Military Service Postponement in Greece for Greeks Residing in the United States
Alt text: Greek military service letter and passport with U.S. flag in background
A Legal Guide for the Greek Diaspora in America.
Every year, thousands of Greek citizens living abroad receive official notices from the Greek Ministry of Defense, requiring them to fulfill their mandatory military service obligations. For many Greeks living permanently in the United States, this obligation presents serious personal, professional, and legal challenges.
At E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC, we specialize in military service law in Greece, providing tailored legal solutions for postponement (αναβολή), exemption (εξαίρεση), or special status for diaspora Greeks.
???? Who Is Required to Serve?
According to Greek law (Article 1, Law 3421/2005), all male Greek citizens are required to serve in the armed forces, typically between the ages of 19 and 45. Even if you:
•were born in the U.S. but hold Greek nationality,
• have never lived in Greece,
• or currently work or study in America,
you may still be legally obligated to serve unless you have officially secured a deferment or exemption.
⚖️ Legal Options for Military Postponement
1. Postponement Due to Permanent Residence Abroad
Greeks living permanently outside of Greece may postpone military service indefinitely. To qualify, you must:
• Be registered in the Greek municipality (δημοτολόγιο),
•Show at least 11 years of continuous residency abroad, or prove you have been living abroad permanently with strong supporting documentation (utility bills, leases, job contracts, tax returns, etc.).
???? What we do: We compile and certify all required documents, submit your file, and represent you before the Greek Consulate and military offices.
2. Postponement Due to Studies (Φοιτητική Αναβολή)
If you are currently enrolled in college, university, or postgraduate programs in the United States, you may qualify for a postponement until completion of your studies, plus a buffer period of one year.
✅ Includes undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs in accredited institutions.
3. Postponement for Professional or Family Reasons
In select cases, we can argue postponement or exemption for:
•Full-time employment in the U.S.
•Serious medical conditions (yours or close family members)
•Financial hardship
•Family obligations (e.g., sole caregiver of a parent)
Each of these categories requires a strategic legal approach to maximize chances of approval.
???? What Happens If You Ignore the Draft Notice?
Failing to respond to a Greek military draft call can result in:
•Administrative fines (usually €6,000+)
• Inability to obtain or renew Greek passports
• Travel restrictions within the EU
•Legal prosecution and criminal records
Our firm ensures that your legal status in Greece remains clear, avoiding unnecessary complications for your future travel, citizenship rights, or real estate transactions.
???? Why Work with E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC?
•???? We specialize in Greek diaspora law and military service legislation.
• ???????? We work with clients in New York, California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and all 50 U.S. states.
•???? We handle the entire legal process remotely—you don’t need to come to Greece.
•????️ Online consultations available via Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp.
•???? We prepare and submit complete legal files to Greek consulates and military services.
•???????? All communication is available in Greek for your convenience.
• ???? The first consultation is free – no strings attached.
???? Full Service in Greece and Cyprus
Our law firm operates in both Greece and Cyprus, allowing us to:
• Represent you before Greek Consulates, Ministry of Defense, and Municipal Services
• Assist with dual citizenship cases, residence documentation, and military status clarifications
• Coordinate with military offices across all regions
???? Contact Us Today
Don’t wait for the deadline to approach. Our legal team is here to help you secure your postponement or exemption legally and on time.
E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC
???? Offices in Greece & Cyprus
???? U.S. Number: +13474034789
???? Online appointments available
????️ Communication in Greek or English
???? First consultation is FREE
???? Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I was born in the U.S., but I’m a Greek citizen. Do I still have to serve?
A: Yes, unless you have officially renounced your Greek nationality or secured a legal postponement or exemption.
Q: Can I resolve this without traveling to Greece?
A: Absolutely. We handle your case 100% remotely through our offices and Greek consulates.
Q: How long does the postponement process take?
A: Typically, 2–3 months from the day we submit the completed file. Urgent requests may be prioritized.
???? Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a permanent resident of the U.S., we’re here to protect your legal rights as a Greek citizen abroad.
Contact our law firm E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC via email at info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com or +13474034789 and one of our specialized associates will guide you through your case language of communication, preferably Greek.