New Regulations in Germany Require Men Aged 17-45 to Obtain Exit Permits
Starting from January 2026, all men aged between 17 and 45 in Germany will be required to obtain permission from the Bundeswehr Career Center to leave the country for more than three months, as part of a new military service modernization law.
In Germany, new regulations will take effect from the beginning of 2026, mandating that all men aged 17 to 45 must secure permission from the Bundeswehr Career Center for any travel outside the country lasting more than three months. This initiative is part of a broader military service modernization law that came into force on January 1, 2026.
Under the new rules, previously existing regulations that required permission for extended stays abroad were applicable only in two exceptional cases: during periods of heightened tension (Spannungsfall) or when defense was necessary (Verteidigungsfall). Now, according to the revised Military Service Act (Wehrpflichtgesetz, WPflG), all men who have reached the age of 17 must obtain prior approval from the relevant Bundeswehr Career Center if they plan to be outside the country for more than three months.
A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense commented on the new regulations, stating that they also establish frameworks for military registration and monitoring. He emphasized that the Bundeswehr needs to be aware of which men may be abroad for extended periods, especially in light of potential emergencies.
According to the law's wording, the obligation to obtain permission ceases at the age of 45. This new requirement creates a legal foundation for supporting the practical implementation of mandatory elements of the new military service, such as compulsory medical examinations, which will also take effect on January 1, 2026.
It is worth noting that in December of last year, Germany passed a law to modernize military service, which includes the reinstatement of conscription on a voluntary basis. This decision was a response to increasing security challenges in Europe and the necessity of strengthening the country's defense capabilities.
In January 2026, the Bundeswehr has already sent out the first questionnaires to 18-year-old young men for the relevant survey. According to sources, this year the Bundeswehr is witnessing a more active interest in military service compared to the same period in 2025. This indicates a growing awareness of the importance of military service among the youth and their readiness to fulfill obligations to the state.
Thus, the new regulations coming into effect in Germany reflect a shift in approaches to military service and its modernization in the face of contemporary challenges confronting the country and the entire European continent.