How much does a joint life application cost in Israel?

Our law office in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem specializes in immigration law and offers comprehensive legal assistance with status regularization procedures in Israel. We assist foreign spouses throughout the process—from inviting the foreign partner to Israel, through opening a shared life file, to regularizing permanent status in Israel and obtaining citizenship.

Introduction: Opening a Joint Life File in Israel

The regularization of legal statusl for foreign spouses of Israeli citizens is managed by the Population and Immigration Authority. Under the Citizenship Law, distinctions are made between married couples and unmarried couples, which open joint life applications by following different procedures.

Opening a shared life file involves both partners appearing at the Ministry of Interior or, alternatively, the Israeli partner alone appearing at the Ministry of Interior branch in Israel to initiate the process of inviting the foreign spouse from abroad to establish a shared life in Israel. Additionally, the couple is required to submit various documents necessary to open the file. The process includes verifying the sincerity of their relationship, establishing a shared center of life, and ensuring that there are no criminal or security-related barriers to status regularization on the part of either spouse. For more on this topic, see related articles on our website about common-law partners and married couples.

Fees cost for starting a  joint life application

The fees are detailed in the fees and payments page on the Population and Immigration Authority’s website. It is important to note that the exact amounts may vary over time, so it is essential to check for updates regarding the fee amounts online.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Joint Life file as Part of Status Regularization in Israel?

Fee Structure Based on Applicant Type

1. Israeli Citizen vs. Permanent Resident Sponsor:
   The fee amount varies depending on the sponsor’s status. If the sponsor is an Israeli citizen, the applicable law is the Citizenship Law, with fees determined by its regulations. If the sponsor is a permanent resident, the applicable law is the Entry into Israel Law, and the fees are set accordingly.
2. Married Couples vs. Common-Law Partners:
   There is a distinction between applications for married couples and those for common-law partners. Each has its own fee structure.
3. Gradual Payment Process:
   Fees are paid in stages throughout the process:
   • Initial Fee: For opening the shared life file.
   • Visa Fees: For different types of visas issued during the process.
   • Final Fee: Upon completion of the process and granting of permanent status or citizenship.

Example Fee Amounts

As of July 2020:

• Application Fee for Married Couples: 920 NIS at the time of application submission. This is a partial payment toward the total fee for obtaining permanent status. Additional payments are required at later stages.

Double Fee Payments for Closed or Modified Applications

• If required documents are not submitted when opening the file, the Ministry of Interior may close the case. Reopening the file after submitting the missing documents usually requires repaying the fee.
• If the couple’s circumstances change during the process (e.g., transitioning from common-law partnership to marriage), an additional fee may be required.

Visa Fees During the Process

• Initial Visa Fee: At the time of application, qualified couples are granted a 6-month visa that permits the foreign partner to work in Israel. The fee for this visa is 175 NIS.
• Visa Extensions or Upgrades: Throughout the process, visas must be extended or replaced with longer-term visas, each requiring an additional 175 NIS fee.

Fee Waivers and Payment Installments

For couples unable to afford the fees (e.g., when the foreign partner is an asylum seeker), the Ministry of Interior has established a procedure for evaluating requests for fee waivers. Options include:

• Full or partial fee waivers.
• Payment installments or deferred payments.

For example, couples may be allowed to pay part of the fee at the time of application and the remainder at a later date.

Contact a Specialist Immigration Attorney

This article provides a summary of a joint life application cost in Israel as stipulated by law. For further assistance or legal support in status regularization processes, our firm is here to help. We specialize in immigration law and assisting mixed-status couples in navigating procedures with the Ministry of Interior.

Contact us via phone, email, or the contact form below for expert legal assistance.

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03-3724722

055-9781688

office@lawoffice.org.il