German men aged 17 to 45 may now need military approval for extended stays abroad, according to a new defense law that took effect on January 1. The requirement, part of the Military Service Modernisation Act, mandates that individuals in this age group obtain permission before traveling outside Germany for more than three months.
A defense ministry spokesperson confirmed the regulation, stating it aims to "ensure a reliable and meaningful military registration system." The official added, "In the event of an emergency, we must know who may be staying abroad for an extended period."
The change represents a significant shift from previous rules, which only required such reporting during national defense or mobilization periods. The ministry acknowledged the potential impact on young people, noting that exemption regulations are being developed to "avoid unnecessary bureaucracy."
This provision stems from Germany's 1956 Conscription Act, recently amended as part of broader defense reforms following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The new law also introduces voluntary military service and sets ambitious goals to expand active personnel from approximately 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035.
Starting this January, all 18-year-olds will receive questionnaires about potential military service, with mandatory fitness assessments beginning in July 2027. While women may volunteer, Germany's constitution prevents compulsory service for them.
The defense ministry described similar Cold War-era provisions as having "no practical relevance," but emphasized the need for preparedness in today's security environment. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to rebuild the Bundeswehr into Europe's strongest conventional army, citing increased regional threats.
The travel requirement went largely unnoticed until reported by German media last week, sparking renewed debate about military reforms. When parliament approved the law in December, many young Germans protested the changes.
"We don't want to spend half a year of our lives locked up in barracks, being trained in drill and obedience and learning to kill," one protest organizer wrote on social media.
Germany ended compulsory military service in 2011 under then-Chancellor Angela Merkel, but the new law maintains the possibility of reinstating conscription if security deteriorates or volunteer numbers prove insufficient.