Overview
- Germany’s Defence Ministry said Monday it is drafting exemptions and guidance to limit red tape and to confirm that approvals for extended stays abroad will generally be granted.
- The rule, in force since January 1 under the Military Service Modernisation Act, requires males aged 17 to 45 to seek prior authorisation from Bundeswehr career centres for trips lasting more than three months.
- Officials have not detailed enforcement or penalties, and they say the aim is to know who is overseas in an emergency rather than to block travel.
- News reports over the weekend described protests and political criticism as the Greens pressed for a swift fix, while conservative voices defended the rule as part of rebuilding a functioning military register.
- The law also sends questionnaires to all 18-year-olds, starts mandatory fitness checks in July 2027, targets roughly 260,000 active troops by 2035, and keeps conscription suspended with women not subject to call-up.