How to Apply and Receive a work visa in Israel?

Are you considering moving to Israel, or at least legally working in Israel? Are you a potential Israeli employer who wishes to hire a foreign expert? Here is what you should know about the process of applying for a work visa in Israel. 

Who Can Apply for an Israeli Work Visa:

A foreign citizen who applies for an Israeli Work Visa, must be over the age of 18, have no prior criminal record, and no relatives who currently work or seek asylum in Israel.

Law of Return:

As a Jew, the child of a Jew, the grandchild of a Jew, or a spouse of one of the above, you may be eligible for the “right of return” – immigration to Israel with your family members. Any person who proved their right to make aliyah is eligible to the following three work visas in Israel, including visas that don’t require them to immigrate and receive Israeli citizenship \ residence:

1. B-1 General Work Permit. If you are eligible to make aliyah, you can also receive a General Work Permit for up to five years. 
2. A-1 visa for those eligible to make aliyah. This particular visa allows individuals to live, study, and work in Israel before committing to becoming Israeli citizens, and lasts for three years. These visa holders are entitled to obtain an Israeli Identity card (Teudat Zehut), including an ID number. Once the three years are up, you can apply for an extension for another two years. When those two years end, the A-1 visa holder can apply to make Aliyah or apply for an A-5 temporary resident visa that can be extended every two years. That said, those who make aliyah after residing in Israeli with this visa may miss out on some immigration rights and benefits. 
3. Aliyah. Making Aliyah literally means the Hebrew word “עליה”, rising or advancing. In other words, Jewish people returning to their Homeland. The initial stages are typically done by local representatives of the Jewish Agency. Those who did not receive the “new immigrant” status at the airport upon arriving can obtain it at the Ministry of Interior. This process includes checks of documents and eligibility per the “Law of Return.”

What You Need to Apply:

To apply for an Israeli work visa you need the following things:

1. Valid Foreign passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your visa application. Further, you must provide a recent passport-sized photo. The photo should be 3.5cm x 4.5 cm, taken against a plain, light background. The image should clearly show your face, with no shadows or obstructions.
2. Criminal Clearance Certificate: Provide a criminal clearance certificate that is no older than six months. This document must be translated into Hebrew or English and certified to be accepted.
3. Birth Certificate: Submit your birth certificate, translated into Hebrew or English and certified.
4. Medical Tests: Provide confirmation of medical tests carried out at labs or hospitals recognized by the Israeli mission. This documentation should confirm that you meet the health requirements for the visa.
5. Declaration of Agreement: Include a signed declaration agreeing to be fingerprinted and photographed as part of the visa application process.
6. Certificate of Eligibility: For those eligible under the Law of Return, include a certificate of eligibility issued by the Jewish Agency or the relevant native liaison bureau.

How to Apply:

In order to apply for your Israeli Work Visa, you must download, print, and fill out the Visa Application Form. You also must be present for a personal interview at an Israeli Mission in your country of residence. Be sure to schedule your appointment in advance, because unauthorized visits are strictly prohibited!

Consular Fee:

The fee is paid by the inviting entity when you submit your application. If the fee was not paid in Israel, the fee with be collected per the schedule of fees on the website of the mission. 

Security Information – Do’s and Don’t’s:

For those who wish to obtain consular services at the mission offices, be sure to provide a photo ID. Prepare yourself for a personal security check of yourself and your belongings. Do not bring personal objects to the mission, as well as your food and drinks. Finally, do not show up without a prior appointment. 

For Non-Jewish Foreign Experts: 

A “foreign worker expert” refers to an individual with specialized skills or knowledge that are not available within Israel. According to the Foreign Workers Law of 1991, these experts may be employed in Israel under a visa designated as “B/1 Expert” for both stay and work. To employ such an expert, businesses must obtain the necessary employment permit and work license before the expert arrives in Israel.

The process for securing this permit involves submitting an online application to the Permits Department, accompanied by a payment fee. This application can only be submitted by licensed entities, such as companies or partnerships. Upon approval, specific terms and conditions will apply depending on the category of expertise being sought. As seen below:

Athlete or coach:

A company can apply for a B/1 visa on the  foreign athlete or coach’s behalf, which must be done when the athlete is not in the country. If and when the visa is approved, the foreign athlete or coach must pick up the visa at an Israeli consulate abroad. Additionally, the organization needs the Ministry of Interior to approve that the foreign athlete or foreign coach is really needed. Finally, once employed, the foreign worker must be paid double the average salary of an Israeli worker. 

Lecturer, researcher, professor: For researchers employed under the EU Framework Program, as outlined in Government Decision No. 2292 of January 15, 2017, the application must be submitted by an Israeli employer. The employer must also provide written approval from the National Technology Innovation Authority, demonstrating that they have received a grant from the EU Framework Program. Additionally, the researcher’s salary must be paid in accordance with both the program’s rules and Israeli labor laws.

Medical intern & Foreign doctor: An application to hire a doctor or nurse for a hospital internship, or to bring an expert doctor into a hospital, will only be considered if it includes a recommendation from the Ministry of Health. Additionally, in line with the government’s decisions, no more than 50 permits will be issued each year for the employment of medical staff who are not doctors.

Foreign artist: Applications to hire foreign artists will generally be approved for those with a strong reputation in their field or for employers who are well-regarded in their industry. These approvals are typically for short-term periods of up to three months, based on the needs of the specific show or project and at the commissioner’s discretion. Each application must include certificates that verify the reputation of both the artist and the employer, along with details about the show or project. The commissioner may also seek input from the Israel Union of Performing Artists on these applications.

Foreign manager or CEO: A “manager” is defined as someone who manages or directs an organization or its department at a senior level, responsible for service delivery functions. This person supervises and controls operations and has the authority to hire, fire, or recommend personnel actions. Foreign or international companies are restricted to employing no more than two foreign workers in senior representative or trusted roles. Permits under this section will be issued, among other conditions, based on a recommendation from the Foreign Trade Administration at the Ministry of Economy and Industry.

Contact Us:

If you have any further questions about Israeli Work Visas and its application process, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our Law Firm specializes in immigration and Israeli visas and is here to assist you. 

Written by: Yamit Drotman and Yasmin Dabscheck

 :  :

03-3724722

055-9781688

office@lawoffice.org.il