Homeschooling in Greece
Homeschooling banned; school attendance compulsory by law.
Homeschooling is banned in Greece under national education laws requiring compulsory attendance at public or private schools for children aged 6 to 15. Law 1566/1985 mandates school attendance with exceptions only for children with special educational needs under direct school supervision. Parents risk legal penalties for non-compliance, and homeschooling lacks official recognition.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
n/a
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Υποχρεωτική εκπαίδευση ηλικιών 6-15 ετών σε σχολεία.
- Κατ' οίκον εκπαίδευση μόνο για μαθητές με αναπηρίες (Ν. 1566/1985 άρθρο 32 παρ. 4).
- Νόμος 1566/1985 άρθρο 2 παρ. 3 επιβάλλει φοίτηση σε πρωτοβάθμια/δευτεροβάθμια σχολεία.
- Νόμος 4521/2018 ρυθμίζει ηλικίες υποχρεωτικής εκπαίδευσης.
- Καμία γενική διαδικασία αδειοδότησης homeschooling.
- Μη συμμόρφωση συνεπάγεται νομικές κυρώσεις.
- Ειδική αγωγή ρυθμίζεται από Ν. 3699/2008.
Legal Framework
Νόμος 1566/1985 «Δομή και λειτουργία της πρωτοβάθμιας και δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης» (άρθρο 2 παρ. 3 για υποχρεωτική φοίτηση σε σχολεία και άρθρο 32 παρ. 4 για εξαιρετικές περιπτώσεις κατ' οίκον διδασκαλίας σε μαθητές με αναπηρίες υπό επίβλεψη σχολείου). Νόμος 4521/2018 «Εθνική Σύμβαση Παιδείας και διατάξεις για την υλοποίησή της» (άρθρο 1 επιβεβαιώνει ηλικίες υποχρεωτικής εκπαίδευσης). Υπεύθυνη αρχή: Υπουργείο Παιδείας, Θρησκευμάτων και Αθλητισμού (minedu.gov.gr).
Filing Requirements
What to file
School request for special education
When
Upon diagnosis
Where
Local school directorate
How to submit
In person or written
What to include
- • Medical certification of disability
Regulated by school; no general homeschool approval.
How to Get Started
- 1
Obtain medical diagnosis
- 2
Submit to local school
- 3
Await school approval and supervision
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Accommodates disabilities
Cons
- •Highly restricted
- •No independence for parents
Questions about homeschooling in Greece
Is homeschooling legal in Greece?
No, homeschooling is banned; children aged 6-15 must attend public or private schools (Ν. 1566/1985 άρθρο 2 παρ. 3).
What happens if I homeschool anyway?
Parents face legal penalties for non-compliance; education not recognized by state.
Can I homeschool for special needs?
Yes, only under school supervision for children with disabilities (Ν. 1566/1985 άρθρο 32 παρ. 4).
What about international schools or online programs?
They may be used by expats but do not satisfy Greek compulsory attendance laws.
How do I enroll my child in school?
Contact local school directorate by September 1; mandatory for compulsory ages.
Does Greece recognize foreign homeschool diplomas?
No; Greek qualifications require school completion and state exams.
Are there exceptions for expats?
No; compulsory education applies to all residents aged 6-15.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · GR homeschool law guide