Germany’s military service reform has added a detail that many people missed at first: men between 18 and 45 now need approval from the Bundeswehr if they want to leave the country for more than three months.
The rule is part of the new Military Service Modernization Act, which took effect at the start of 2026. Deutsche Welle reports that the requirement is linked to the government’s effort to strengthen the armed forces and prepare for a more uncertain security environment in Europe.
It is not a travel ban, but it is a clear sign that Berlin wants a better picture of who is available if the system is ever pushed beyond voluntary service.
What the rule means
The law requires men to request permission for extended stays abroad, whether the trip is for study, work, or long-term travel. The Bundeswehr says the permit should generally be granted while service remains voluntary.
Why Germany introduced it
The government is trying to raise the number of active-duty soldiers over the next decade and to build a clearer pathway to any future draft if volunteer numbers do not meet targets.
Why it matters now
The rule shows that Germany is no longer treating military manpower as a background issue. It is writing the system in a way that makes long-term readiness easier to manage.