Visa applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Interior, which issues the visas, and is the body authorized to determine which visa the applicant will receive in accordance with the rules.
Holders of type A visas: A' 1, A' 5, A' 2 and A' 4 - can be recognized as residents in accordance with two conditions in the law:
1. Legal stay in Israel 183 days - The 183 days can be counted in a period of up to 6 months preceding receipt of the visa granting residency, provided that they were legally residing in Israel.
It is important to note that the determination of residency will be from the date of receipt of the visa granting residency and not before.
2. Existence of a center of life in Israel.
Holders of type B visas (tourist, foreign worker) - cannot be considered residents.
Types of A Visas
- Visa A/1 - A temporary visa issued to Jews with the right to return under the Law of Return, who have not yet decided whether they wish to make aliyah to Israel, and who have the opportunity to review this intention for a period of up to 5 years.
Holders of this visa will receive a temporary Israeli identity number from the Ministry of Interior and a temporary residence permit valid for a maximum of 5 years. After 5 years, upon the expiration of the visa, they must make a decision whether to make Aliyah or not. - Visa A/5 - A temporary visa issued to foreigners who are in the process of obtaining permanent residency or citizenship in Israel in various situations, such as: marriage to residents or residents of Israel, humanitarian situations, recognized refugees, etc.
Holders of this visa will receive a temporary Israeli identity number from the Ministry of Interior, valid for one to two years only.
At the end of the period, they will have to renew the validity of the visa with the Ministry of Interior. - Visa A/2 - A temporary visa issued to those who wish to come to Israel for the purpose of yeshiva studies or academic studies.
Holders of this visa will not receive an identity number from the Ministry of Interior, and must renew the visa with the Ministry of Interior according to the validity of the visa. - Visa A/4 - A temporary visa issued to companions of holders of visa A/2. In most cases, these are spouses and children of holders of visa A/2. Holders of this visa will not receive an identity number from the Ministry of Interior, and must renew the visa with the Ministry of Interior according to the validity of the visa.
Important to know! Receiving a visa does not grant residency immediately, but is subject to proof of a life center.
For the purpose of examining residency at the National Insurance Institute, visa holders must submit the following documents:
- Holders of A'1 and A'5 visas - must fill out a residency questionnaire for a temporary resident
- Holders of A'2 and A'4 visas - must fill out a residency questionnaire for a temporary resident + a questionnaire for a person registration, and attach a photocopy of entries and exits to Israel from border control (for the purpose of counting the 183 days), and a photocopy of the visa under which they stayed in Israel before receiving the qualifying visa.
- Visa holders whose center of life is in Israel are in doubt - will be asked to attach a detailed multi-year report form to the residency questionnaire.
- Documents must be attached to these questionnaires attesting that the center of life is in Israel, as detailed below, including confirmation of status from the Ministry of the Interior in the six months preceding the qualifying visa date:
- Declaration of intent to reside permanently in Israel
- Purchase of an apartment/lease agreement
- Family residence in Israel
- Registration of children for educational programs
- Work documents
- Any additional proof indicating a connection to the country
Important to know!
Residency will be determined from the date of receipt of the visa granting residency and not before.