Obtaining Israeli Citizenship Through Marriage (Legal Information)

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A foreign spouse who is married to an Israeli citizen and wishes to live with them in Israel may obtain an Israeli citizenship through marriage. However, contrary to popular (and incorrect) belief, acquiring status as a citizen or permanent resident in Israel based on marriage does not happen automatically. It is a lengthy process that may take several years. This gradual process vis-a-vis the Population Authority at the Ministry of Interior can be fraught with obstacles and delays, particularly when one is not familiar with the relevant laws and procedures. In this brief article, Attorney Joshua Pex, an expert in Israeli immigration law and a partner at our law office, will outline key points to consider when navigating this process to obtain the coveted citizenship.

Our law firm, with offices in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, specializes in immigration to Israel. We have extensive professional experience representing mixed couples of Israeli and foreign origin in the process of obtaining Israeli citizenship through marriage, obtaining legal status for common-law couples, acquiring residence permits in Israel, and more.

Getting Married and Receiving Citizenship? Not So Fast

Although civil marriage is not yet legally permitted in Israel, the state recognizes civil marriages which were legally conducted abroad. As a result of recognizing the right of mixed couples to marry, Israel now allows foreign spouses to settle in Israel with their Israeli partners, provided they meet the requirements outlined in the Ministry of Interior’s procedure for granting status to married spouses.

This result stems from a lengthy legal struggle that reached the Supreme Court in 1999. In one of its most well-known rulings (referred to as the “Stamka Case”), the Supreme Court emphasized that the right to marriage and family life is a fundamental right. The Court ruled that the Ministry of Interior’s policy on marriages between mixed couples must be published to ensure uniformity and legal certainty.

Following the ruling, the Ministry of Interior began publishing regulations defining how foreign spouses can regularize their status in Israel. A specific procedure was published addressing the legal status of married spouses. Every year, thousands of foreign spouses of Israelis—whether they are married or maintain a common-law relationship—undergo the process of obtaining Israeli citizenship through marriage after marrying an Israeli citizen.

Of course, the process is not simple, and there are several steps along the way. However, if you are in a genuine relationship with a foreign spouse and are interested in having them obtain Israeli citizenship, the path is open to you. If you meet all the requirements and conditions set by the Ministry of Interior, there is a high chance your request will be approved—although it may take a significant amount of time, to say the least.

Marriage to an Israeli and Obtaining Citizenship – The Process for Granting Status to a Foreign Spouse

For a non-Israeli spouse to obtain Israeli citizenship, an application must be opened at the Ministry of Interior, initiating the various steps outlined in its procedures. It’s important to know: an Israeli citizen who is married to, or in a stable, long-term monogamous relationship (common-law partnership) with a foreign citizen is entitled to request that their spouse be granted Israeli citizenship under Section 7 of the Nationality Law. Notably, it makes no difference if the marriage was conducted abroad rather than in Israel or whether either spouse is Jewish.

That said, if the foreign spouse if Jewish or otherwise entitled to make aliyah, this is a far quicker way to receive and Israeli citizenship.

Furthermore, if the foreign spouse has minor children from a previous marriage, they are also eligible to accompany their parent and receive Israeli citizenship. Naturally, citizenship is not granted automatically but requires navigating extensive bureaucracy with the Ministry of Interior. However, if you adhere to the procedure for granting status to a foreign spouse married to an Israeli citizen, as outlined by the Population and Immigration Authority, you are on the right path.

What Documents Are Required?

The application is submitted to the Population and Immigration Authority office closest to the Israeli spouse’s place of residence. Opening a file requires the submission of numerous documents. Generally, documents originating in the foreign spouse’s home country must be original or official copies, verified by an apostille, and translated by a notary if necessary. For a comprehensive list of required documents in status regularization procedures, please see the detailed guide on our website.

Once the documents are submitted and the application is officially opened, the couple will undergo a series of interviews. During these interviews, they must submit affidavits and provide proof of their shared life together. Such evidence may include a joint bank account, payment of bills for their shared residence, proof of managing a joint household, recommendation letters from friends and family, photos, and more. Whether the couple’s statements and the evidence they provide demonstrate a genuine relationship will be determined at the discretion of the Population Authority officials.

How Can an Expert Immigration Lawyer Assist in Regularizing Status for Foreign Spouses?

The steps outlined above are only the beginning of a process that could culminate in the coveted citizenship for the foreign spouse. However, Ministry of Interior officials often take a strict stance on requests to regularize the status of foreign spouses. This can result in suspicions of an insincere relationship or the introduction of other reasons to halt the process.

When handled correctly from the start, such issues can often be avoided. However, couples navigating this process are usually doing so for the first time and lack the knowledge and experience necessary to overcome such obstacles.

To streamline the process and avoid unnecessary mistakes, it is highly recommended to consult with an attorney who will guide you through all the stages of the process from the outset and explain how to proceed. An expert immigration lawyer will clarify exactly which documents are required, the expected timeline for each stage, and provide support for the critical interview to prove the sincerity of the relationship.

An experienced lawyer representing clients before the Ministry of Interior regarding Israeli citizenship for foreign spouses can assist with opening the file and managing the process with the authorities, up to the issuance of the temporary identity card and the eventual Israeli citizenship.

Israeli Citizenship Through Marriage – Contact an Expert Immigration Lawyer

For further questions and any assistance regarding obtaining Israeli citizenship through marriage for foreign spouses seeking to regularize their status in Israel, our attorneys are available to help. Our law firm has extensive experience providing comprehensive legal support for applications to regularize status in Israel for married couples, common-law partners, mixed families, and more.