Israel — Residency: Work Visa

Why this matters

A work visa is essential for anyone planning to work in Israel, and understanding the process can help avoid potential complications and delays in the relocation process.

Key facts

• The employer submits the request to the Interior Ministry in Israel and first needs a permit from the Permits Department; the permit must be in place before the expert arrives, even for visa-exempt nationalities.
• The expert applies for a B/1 stay-and-work licence at the regional Population Authority bureau; the consulate issues the visa after approval.
• The employer-side fee on gov.il is NIS 1,420 for all experts excluding chefs.
• Experts qualify through expertise that is lacking in Israel or wages at double the average Israeli wage or more.
• The licence cannot run beyond 63 months from first entry, with renewal required after 24 months in the professional-specialty category.
• A temporary expert visit is possible for up to 45 days (Tel Aviv summary) or 90 days (procedure 5.3.0041).

Steps

1. Step 1: Find a job in Israel — The first step in obtaining a work visa is to secure a job offer from an Israeli employer. This can be a challenging process, as many jobs require proficiency in Hebrew and may have specific requirements or restrictions.
2. Step 2: Prepare required documents — Once a job offer is secured, the applicant must prepare the necessary documents, including proof of qualifications, a clean police record, and other supporting documents required by the Israeli government.
3. Step 3: Submit application to the Israeli government — The applicant must submit their application for a B1 visa to the Israeli government, which involves various forms, documents, and fees. The application process can be complex and may require additional documentation or processing time.

Costs

• Employer permit fee, expert worker: NIS 1,420

Timelines

• Maximum licence duration: 63 months