German males aged 17 to 45 may now be required to obtain approval for extended stays abroad, following the introduction of the Military Service Modernisation Act, which came into effect on 1 January.
The law, which also introduces voluntary military service, is part of Germany’s efforts to strengthen national defence amid ongoing security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A defence ministry spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that men aged 17 and older must seek prior permission for any trip lasting longer than three months. While the approval is generally expected to be granted under current regulations, it remains unclear how authorities would enforce the rule if it is ignored.
The requirement went largely unnoticed until it was reported by the Frankfurter Rundschau on Friday. The ministry said the measure is intended to "ensure a reliable and meaningful military registration system" and allow authorities to know which citizens may be abroad in case of an emergency.
Officials acknowledged that the new rules could have significant consequences for young people but added that exemptions are being developed “in part to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.”
The legal basis for the requirement stems from Germany's 1956 Conscription Act, which has been amended several times, most recently in December 2025. Previously, reporting extended stays abroad was only mandatory during national defence or mobilisation, a provision that existed during the Cold War but had little practical effect.
The Military Service Modernisation Act also sets out plans to expand Germany’s active military personnel from roughly 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035. In December, parliament voted to introduce voluntary military service. Starting in January, all 18-year-olds receive a questionnaire asking if they are interested in joining the armed forces. By July 2027, they must also complete a fitness assessment to determine eligibility should a national emergency arise.
Women may volunteer but cannot be conscripted under Germany’s constitution. While service is currently voluntary, authorities have indicated that compulsory service could be reinstated if security conditions worsen or if volunteer numbers are insufficient.
The law’s approval prompted protests among young people concerned about the new obligations and potential impact on travel and personal freedoms.
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