Germany Confirms Exit-Permit Rule for Men Staying Abroad Over Three Months

Overview

• Germany’s Defence Ministry, in comments reported over the weekend, confirmed that males aged 17 to 45 must get Bundeswehr approval before any stay abroad longer than three months.
• The ministry said approvals will be issued when no specific military service is planned during the period and it is drafting a simple application process with clear exemptions.
• Officials have not detailed how the rule will be enforced, and potential penalties for skipping approval remain unknown while implementing rules are still being written.
• Reaction in Germany has been sharp, with critics warning of civil‑liberties risks and politician Sahra Wagenknecht calling for Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to resign.
• The measure is part of a service‑law overhaul in force since January 1st that also adds questionnaires and possible medical exams for 18‑year‑olds, supporting a plan to raise active forces to about 270,000 by 2035 after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.