, so if it concerns you, seek further information from the appropriate authorities).

 Reasons for Postponement of Your Military Service

You may ask for and receive postponement of your military service:

· If you live abroad and have the status of permanent resident abroad (more info in Greeks Living Abroad).

· If you are a student at a high school or at university for your bachelors, masters, or doctorate. If you are studying at a school abroad, you must provide the office with which you communicate in your local embassy or in Greece offical documents stating (i) the main campus of your school, (ii) that your school is accredited by an institution that is accepted in your country, (iii) that your school follows the educational system of your country, (iv) that the language used to teach is internationally known (like English);

· If you are in the process of a declaring or acquiring a specialization in medicine;

· If you are a Doctor in any branch excelling in research or other scientific activities abroad;

· For temporary health reasons for a maximum of 2 years;

· If you have a brother that is in the military at the time as your scheduled service;

· If you have 2 children;

· If you are in the military service of another country of which you have citizenship;

· If you are a naturalized Greek citizen;

· For other social (personal, family, financial) problems or responsibilities;

· If you are incarcerated;

· If you are in a rehabilitation facility.

There are specific parameters governing each one of the above reasons for postponing your military service. Check with your nearest embassy, consulate, or the authorities at your place of origin in Greece to find out specifically what you need to do.

If You’re Over 35

…which means you’re still eligible for military service, even if you’re a defaulter, you can serve for a month and then pay off the rest of your military service.

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