Germany Suspends Approval Requirement for Long Stays Abroad for Men Under 45

Wed Apr 15 2026 15:31:31 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a move to clarify military service regulations, Germany's Defence Minister announced that men under 45 no longer require official approval for extended stays abroad, revoking a contentious permission requirement.

Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has declared that males aged 17 to 45 no longer need to report lengthy stays abroad, revoking a requirement that had sparked public concern following the introduction of a new military law. This law aims to bolster defenses amid rising tensions from Russia. However, procedures may be re-instated in case of a crisis, with a focus on keeping military service voluntary.

Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that men of military age in Germany no longer need to report lengthy stays abroad. His statement follows a recent controversy regarding military service in Germany.

The Military Service Modernisation Act, effective January 1, aims to enhance Germany's defenses in light of threats from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Initially, the law required males aged 17 and older to obtain approval for stays lasting longer than three months, a requirement that went largely unnoticed until a German newspaper reported on it.

Pistorius emphasized that 'whether they are 17 or 45, or anywhere in between – everyone is free to travel and currently does not need permission to do so.' He added that stays abroad would not need to be reported.

This suspension applies during peacetime, and he mentioned that appropriate procedures would be outlined for potential crises, defending the initial regulation as a precautionary measure.

The newly implemented law essentially reinstates conscription, but this will only occur if voluntary enlistment is inadequate. Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to build one of Europe’s strongest armies.

As of January, all 18-year-olds in Germany receive a questionnaire to gauge their interest in joining the armed forces. While mandatory for men, participation is voluntary for women. Starting July 2027, all 18-year-old men will undergo a medical exam to evaluate their fitness for military service.