Men who turn 18 must complete military service registration by October 31; mandatory active duty lasts two years.

There is no cost. The online registration takes just a few minutes. However, actual enlistment means two full years of service, during which you cannot hold any other job.

The rules governing military service registration state: “By October 31 each year, local civil affairs bureaus must organize initial registration for all male citizens who will turn 18 by December 31.” They also specify that registration is primarily done online, at the citizen’s own initiative. Consequences of non‑compliance are outlined in Article 57, Paragraph 1 of the Military Service Law, which addresses “refusal or evasion of registration.” Penalties include a deadline set by the county government for compliance, followed by forced enlistment and a fine if still ignored. The same law also states that “the term of active duty for conscripts is two years.” It further notes that men aged 17–18 may enlist voluntarily if the army needs them. Non‑commissioned officers who serve 12 years or meet other criteria are offered civilian jobs by local governments upon discharge; those serving 30 years or reaching age 55 may retire. The Recruitment Regulations emphasize giving priority to university graduates and candidates with specific physical or professional qualifications; full‑time students and recent graduates may enlist either at their hometown or campus location.

国务院办公厅、中央军委办公厅 (2025). 兵役登记工作规定（国办发〔2025〕41 号）. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202512/content_7051363.htm；全国人大常委会 (2021). 兵役法（2021 年修订，第二十、二十五、二十六、五十四、五十七条）. http://www.mod.gov.cn/regulatory/2021-08/20/content_4892491.htm（国防部刊登）；国务院、中央军委 (2023). 征兵工作条例（国务院、中央军委令第 759 号，第五条）. http://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2023/content_5753313.htm

Registration and actual enlistment are separate processes with vastly different obligations. The restriction on leaving the country for two years applies only to those who enlist and later attempt to withdraw, as detailed in item 3 (refusal to serve). Women are not required to register initially, though they may be recruited if needed. Requirements for soldiers seeking officer training or promotion are defined in internal military regulations and are not disclosed here. The Military Service Law merely states that officers are drawn from “outstanding active‑duty soldiers” and that military academies may admit students regardless of age limits; exact admission scores and quotas are not provided in this guide.