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 your employees unless they possess highly specialized skills.
Types of Work Visas in Israel
The Israeli government offers several types of visas for foreign nationals. Available options follow:
- Immigration visa
- A/1 temporary resident visa
- A/2 student visa
- A/3 clergy visa
- A/4 visa for spouses and children
- B/1 work visa
- B/2 visitor’s visa
Foreign employees will need to obtain a B/1 work visa before traveling to Israel. This visa is valid for a 30-day period. To work in Israel beyond 30 days, 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, foreign workers can expect to be asked for the following basic documents:
- A signed employment contract with a company based in Israel
- A valid passport
- Two 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 undergo 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 foreign worker. As the employer, you’ll need to submit the application to the Ministry of the Interior in Israel. In the meantime, the employee must submit the necessary documents to the Israeli consulate in their country of residence.
If you are applying for a work permit as well as a visa, you’ll need to submit the initial application to the Israeli Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Labour. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks, after which the Ministry will make a recommendation to the Ministry of Industry.
Upon approval from these branches of the Israeli government, the work permit will be issued and the employee may travel to Israel and begin working for your company. Israeli work permits are valid for an initial period of one year, and they must be renewed annually as long as the employee will continue to live and work in Israel.
Other Important Considerations
Your 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 be faced with harsh fines and penalties, including the possibility of deportation.
Some employees may wish to bring family members to Israel with them, so your company 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.
Your 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 is subject to 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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