Residency

Israel — Residency: Processing Times

Israeli B/2 visitor visas typically take about one to two working weeks at missions and ETA-IL replies arrive within 24 to 72 hours; processing times for resident visas are not published.

VerifiedGovernment / official sourceIsraeli missions and Population and Immigration Authority — visa processingLast reviewed: 2026-10-23

Why this matters

Understanding processing times is crucial for relocating individuals to plan their relocation and adjust their expectations accordingly.

Key facts

  • ETA-IL replies for visa-exempt travellers arrive within 24 to 72 hours.
  • B/2 visas at missions: London up to 5 working days (average 7, sometimes up to 45), Hong Kong about 5 to 7 working days, Bern up to 30 working days; times vary by mission.
  • Working holiday visas are estimated at 7 to 14 business days by one mission.
  • No official processing time for the A/1 temporary resident visa or B/1 expert visa was found.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Application Submission — The applicant submits their application to the Population and Immigration Authority (PIA) or relevant regional offices.
  2. Step 2: Background Checks and Medical Testing — The applicant undergoes thorough background checks and medical testing, if required, to assess their eligibility for residency.

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