Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a citizen of Israel?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Israel
An A/1 holder can live in Israel for up to five years.
A/5 residence is temporary and is normally granted for up to one year at a time, depending on the validity of your passport.
Work in Israel
A/1 holders can work in Israel during their stay.
A/5 holders can work where their permit and the rules allow it.
Use public healthcare
Healthcare is available when recognized as a resident, after 183 days in Israel and proof your main home and life are there.
Lawful days in the previous six months can count, but recognition starts no earlier than the visa date.
A wait of up to six months can apply after 18 consecutive months abroad with at least 12 months of unpaid health contributions, or if you lost resident status.
Access social support
Once recognized as a resident, you may qualify for National Insurance benefits, including unemployment payments.
Unemployment payments also depend on your age, work, contributions, why you stopped working and Employment Service conditions.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the Population and Immigration Authority office responsible for where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Israel Population and Immigration Authority office serves your city for a Temporary Residence Visa Type A/1 for persons eligible under the Right of Return?”
Download the application form
Download and print the A/1 visa application form.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in the printed A/1 visa application form.
See how to fill itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Israel Temporary Residence Visa Type A/1 for persons eligible under the Right of Return application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the local office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Bring your completed form and documents to your local Population and Immigration Authority office and hand them in person. Pay the fee at the office by credit card.
Find submission detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit an Israel Temporary Residence Visa Type A/1 for persons eligible under the Right of Return application at my local office?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the office to decide on your application and answer any requests for more information.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does an Israel Temporary Residence Visa Type A/1 for persons eligible under the Right of Return application take?”
Receive your visa
If your application is approved, receive your A/1 visa. It lets you live and work in Israel while it is valid.
Find visa detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive an approved Israel Temporary Residence Visa Type A/1 for persons eligible under the Right of Return?”
Plan your next status
Before your permitted stay ends, follow the office's instructions for extending your stay or choosing your next status. A/1 can last for up to five years in total; after five years, you can choose citizenship or apply for an A/5 visa.
Explore your next stepsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I extend an Israel Temporary Residence Visa Type A/1 for persons eligible under the Right of Return or apply for a later status?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate
Bring your original marriage certificate to show that you are married to your spouse. Your spouse must be Jewish or have a Jewish parent or grandparent for this route.
Birth certificates *
Bring the original birth certificates that help show your eligibility. These may include your spouse’s and, if needed, their parent’s birth certificate to show how they are related to their Jewish parent or grandparent.
* Only if you use birth certificates to show eligibility.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Maintaining your status
For A/5 renewal, generally apply at least 90 days before expiry, with a valid passport and proof your circumstances and main life in Israel continue.
Report changes and declare that your information is true.
For a spouse-based status, keep a genuine, exclusive relationship and a shared life in Israel.
Status can end
A/1 ends after up to five years; it does not automatically become citizenship or A/5.
A/5 expires unless renewed, and renewal can be refused or status withdrawn if its conditions no longer hold or your main life is not in Israel.
Security and criminal checks can also affect whether the status continues.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Secret Tel Aviv
Facebook group for people interested in Israeli local life (Hebrew & English)
Join on Facebookr/Israel
English Reddit group for people interested in Israeli local life
Join on Redditr/israel_bm
Hebrew Reddit group for people interested in Israeli local life
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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