Working in Israel without a work visa or citizenship is illegal and can lead to a fine and deportation, including a ban on re-entering the country for a few years and difficulty getting a visa in the future. In addition, you’re not covered by Israeli law, so if you’re mistreated or injured on the job, you have no legal rights. Your employer can also be fined thousands of shekels and may even face criminal charges.
The ban on work without a visa includes even small or one-time jobs such as babysitting, tutoring or home improvement. It also includes working for a foreign company. If you’re living and working in Israel, the location of the company you’re working for is irrelevant. In order to work for a company abroad you’ll need a work visa, in addition to registering as a freelancer or working through an Employer of Record service.
Whether you’re a yeshiva or university student, a student’s spouse looking to earn a living, or a family testing the waters, a work visa makes it possible to work in Israel without committing to citizenship right away.
Two work visa options are available to people who are eligible for aliyah according to the Law of Return. A B-1 visa is intended for people who know they are in Israel only temporarily, while an A-1 visa is geared toward people considering aliyah. Both visas are granted for 3 years initially and can be renewed once, for a total of 5 years.
| Visa Type | Health care | Reduced income tax | Reduced purchase tax on property | Teudat Zehut | Effect on aliyah benefits | Cost |
| B-1 Work Visa | Not eligible | No | No | No | None | Free |
| A-1 Temporary Resident Visa | Eligible after after 183 days | Yes | Yes | Yes | Time spent in Israel reduces aliyah benefits | 165 NIS |
You can apply for a work visa through the Jewish Agency, before coming to Israel, or at the Ministry of Interior (Misrad Hapnim) after you arrive. You’ll need original documents (not photocopies) of:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of Judaism
- Birth certificate (with an apostille certification, if issued outside of Israel after 1988)
- Three identical passport photos
- Marriage status documentation (with apostille, if not issued by the Israel Rabbinate)
- Fingerprinting for FBI background check (in Israel, this can be done through Nefesh B’Nefesh, appointments available at 02-659-5800)
Whether you choose a B-1 work visa for a temporary stay or an A-1 temporary resident visa, having the proper visa ensures you can work legally, access benefits and avoid fines, deportation or other legal complications.
