Military service 2026: who must register and attend Musterung
Short answer
Military service itself stays voluntary and is not a duty to serve. Registration and the declaration of willingness are compulsory for certain men. The Military Service Modernisation Act applies in Germany from 1 January 2026.
Who falls under the duty
Liable for service are men with German nationality from the completed 18th year. Sections 15a and 16 apply only to people born after 31 December 2007. These two provisions cover the declaration of willingness and the Musterung.
For other genders the questionnaire and Musterung stay voluntary. The sex entry at the competent registration office is decisive. With dual nationality the German nationality counts regardless of a further nationality. Abroad the duty rests if permanent residence and livelihood remain there.
What is compulsory and what is not
All 18-year-olds receive a letter with a QR code after their 18th birthday. Men complete the online questionnaire as the declaration of willingness under section 15a.
You submit the declaration online or in writing within one month of the request. After that a further request is served with a new deadline. The declaration procedure is free of charge under the Act.
Musterung is compulsory for these men liable for service under section 16. Musterung capacity is built up step by step according to the ministry. A compulsory call-up does not apply outside a state of tension or defence. A needs-based conscription requires a new act of the Bundestag.
What you do
You first check your date of birth and the sex entry at the registration office. The duty to declare applies to men born after 31 December 2007. You complete the questionnaire in full within the set deadline. Further notes on the process are on the military service topic page.
Official sources
Open New military service at the Federal Ministry of Defence →
Open section 2 WPflG on application →
Open section 15a WPflG on the declaration of willingness →
Open section 1 WPflG on liability for service →
Military service topic
Open military service →