Athens, September 29, 2025
Starting January 1, 2026, Greece will implement a sweeping reform of compulsory military service. The new military framework introduces significant changes in enlistment, training, deferrals, exemptions, provisions for overseas Greeks, and buyout rules. The Ministry of National Defense aims to establish a clearer, stricter, and more transparent system that strengthens operational readiness while addressing long-standing weaknesses.
Unified Enlistment in the Army
Until now, conscripts can serve in one of the three branches of the Armed Forces: the Army, Navy, or Air Force. However, from January 2026, this choice will no longer be available. All conscripts, including men and voluntary women, will serve exclusively in the Army (Hellenic Army).
Objective: To ensure uniform training, shared military culture, and stronger readiness in the branch considered the backbone of national defense.
Extended Basic Training
Basic training, previously lasting 3 weeks, will now extend to 10 weeks. The Greek military service reform seeks to:
- Provide more thorough military and technical skills.
- Enhance physical preparedness and discipline.
- Introduce modern training methods, including the use of unmanned systems and specialized exercises.
At the same time, a standard nine-month service for all conscripts, regardless of specialty or placement, is under consideration.
Deferrals for Studies – New Age Limits
Educational deferrals will still be available, but with stricter age limits:
- Vocational schools (EPAL) and training institutes: deferral until age 22 (previously 24).
- Universities: deferral until age 25 (previously 26). Exceptions remain for polytechnic and medical schools.
The reduction aims to avoid excessively long postponements, ensuring most young people complete their service at an earlier age.
The Ministry is also preparing a reward scheme for those who enlist immediately after high school without requesting a deferral.
Overseas Greeks – Clarification of Rules
Particular emphasis is placed on overseas Greeks who reside permanently abroad.
Currently, deferrals are granted if the conscript:
- Has lived abroad for 11 consecutive years, or
- Has lived and worked abroad for at least 7 consecutive years.
The military reform is expected to clarify residence criteria and permitted periods of stay in Greece, preventing overseas Greeks from being classified as draft evaders due to extended visits.
The framework may also provide options for reduced service or partial buyout for overseas Greeks, ensuring they can fulfill obligations without losing their resident status abroad.
Exemptions (Category I5) – Stricter Control
Medical exemptions (I5) will undergo a far stricter review process. A conscript must:
- Obtain a medical certificate from a National Health System (ESY) doctor.
- Be assessed by a joint inter-branch psychiatric committee.
- Receive final approval from the Disability Certification Center (KEPA).
This multi-level process aims to reduce abuse and ensure exemptions are granted only in valid cases.
Buyout of Service
The rules for buying out of military service are becoming stricter:
- Previously: Buyout possible after age 32.
- Now: Buyout will be possible only after age 40.
The change underscores the principle of physical presence in service, limiting early opt-outs.
Incentives for Draft Dodgers
The Ministry also plans to introduce incentives for draft evaders to return and fulfill their obligations under more favorable terms, reducing the number of long-term absentees.
Conclusion
The military reforms taking effect in 2026 represent the most significant overhaul of Greece’s conscription system in decades. With unified enlistment in the Army, extended training, stricter rules for deferrals and exemptions, clarified provisions for overseas Greeks, and a higher threshold for buyout, the new framework aims to modernize military service, improve readiness, and restore credibility to the institution.