National Service

Certificate of Permanent Resident Abroad

All male Greek citizens, between the ages of 19 and 45, are required to serve in the Armed Forces. Greek citizens living abroad may seek postponement of their conscription which extends to their 45th year of age. Postponement is granted on the basis of a Certificate of Permanent Residence Abroad, issued only by the Greek Consular Authorities. Supporting documents should be submitted only once and not every year. If the military service is fulfilled after the issue of the certificate or passport renewal, it is possible for a new certificate to be issued, if required, for the additional period (submission of additional supporting documents, as specified).

For information and clarifications regarding the military legislation, you can also visit the website www.stratologia.gr which is regularly updated with the recent legal developments. Furthermore, on that website the interested applicants can look for their military documents and summons, as long as they possess the required taxisnet codes.

The Certificate of Permanent Resident Abroad is issued by the competent Consular Authorities (in the area where the person concerned has most recently been mainly and permanently resident), after the 1st of January of the interested party’s 19th year (year of birth +18).

In accordance with article 25 of Chapter D of the Law 3421/2005 as currently in force and other provisions “On the Military Service of Greeks” permanent residents abroad are defined as:
a. Those whose main and permanent residence has been in one or more foreign countries for eleven (11) consecutive years
b. Those who have been settled abroad for work purposes (live and work, as insured) for at least seven (7) consecutive years in one or more countries.
Permanent resident status may be lost by non-compliance with the required conditions.

For any further information or clarification, you may contact the Consular Office at consular.brt@mfa.gr

Processing of Consular Acts is carried out only by scheduled appointment via e-mail: consular.brt@mfa.gr