Greece introduces nine-month military service option

Greece is introducing new regulations for military service under Law 5265/2026. The changes aim to incentivize younger citizens to fulfill their military obligations earlier.

Under the new framework, individuals born between January 1 and May 15, 2008, who are called for the 2026 Γ΄ ΕΣΣΟ (scheduled for late August to early September 2026) can complete their service in nine months. This applies to conscripts who fulfill their full primary military obligation upon their initial call without requesting a deferment.

The law also modifies the process for student deferments. Conscripts seeking to attend higher or university education can now request a deferment as prospective students. Notably, they no longer need to be officially enrolled in an educational institution to qualify; providing documentation that proves their right to participate in the admission or registration process is sufficient.