About Compulsory Service
Just as the state has responsibilities to its citizens, citizens have an obligation to the state and their fellow citizens. As part of this duty, all citizens must fulfill a period of compulsory service for the common good. The length of service required to discharge the compulsory service requirement depends on the type of service performed.
Following completion of the required period of compulsory service, individuals may elect to remain in service as their chosen career. Citizens remain subject to recall until reaching age 65. In this manner, the state retains the ability to mobilise appropriate resources in response to any contigency.
The Ministry for Labor and Social Wellbeing administers the compulsory service program.
Register Online for Compulsory Service
Citizens may register for fulfillment of their compulsory service obligation online.
Options for Fulfilling Compulsory Service
A wide variety of means for fulfilling compulsory service, which must be initiated by the 25th birthday, are available. In this manner, individuals may contribute on the basis of their beliefs and desires while the common good benefits from their unique talents.
From time to time, there may be restrictions on the available options in order to best serve the common good.
Service Periods
- Military Services—2 years + 2 years reserve status
- Public safety (police, fire, and emergency medical) service—3 years + 2 years reserve status
- Healthcare service (except physicians)—4 years
- Educational service—4 years non-university or 6 years university
- Government service—4 years abroad or 5 years domestic
- Physicians—5 years + 2 years reserve status
- Non-governmental social service—6 years
Besides the normal options, an individual may elect to serve one year (except in the military) in full-time service and 10 years in part-time service to discharge the obligation.
Compensation During Compulsory Service
During the period of active compulsory service, citizens receive a monthly stipend or percentage of the salary paid to regular workers. In the military, this represents full pay, but varies in other fields depending on whether or not lodging and/or meals are provided.
In reserve status, citizens must work part-time and receive compensation appropriate to the work and time involved.
