The new regulation obliges to request permission if the departure from the country exceeds three months. The measure affects men between 17 and 45 years old and the objective is clear: the Army wants to know where its citizens are in case of a national emergency.
The key nuance: the permit will be automatic for now
The Government has clarified that, in the current voluntary model, authorization will be considered generally granted. That is to say, it is not an immediate prohibition. But it does establish a legal basis for stricter controls in the future.
The context: Germany is preparing to reinforce its Army
The measure is part of the Military Service Modernization Law, in force since January 2026. The plan seeks to expand the Armed Forces by 80,000 personnel, reaching 260,000 soldiers.
To this end, a key element is introduced: the mandatory medical examination for young males. Therefore, if there are no volunteers, mandatory military service returns. Although the current model is voluntary, the law contemplates a strategic grio: if recruitment targets are not met, military service could become mandatory again.
Germany reactivates its military system after more than a decade
Let's remember that compulsory military service was suspended in 2011. Now, the Government led by Friedrich Merz is pushing for a reform that opens the door to its return, due to the new geopolitical context.