If your company is planning to expand in the global market, you may be drawn to Israel’s productive economy and lucrative business opportunities. However, it may be challenging to obtain the necessary work visas and permits for international employees unless they possess highly specialized skills.
Types of work visas in Israel
The Israeli government offers several types of visas for nationals from other countries. Available options include:
- Immigration visa: For individuals eligible to immigrate under the Law of Return
- A/1 temporary resident visa: For individuals eligible to immigrate under the Law of Return but are still undecided about permanent immigration
- A/2 student visa: For students attending academic institutions in Israel
- A/3 clergy visa: For clergy members who have been invited to Israel by a religious institution in the country
- A/4 visa for spouses and children: For the spouses and children of A/2 and A/3 visa holders
- B/1 work visa: For individuals who have been offered a job in Israel and have obtained a work permit
- B/2 visitor’s visa: For tourists and short-term visitors who do not intend to work
International employees will need to obtain a B/1 work visa before traveling to Israel. This visa is generally valid for an initial period, and to continue working in Israel beyond this period, employees will need to obtain a work permit as well. They can apply for an Israeli work visa and permit at the same time.
Requirements to obtain Israel work visas
The exact requirements will vary based on the employee’s country of residence. However, international workers can expect to be asked for the following basic documents:
- A signed employment contract with a company based in Israel
- A valid passport
- 2 passport photographs
- A criminal background check from the applicant’s country of residence, issued within the last year
- Proof that the applicant has submitted their fingerprints
- A medical certificate stating that the applicant is in good health
- A duly completed visa application form
Applicants will also need to participate in an interview with the officials at the consulate in their country of residence.
Application process
The application process for an Israeli work visa is a collaboration between the employer and the international worker. The employer needs to submit the application to the Ministry of Interior in Israel. In the meantime, the employee must submit the necessary documents to the Israeli consulate in their country of residence.
Those applying for a work permit as well as a visa need to submit the initial application to the Israeli Ministry of Interior. Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.
Upon approval from the Ministry of Interior, the work permit will be issued, and the employee may travel to Israel and begin working. Israeli work permits are valid for an initial period of 1 year, and they must be renewed annually as long as the employee continues to live and work in Israel.
Other important considerations
Employees should be advised that they will be legally required to carry their passport as well as their work permit at all times, whether they’re at work or not. Employees who are found working without a visa will face harsh fines and penalties, including the possibility of deportation.
Some employees may wish to bring family members to Israel with them, so companies should be aware of the process to do so. Spouses and dependents should apply for a B/2 visa at the same time the employee is applying for the B/1 visa. The B/2 visa is valid for temporary residence, and it’s typically issued for the same length of time as the employee’s working visa.
Employees must activate their B/1 work permit through Israel’s Ministry of Interior within 90 days of their start date. If they fail to do so on time, their permits will be voided and they’ll need to reapply, which requires possible additional fees.
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At this moment, G-P does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.
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