The new Wehrdienst-Modernisierungsgesetz requires men aged 17 to 45 to obtain prior approval from the Bundeswehr for stays abroad longer than three months. The Federal Ministry of Defence has confirmed this. However, approval is deemed granted as long as military service remains voluntary.
The Wehrdienst-Modernisierungsgesetz entered into force on January 1, 2026. It introduces mandatory muster for men from the 2008 birth year onward to expand the force from over 180,000 to 260,000 active soldiers.
A ministry spokesperson told dpa: "According to the wording of the law, male persons from the age of 17 are obliged to have stays abroad lasting longer than three months approved in advance by the responsible Bundeswehr career centre." The obligation ends at age 45.
The ministry confirmed details from a Frankfurter Rundschau report. The spokesperson added: "We will clarify through administrative regulations that the approval is considered granted as long as military service is voluntary." The rules establish the framework for conscription and military monitoring.
