Temporary Resident - A1 Visa
What You Will Need:
Foreign Passport
The passport must be valid for at least 1 year.
Birth Certificate with Apostille
More details on the apostille can be found here.
Marriage/Divorce/Death Certificate with Apostille
If you have been married more than once, you need to send the civil certificates of all marriages (not replaceable by the Ketubah or the Judicial Sentence of Divorce).
Criminal Record with Apostille
You need Police Clearance from every country of which you are a citizen or in which you resided for more than one year after the age of 18. You can find more information on each country here.
Proof of Judaism
You must submit a letter stating your Jewish background. This letter must meet strict conditions that are explained here.
Additional Documents
Additional documents might be requested.
How to Apply for the Visa:
Application for Visa
- If you are abroad, contact the Jewish Agency Global Center. You can find the phone number of your country here.
- If you are in Israel, make an appointment with the Ministry of Interior in your city.
Important Note:
Validity
The A1 visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually.
Military Service
For an A1 visa holder, there is no obligation to serve in the army.
No Aliyah Benefits
You won’t be granted any Aliyah benefits, such as Sal Klita, tax breaks, free Ulpan, health insurance, etc.
No Israeli Passport
You won’t receive an Israeli passport. The A1 Teudat Zehut cannot be used for traveling. You will have to travel on your foreign passport.
Health Insurance
You must arrange for private health insurance for your entire stay in Israel.
Loss of Future Benefits
If you decide to make Aliyah at a later date, you might lose benefits. Specifically, if you stayed in Israel for more than:
- 2 cumulative years in the last 3 years, or
- 3 cumulative years in the last 5 years
Bituach Leumi
After 6 months in Israel, you must pay Bituach Leumi (national social security).