9-Month Military Service for Those Who Enlist Without Deferral

Stay connected to Greek City Times for Free on Google News
Click NOW

Those called up with the 2026 Third Intake (Γ΄ ΕΣΣΟ), scheduled for late August to early September 2026, can complete nine months of military service if they do not seek a study deferral, under Greece’s new military service legislation.

The measure applies for the first time to those born between January 1 and May 15, 2008, under Law 5265/2026.

Article 246 of the new law introduces the nine-month service period as an incentive for Greeks to complete their military obligations at a younger age.

Under the provision, conscripts who have a full primary military obligation can receive their final discharge after completing nine months of actual military service, provided they enlist following the initial call-up for their class and complete their obligation without taking a deferral.

In practice, those eligible must report for service when originally called and must not obtain a deferral, including one for studies.

What Happens to Those Who Want to Study?

The new framework also changes the rules for those who want to continue their education.

Those called up with the 2026 Third Intake who plan to attend a higher education institution can request a deferral of enlistment as prospective students, if they choose to do so.

Article 188 of Law 5265/2026 provides for this possibility.

The key change is that applicants do not need to have already enrolled in the institution when they request the deferral.

Instead, they can submit the required supporting documents showing that they have the right to participate in the relevant admission or enrolment process.

The new system therefore gives eligible recruits a choice: those who report for service with their initial intake can qualify for the nine-month term, while those who choose to pursue further studies can seek a deferral under the new rules.

Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.