Men aged 17 to 45 now require Bundeswehr approval for stays abroad longer than three months due to the new Military Service Modernisation Act effective from January 1, 2026. This law aims to enhance the Bundeswehr's readiness and includes provisions for voluntary military service and systematic registration of young men. The approval process is seen as a significant encroachment on personal autonomy, previously applicable only in exceptional cases. The Defence Ministry is currently formulating detailed rules for exemptions.