Military Service: Which Nations Enforce Mandatory Duty?

Have you ever considered checking a country's mandatory military service requirements before planning to get a second passport as a Plan-B? Most of you might be living in a country with a professional army composed of voluntary personnel. Unfortunately, we are not living in a world without armies. Mandatory military service makes me sick, and I see it as a form of modern-day slavery. The world would undoubtedly be a better place without armed forces. However, compulsory military service in some expat destinations is a fact that you should consider in advance to ensure that your freedom is not usurped. 

Regulations might change, but more than 60 countries worldwide require military service in different forms. You do not have much to worry about most of the time. However, some countries are conscripting due to their national security perceptions, even for naturalized citizens and their children. This article will give some tips and insights regarding compulsory military service.

By understanding the differences in military service requirements, you can assess how these regulations might affect you and your children’s future

TYPES OF MILITARY SERVICE 

78 countries in the world have some form of mandatory military service. There are three different types of military service requirements. Some countries have de facto mandatory military service, while others have de jure or selective mandatory military service. I will explain these different types of military service requirements and give a few examples of the countries for each of these military services. So you can explore how these regulations may affect you or your children. You can also check the list of countries with mandatory military service:

WHAT IS DE FACTO MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE, AND WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE IT?

De facto mandatory military service requires citizens to serve in the military or to enlist in national service. This can include military training and active duty and is usually reserved for certain age groups, such as young adults. Now, let’s explore some countries with de facto mandatory military service. 

CYPRUS

In Cyprus, military service is mandatory for all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 50. The current compulsory service period is 14 months.

Those who acquire citizenship through naturalization are required to serve in the military. Citizens of Cypriot origin, born in Cyprus or abroad, are obliged to serve upon their return, regardless of whether they hold foreign citizenship. If a person's grandparent or parent is a Cypriot citizen, that person is of Cypriot origin. However, those who acquire citizenship through investment are exempt from military service in this country.

GREECE

All male Greek citizens between the ages of 19 and 45 are required to serve in the military. The standard period of military service in Greece is 9 months. The service period is typically 12 months for the Navy and Air Force.

Dual citizens of Greece and another country are generally obliged to fulfill their military service unless they have completed military service in another country or meet certain criteria for exemption or reduction in service.

ISRAEL

Compulsory military service in Israel includes all Israelis who are 18 years of age or older. Compulsory military service in Israel also has a religious requirement. Jews and Druze are eligible to be drafted. However, Christians, Circassians and Muslims may volunteer. Admission to the army for members of these religions is subject to approval by the relevant authorities. The typical length of service is 32 months for men and approximately 24 months for women. Officers must serve 48 months.

The Israel Defense Forces recruits foreign Jews and non-Jews with at least one Jewish grandmother, as well as converts to Judaism. Therefore, expats who are naturalized Israelis must meet these religious criteria for compulsory military service.

If you are already naturalized in Northern Cyprus and can prove that you have completed or are exempt from military service in your previous citizenship, you will not be drafted

NORTHERN CYPRUS

Male citizens between 19 and 49 must perform military service in Northern Cyprus. In emergency cases, women of military age may also be drafted with the approval of the Parliament.

Naturalized expats in Northern Cyprus who can prove that they have completed or are exempt from military service under their previous citizenship are not drafted. Others may be exempted from mandatory military service by paying equal to 10 times the minimum gross wage in Northern Cyprus.

PARAGUAY

Paraguay's military service is legally mandatory for all male citizens between 18 and 25. However, enforcing compulsory service has become less strict in practice, and most do not serve. The period of service, if required, is usually 12 months. 

Naturalized expats may be subject to the same military service requirements as native citizens. If an expat becomes a Paraguayan citizen before age 50, they may be required to enlist for military service. However, it is unlikely that they will be called up for military service.

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland has a unique system of compulsory military service for all male citizens between 18 and 30. The Swiss army is organized as a militia. Most of its military personnel are reservists who have completed initial training and can be called up for service when necessary. 

After completing basic training, you remain a member of the Armed Forces for nine years and will complete six three-week refresher courses. Finally, you are dismissed from military duty after the tenth calendar year after completing your last refresher course. Men who are not required to serve due to exemptions or living abroad must pay a portion of their annual income in the form of military service tax ("Wehrpflichtersatz") until they are 37. 

An expat who becomes a Swiss citizen before 25 must fulfill his military service obligations. Those who acquire citizenship after the age of 25 may be required to serve, depending on their age and previous military experience. Expats who have completed military service in another country may be exempt from Swiss military service.

Expats who become Turkish citizens before 22 have the same military obligations. After 22, they may be exempt or serve a shorter-term

TURKEY

All male Turkish citizens are required to register for military service when they are 20. The standard period of military service is 6 months. University graduates may serve 12 months as reserve officers.

Turkey offers a paid military service option where eligible individuals can pay a fee to reduce their period of service. Under this scheme, individuals usually undergo a short period of basic training (approximately 21 days) and are then exempted from further service obligations.

If an expat becomes a Turkish citizen before age 22, they are generally liable for the same military service obligations. If they acquire citizenship after 22, they may be exempt or required to complete a shorter service period. Expats who complete military service in another country may be exempted from Turkish service. However, if you become a Turkish citizen through the Citizenship by Investment program, it is extremely unlikely that they will allow you to join the military due to security concerns.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

All male Emirati citizens are required to enlist for military service when they are 18. The standard period of military service for those who have completed high school is 11 months. For those who have not completed high school, the service period is extended to 3 years. 

If the sons of an expat become UAE citizens, they may be obliged to the same military service as other male Emirati citizens when they turn 18. Male expats who acquire citizenship before the age of 30 may also be subject to military service. 

I have lived in the UAE for 8 years, and my daughter was born there. However, I left the UAE for reasons other than military service.

WHAT IS SELECTIVE MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE, AND WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE IT?

Selective mandatory military service refers to selecting certain individuals for military service based on certain criteria, such as age, health, or educational background. This approach involves governments using a selection system to determine who is drafted into the military. For example, a lottery system may select individuals from a pool of eligible candidates. Let’s dive into some examples of these countries to see how it may affect you and your children.

In Brazil, all men are required to register for military service. However, in practice, only a small percentage (5% to 10%) are selected to serve in the army for a period of 10 to 12 months

BRAZIL

Male citizens between 18 and 45, including naturalized citizens, must fulfill their military service. Although all males are required to enlist for military service, only a small percentage—about 5% to 10%—serve in the military. The period of military service is 10–12 months. Naturalized Brazilian citizens are subject to the same military service obligations as native Brazilians. 

Brazil is one of my favourite destinations. It is a beautiful country with many opportunities. I am attached to the country since my son was born in Brazil and is a Brazilian citizen.

CHILE

In Chile, all male citizens must enlist in the military when they are 18. The period of military service is usually 12 months. However, the military uses a lottery system to determine who is called up for service. This system considers the number of volunteers, the needs of the military, and various exemptions. Many naturalized citizens may not be called up for service if they are above the typical age for military service or have completed military service elsewhere.

Chile has a special place in my heart. My third child, my little boy, was born in Santiago and has a Chilean passport. Chile is not the best place in terms of tax system, but it is an excellent country for birth tourism.  

COLOMBIA

In Colombia, all male citizens between 18 and 24 are obliged to fulfill their military service. The period of military service varies from 12 to 18 months, depending on educational background. If there are enough soldiers in the army, the lottery method may determine those who will perform military service. Naturalized expats are subject to the same military service obligations as native-born citizens.

Mandatory military service in Ecuador was suspended in 2008, but selective service still applies to men aged 18 to 22. Naturalized expats are not exempt, with each case being evaluated individually

ECUADOR

Although compulsory military service in Ecuador was suspended in 2008, selective military service continues for males aged 18–22. The voluntary military service age for males and females is 18, with a 12-month service obligation. Selective military service operates by lottery. On the second Friday of each June, a lottery is held to determine those who will be called up for service. 

Naturalized expats are not exempt from military service. However, exemptions or deferrals may apply based on individual circumstances such as health or family responsibilities. Those individuals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and each person's situation will require individual consideration.

MEXICO

Military service is mandatory for all male citizens between 18 and 40. 18 years old male citizens enlist in military service and are placed into two categories according to a lottery system:

• Bola Blanca (White Ball): Those selected must attend training sessions, usually held on weekends for one year.

• Bola Negra (Black Ball): These men are considered to have fulfilled their service requirements without attending training sessions. They remain on standby in case of national emergencies.

The sons of expats who become Mexican citizens must fulfill the same military service obligations as other male Mexican citizens when they reach 18 years old. The active-duty requirement for naturalized citizens is usually symbolic.

THAILAND

In Thailand, all male citizens are required to do military service. Men must register for military service at the age of 18. Military service begins at 21 unless postponed for reasons such as education. However, the recruitment process is done by lottery. In a lottery held every April, men who meet the requirements draw a red or black card. A red card means two years of military service, while a black card provides an exemption. Volunteering is also allowed for military service. Volunteers usually serve for six months to one year. Naturalized expats are not automatically required to serve in the military, but they can choose to volunteer if they wish to do so. 

The United States has a recruitment system known as the "Selective Service System." Although the draft is not currently active, men aged 18 to 25 are required to register with the system

WHAT IS DE JURE MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE AND WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE IT?

In the de jure mandatory military system, the government legally reserves the right to enlist and draft its citizens into military service but does not implement it in practice. The armed forces in these countries operate voluntarily and have either not implemented conscription for decades or have never employed mandatory drafting. So, unless there is a national emergency, you can expect not to be called for military service in these countries. Let’s give some examples in brief. 

ARGENTINA

Since 1995, military service in Argentina has been voluntary. However, the Argentine government can draft people into the army in an emergency.

BELIZE

Belize's army is composed of volunteers. However, the rules allow for conscription only if there are not enough volunteers. This rule has never been enacted.

EL SALVADOR

El Salvador has a professional military force composed of volunteers. However, in cases of necessity, conscription is at the government's discretion.

PORTUGAL

Compulsory military service in Portugal was abolished in 2004, and the country now has a professional, volunteer military force. However, in cases of necessity, conscription is at the government's discretion.

URUGUAY

Uruguay abolished compulsory military service in the early 20th century. However, the government maintains its legal rights regarding conscription.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Military service in the United States is voluntary, and there is no active conscription. Men and women over the age of 18 may volunteer to serve. However, the United States has a system for conscription known as the Selective Service System. Although the draft is not currently active, males between 18 and 25 are legally required to register for the Selective Service. This is a de jure requirement. No one is drafted unless Congress re-enacts the draft. The draft was last used in the United States in 1973 during the Vietnam War.

Expats must stay informed about military service risks, especially as they explore birth tourism and second citizenship options

CONCLUSION

I believe that the very existence of militaries remains a direct assault on individual liberty. Compulsory military service persists in many nations, imposed by force, either officialy or in practice. These oppressive rules can drag expats, or worse, their children, into the coercive machinery of the state against their will and principles. 

In such a world, staying informed about the risks associated with military service obligations is important. As birth tourism becomes increasingly popular, expats should consider their options and be aware of the military service requirements of the countries they visit. If you want to know more about how to get your second passport or your second residence, subscribe to our newsletter and receive your free special report on Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships.