Israeli Visas and Residence Permits - Complete Guide
- פרנקל אמסלם ושות'
- Feb 12
- 5 min read
The State of Israel, through the Entry Law, regulates the legal stay of foreign citizens within its territory. Anyone who is not an Israeli citizen must hold a valid residence permit (visa) appropriate to their purpose of stay. The Population and Immigration Authority, which is responsible for managing the visa system, offers various options tailored to different needs - from short-term tourist visas to permanent residency status.
From a legal perspective, the right to stay in Israel is divided into three main levels:
Full citizenship, which grants the maximum rights
Residency (permanent or temporary), which provides extensive but limited rights
Temporary stay visas designed for specific purposes such as tourism, work, or studies
This article will review Israel's visa system, from temporary stay visas for tourists and foreign workers, through temporary residence visas for immigrants, students, and clergy, to permanent residency status. We will present the conditions, rights, and limitations associated with each type of visa, and the application processes required to obtain them.
Click on the visa type to get information about it
Visitor Visas (Type B)
Tourist Visa - B/2
Purpose: Short visits and tourism
Does not permit work in Israel
Issued at the airport for citizens of visa-exempt countries
Citizens of other countries require advance application at an embassy
Validity: Up to 3 months
Application Process:
For visa-exempt countries: Passport presentation upon entry to Israel
For non-exempt countries: Application at Israeli embassy
Required documents include proof of visit purpose and return to country of origin
Work Visa - B/1
Purpose: For foreign workers coming to work in Israel
Permits legal work in Israel
Must be approved before arrival
Limited to specific work sector
Tied to specific employer
Validity: One year, with possibility of extension up to 5 years and 3 months
Application Process:
Application through authorized employer in Israel
Obtaining work permit from Ministry of Labor
Required documents:
Medical clearance
Proof of professional qualifications
Signed employment contract
Volunteer Visa - B/4
Purpose: For volunteers in recognized organizations in Israel
Does not permit paid work
Limited to specific organization
Requires special approval from host organization
Validity: According to approved volunteer period
Application Process:
Application through host organization
Interior Ministry approval required
Required documents:
Official invitation letter from organization
Detailed volunteer program
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Temporary Residence Visas (Type A)
New Immigrant Adjustment Period Visa - A/1
Purpose: For new immigrants during their initial adjustment period
Grants full rights similar to citizens
Permits unrestricted work
Includes National Insurance and health coverage
Validity: Up to 5 years
Application Process:
Application through Ministry of Aliyah and Integration
Proof of eligibility for immigration
Required documents:
Documents proving eligibility under the Law of Return
Declaration of intent to settle in Israel
Student Visa - A/2
Purpose: For foreign students studying at recognized institutions in Israel
Does not permit work (except with special permits)
Requires enrollment in recognized educational institution
Requires comprehensive health insurance
Validity: According to approved study period
Application Process:
Application through academic institution
Interior Ministry approval
Required documents:
Acceptance letter to studies
Proof of financial capability
Health insurance
Religious Worker Visa - A/3
Purpose: For religious personnel serving in religious institutions in Israel
Limited to defined religious role
Work permitted only within religious function
Requires sponsorship from recognized religious institution
Includes option to bring family members
Validity: According to approved position period
Application Process:
Application through inviting religious institution
Approval from Ministry of Religious Services
Required documents:
Official invitation letter from religious institution
Proof of religious qualification
Confirmation of defined position
Temporary Resident Visa - A/5
Purpose: For foreigners in process toward citizenship or permanent residency
Provides temporary Israeli ID card
Permits unrestricted work in Israel
Grants full National Insurance rights
Primarily given as part of permanent status process
Allows obtaining Israeli driver's license
Validity: One year with possibility of extension
Application Process:
Application at Population Authority office
Meeting eligibility criteria
Required documents:
Proof of connection to Israel (marriage/family)
Proof of center of life in Israel
Criminal record check
Original identification documents
For spouses - proof of genuine relationship
Common reasons for receiving A/5:
Spouses of Israeli citizens
Special humanitarian grounds
As part of graduated naturalization process
Children of permanent residents/citizens (in certain cases)
Special cases approved by Minister of Interior
Family Member Visa (Religious Personnel) - A/4
Purpose: For family members of A/2 (students) and A/3 (religious workers) visa holders
Permits legal stay in Israel
Does not permit work (except with special approval)
Dependent on main family member's visa
Requires health insurance
Validity: According to main family member's visa validity
Application Process:
Application together with or separate from main family member
Proof of family relationship
Required documents:
Certificates proving family connection
Appropriate health insurance
Proof of financial capability to support family
מיועדת לבני משפחה של בעלי אשרות א/2 (סטודנטים) וא/3 (אנשי דת)
מאפשרת שהייה חוקית בישראל
אינה מאפשרת עבודה (אלא באישור מיוחד)
תלויה באשרת בן המשפחה העיקרי
מחייבת ביטוח רפואי
תוקף אשרה: בהתאם לתוקף אשרת בן המשפחה העיקרי.
תהליך הבקשה:
הגשת בקשה יחד עם בן המשפחה העיקרי או בנפרד
הוכחת קרבה משפחתית
נדרשות תעודות המוכיחות קשר משפחתי
נדרש ביטוח רפואי מתאים
נדרשת הוכחת יכולת כלכלית להחזקת המשפחה
מיועדת לעולים חדשים בתקופת הסתגלות ראשונית
מקנה זכויות מלאות כמו לאזרח
מאפשרת עבודה חופשית
כוללת זכאות לביטוח לאומי ובריאות
תוקף אשרה: עד 5 שנים
תהליך הבקשה:
הגשת בקשה במשרד העלייה והקליטה
הוכחת זכאות לעלייה
נדרשים מסמכים המוכיחים זכאות לפי חוק השבות
נדרשת הצהרת כוונות להשתקעות בישראל
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Rights and Obligations Table
Therefore, we can establish the relationship between the visas as follows:
Summary
Israel's visa system represents a complex and graduated framework reflecting the country's immigration and residence policies. The system is built hierarchically, with full citizenship at the top granting maximum rights and obligations, and basic tourist visas at the bottom.
Each level in the visa hierarchy grants additional rights and expands the possibilities for stay and activity in Israel. This ranges from tourist visas (B/2) allowing short stays without work rights, through work visas (B/1) permitting employment under defined conditions, to temporary residency (A/1-A/5) granting broader rights.
Transition between different visa levels is contingent upon meeting strict criteria and following regulated processes, where each status upgrade requires proving a more significant connection to Israel, from family ties through professional or academic contribution, to actual settlement in the country. This system allows the state to regulate immigration while maintaining national interests, while simultaneously providing defined paths for those seeking to integrate into Israeli society.
