A residence permit in Israel opens up wide opportunities for foreigners, granting them the right to long-term residence and conduct various activities in the country. The reasons for obtaining such a status are diverse: employment, education, family ties with Israelis or historical roots. In particular, Russian citizens can apply for a residence permit if they have close relatives in Israel or meet the conditions of the repatriation program.
Types of residence permit in Israel
The Israeli immigration system offers foreigners two main statuses: temporary and permanent. A temporary residence permit is usually issued for up to three years and can be extended if certain conditions are met. This status grants a limited set of rights. The permanent one, in turn, provides more opportunities and is valid indefinitely.
A temporary residence permit is divided into several categories, such as A1, A2, A5 and B1, each of which corresponds to specific grounds for obtaining it. If the decision is positive, a visa is pasted into the applicant's passport and a plastic card is issued confirming the assigned status.
Residence permit for the purchase of real estate
Israel is one of the countries of the world and the European Union, which does not legally provide for procedures for granting a residence permit after the purchase of real estate. Business emigration is not provided.
A foreign investor, in the absence of conditions for a simplified procedure for obtaining residency, will have to go through the entire path of standard naturalization.
Student residence permits
This permit is granted to international students enrolled in officially recognized educational institutions in the country. It allows you to stay in Israel legally for up to 1 year.
The main advantages include access to quality education and the possibility of full cultural immersion in Israeli society.
Necessary justifications
To receive it, the applicant must confirm his admission to an accredited university or other educational institution in Israel.
You will also need to prove that you have the financial means to cover all tuition and living expenses.
List of documents
- A valid international passport with a remaining period of at least six months.
- A completed application form for obtaining a temporary residence permit.
- 2 passport-sized color photographs.
- A certificate confirming admission to an Israeli educational institution.
- Documents confirming financial viability (for example, bank statements).
- Medical insurance for the entire period of study.
- Apostilled copies of educational documents.
- Notarized parental consent (for minor applicants).
- A receipt for payment of duties.
Residence permit for financially independent (freelance residence permit, digital nomad)
There are no special residence permits in Israel designed for freelancers or digital nomads. The country's legislation does not provide for the creation of a separate visa category or temporary residence permit for these groups.
An affordable alternative may be to enter the country on a tourist visa and work remotely for a foreign employer (self-employment).
Residence permit by marriage
The wives or husbands of Israeli citizens immediately receive a temporary residence permit A5. The second halves of permanent residents apply for a residence permit of category B1, which can be replaced with A5 after the expiration of 27 months.
If the couple is not officially married, but is in a partnership, foreign partners can also apply for a residence permit. In this case, cohabitants will be able to obtain an A5 residence permit only after 3 years of residence in the B1 category.
Necessary justifications
To obtain a residence permit of this type, it is necessary to confirm the authenticity and duration of the relationship. If the couple is officially married, a certificate will be required. When the relationship is not registered, evidence of cohabitation and the duration of the relationship should be provided.
List of documents
- A valid international passport of the applicant with copies of all pages with marks.
- An official marriage certificate or documents confirming a registered partnership.
- Passport of the spouse/partner.
- State certificate of the applicant's personal status.
- A certificate confirming the absence of criminal records.
- A certificate of long-term cohabitation. For example, joint receipts for utility bills, etc.
- Medical insurance.
Family reunion
This residence permit is primarily intended for spouses and minors, allowing them to legally live together with Israeli residents.
Necessary justifications
To achieve a positive result, it is necessary to prove the authenticity of the relationship with an Israeli resident, whether it is marriage, family ties or other close relationship. In addition, confirmation of a serious intention to live in the country and the absence of a threat to national security is required.
List of documents
- A valid international passport of the applicant and copies of all pages with marks.
- Documents proving family relations, such as a marriage certificate.
- Passport or certificate of residence permit status (types A2, A3) of the Israeli resident with whom reunification is planned.
- A certificate of the applicant's personal status issued by the authorities of the country of residence.
- Confirmation of the absence of a criminal record from the country where the applicant resides.
- Evidence of cohabitation, for example, lease agreements, utility bills, and the like.
- Medical insurance that provides coverage for the entire duration of your stay.
- An invitation letter from an Israeli resident confirming his intention to receive the applicant.
Work permit
Such a permit is issued to foreign citizens who are going to work in Israel for a certain period of time.
The document is provided after receiving the approval of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The application is submitted directly by the employer who intends to hire a foreign specialist.
Necessary justifications
To obtain a work permit, it is necessary to confirm the existence of an official employment agreement with an Israeli company. The employer is also required to have official permission to hire foreigners for a specific position within the relevant sector of the economy.
List of documents
- The applicant's valid international passport.
- A completed application form.
- A contract with an employer confirming an employment relationship with an Israeli company.
- A certificate stating that the applicant has no criminal record.
- A medical insurance policy that covers the entire period of stay.
- A receipt confirming payment of the relevant fees.
Residence permit for business and sole proprietor
Foreign businessmen can obtain a residence permit provided that their activities are recognized as significant for the economic growth of the country. They need to prove that business projects will help create jobs, introduce new technologies or make other significant improvements to the Israeli economy.
Special attention is paid to non-residents investing in startups, as well as other projects, especially in the field of technology. Such investments should bring economic benefits and comply with legal requirements.
Necessary justifications
Foreign investors need to confirm that their entrepreneurial activities will have a positive impact on the Israeli economy, create new jobs or contribute to the development of key industries. It is also important to demonstrate the availability of sufficient financial resources to implement a business plan and provide for your family.
List of documents
- A foreign passport with an up-to-date validity period.
- Application form.
- A business plan that describes in detail the amount of investment and the expected economic benefits.
- Confirmation of the availability of capital, for example, a bank statement.
- Documents confirming the registration of a business, if it is already functioning.
- Medical insurance.
- Evidence of payment of fees related to the application.
Extension of a residence permit
For an extension, you should contact the Population Department at your place of residence. The process takes up to 5 business days and costs about $53.
The applicant must have all the necessary papers confirming the need for an extension, as well as fill out a questionnaire (you can download it on the government's website).
To extend the status, the following documents must be prepared:
- A passport valid for more than 180 days after the requested extension period.
- 2 color passport photos on a light background.
- Documents from local authorities confirming residence (invoices, statements).
- Proof of study or vaccination for children (if applicable).
By submitting this form, you accept our privacy policy and agree that your personal information will be kept secure and not shared with third parties.