Before leaving the country for more than three months German men under 45 years of age must seek the consent of the Bundeswehr. This military service provision which came into force at the beginning of 2026 aims at increasing the power of the German army. The German Military released this law in response to the threats to the security of Europe arising from Russia’s war against Ukraine. But many protestors staged their demonstrations on the streets because of this new law. This law was reintroduced in 2026 after it was suspended in 2011.

Frankfurter Rundschau quoted those male citizens aged 18 to 45, whenever they intend to be outside Germany for more than three months, must get permission from the competent Bundeswehr Career Center. This law is also applicable to the person having the semester abroad or a person working in a foreign country or even going on a backpacking trip around the world.

DW news confirmed this new provision with a Bundeswehr spokesperson. The spokesperson stated that, in the event of a war breaking out, it is necessary for a military to know how many men are living long-term outside the country.

However, according to the German law, service in army is generally voluntary with no compulsory requirement. The official stated that permission must generally be granted to leave the country. This new provision, is known as the conscription law, is having maximum impact on German men.

The German Defense Ministry however announced that it is considering the introduction of new exceptions to the exit permit requirement. Further, ministry spokesperson said that there would be no provisions for the imposition of penalties, especially for those people who leave the country for more than three months without a permit. According to the spokesperson, it was already in place during the cold war and had no practical implications, nor were any penalties imposed in violating it.