Germany Introduces Exit Permit Requirement for Men Under New Military Law A new military service law enacted in Germany on January 1, 2026, has sparked significant debate, particularly due to a provision requiring men aged 18 to 45 to obtain approval from the Bundeswehr Career Center before staying abroad for more than three months. This requirement, which has drawn little public attention compared to the contentious mandatory conscription discussions, aims to ensure the military can track the whereabouts of potential recruits in case of a conflict. The law, known as the Military Service Modernization Act, is part of a broader effort to expand Germany’s active-duty forces from approximately 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035, driven by heightened security concerns following Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The exit permit rule applies to all men in the specified age range, regardless of their purpose for leaving Germany—whether for study, work, or travel. The Frankfurter Rundschau reported that the regulation would require individuals to seek approval from the Bundeswehr Career Center, with the military obligated to issue the permit unless there is a specific expectation of military service during the period abroad. A Bundeswehr spokesperson confirmed the policy, stating that the requirement is rooted in the need to monitor the location of potential recruits during wartime. The official emphasized that since military service is currently voluntary, the permit process is designed to ensure compliance without imposing penalties. The law’s broader implications have been a source of controversy. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s governing coalition faced internal divisions over the reintroduction of mandatory military service, which was suspended in 2011.#germany #bundeswehr #cold_war #military_service_modernization_act #friedrich_merz
