German passport for a year in the Bundeswehr?
The CDU politician's proposal ties in with the debate on the reform of military service. Currently, military service in Germany is voluntary. From 2027, however, all young men with a German passport will automatically be subject to a mandatory draft.
The aim of the reform is to gain an overview of available personnel and to flexibly activate compulsory military service when required.
Kiesewetter's proposal goes one step further: migrants should also be able to complete a year of service in the Bundeswehr - the incentive could be the acquisition of German citizenship.
Who can serve in the Bundeswehr?
However, implementing the idea is not currently that simple. Several laws would have to be changed before German citizenship could be granted in exchange for military service.
The Soldiers' Act currently prohibits people without a German passport from serving in the Bundeswehr. § Section 37 of the Soldiers Act (SG) stipulates that a person can only become a soldier if they are "German within the meaning of Article 116 of the Basic Law".
Exceptions are only possible in absolutely exceptional cases. For example, if the Ministry of Defense determines an "official need" (Section 37 (2)). What exactly falls under this is not clearly defined by law.
Soldiers Act: What exceptions apply?
In the past, exceptions were only made in individual cases, for example in the event of a shortage of skilled workers - such as IT specialists, doctors or engineers. An exception could also apply if a position cannot be filled by a German applicant. Or if the person in question has special, outstanding skills or language skills that are useful for the Bundeswehr.
But even then there are clear restrictions: Service is only possible as a temporary soldier (SaZ), not as a professional soldier.
Soldiers Act: Which regulations apply to migrants in Germany?
Nationals of a third country with a residence permit or Tolerance permit in Germany are currently completely excluded from the Soldiers Act. Without a German passport, they are not allowed to serve in the Bundeswehr.
In order for the CDU politician's proposal to become reality - to grant German citizenship after one year of military service - the Bundestag would have to amend the Soldiers Act and allow access for people without a German passport.
Nationality Act: Naturalization only according to fixed rules
There is also currently no rule in nationality law that provides for a German passport as a reward for military service. Naturalization is governed by the German Nationality Act (StAG), in particular Section 10 StAG.
The requirements for Naturalization at a glance:
- Duration of stay: Usually five years, in exceptional cases three years.
- Residence status: Prerequisite is a permanent right of residence (Settlement permit) or a residence permit that entitles the holder to Naturalization .
- Clarified identity and nationality: Proof such as a valid national passport, a birth certificate or, if applicable, a marriage certificate must be submitted.
- Language skills: Applicants must demonstrate German language skills of at least level B1.
- Naturalization test: In addition, the "Living in Germany" test is required, which tests knowledge of the legal system, society and living conditions.
- Livelihood: Your own livelihood and that of dependants must be secured - without support from citizens' allowance or social welfare.
- Commitment to the free democratic basic order: recognition of Germany's historical responsibility, protection of Jewish life and advocacy of peaceful coexistence between peoples.
- Criminal offences: Serious convictions preclude Naturalization in Germany. Exceptions only apply to minor offenses of up to 90 daily rates.
The law does not provide for automatic "citizenship through military service". Here too, a specific amendment to the law would be necessary to introduce military service as a (possible) requirement for Naturalization .
Laws in countries of origin stand against service in the Bundeswehr
There are also potential conflicts with the home country. Many countries prohibit their citizens from serving in a foreign army.
Germany also only allows its citizens to serve in the army of another country in absolutely exceptional cases - and only with the prior permission of the Ministry of Defense.
In Turkey, for example, military service is compulsory. Those who serve abroad instead must expect considerable disadvantages, for example in terms of military service tax or even citizenship status. In Russia, serving in a foreign army can be classified as a criminal offense or even treason.
Other countries also provide for sanctions or loss of citizenship if their citizens join foreign armed forces without permission. For migrants, serving in the German armed forces could therefore not only entail legal risks, but also personal risks in their country of origin.
Conclusion: German passport after military service - hardly legally possible
The bottom line is this: The proposal by CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter is attracting attention, but it is currently not legally feasible.
In order for this to become a reality, changes would have to be made to both the Soldiers Act (Section 37 SG) and the Citizenship Act (Section 10 StAG). And even if the Bundestag changes the legal requirements, military service in Germany could conflict with the laws of the country of origin.
In any case, the following applies to migrants in Germany: according to the current legal situation, there is no possibility of acquiring German citizenship simply by completing a compulsory year of service in the Bundeswehr.
