Permanent Residency Status in Israel - Complete Guide 2025

What is Permanent Residency Status?

Permanent residency is a special civil status granted to individuals who permanently reside in Israel. This status allows its holder to stay in Israel indefinitely and receive a permanent Israeli identity card. Unlike temporary residence permits issued under the Entry into Israel Law, permanent residency status is stable and doesn't require periodic renewal.

The main condition for maintaining this status is maintaining a "center of life" in Israel, which means:

• Permanent residence in Israel

• Maintaining significant ties to the country (family, employment, assets)

• Continuous presence in the country

  
  

It's important to note that children born to permanent residents in Israel are also entitled to this status.

Rights and Obligations of Permanent Residents

Permanent residency status in Israel grants the holder almost all the rights and obligations of an Israeli citizen, with several significant differences. The resident enjoys full social rights and freedom of employment but is restricted in certain political rights. Simultaneously, they are subject to the same civic duties as citizens, including tax obligations and military service. Here are the main rights, limitations, and obligations:

Main Rights of Permanent Residents:

• Full eligibility for healthcare services through health maintenance organizations

• Receipt of National Insurance Institute benefits (unemployment benefits, old-age pension, maternity allowance, etc.)

• Complete freedom of employment in Israel

• Right to vote in local municipal elections

• Right to receive an Israeli identity card

Status Limitations:

• No eligibility for an Israeli passport (a travel document is issued instead)

• No right to vote or run in Knesset elections

• Cannot be appointed to certain public positions requiring Israeli citizenship

• Cannot be elected to local authorities

Obligations of Permanent Residents:

• Payment of taxes according to law (income tax, national insurance, municipal taxes, etc.)

• Military service (subject to the Security Service Law)

• Obligation to declare center of life in Israel

• Compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to Israeli residents

Note: Unlike Israeli citizenship, permanent residency status may be revoked if the holder relocates their center of life to another country for an extended period or receives citizenship/permanent status in another country.

Paths to Obtaining Permanent Residency Status

The process of obtaining permanent residency status in Israel is possible through several tracks, each subject to specific conditions and requirements. The Population and Immigration Authority examines each application individually, ensuring compliance with threshold conditions and verifying the authenticity of the application. The main tracks are:

Spouses of Israeli Citizens:

• Through a graduated process lasting approximately 5 years for married couples

• Approximately 7 years for common-law partners

• Includes verification of relationship authenticity and shared center of life according to the shared life procedure

Parents of Israeli Citizens:

• Through the elderly parent procedure

• Requires a temporary resident status (A/5) period of at least two years

• Proof of child's dependency on the parent and absence of close relatives in country of origin

Humanitarian Grounds:

• In exceptional and special cases

• Following a period of temporary residence permit (A/5)

• Requires recommendation from the Inter-Ministerial Committee for Humanitarian Affairs

Application Process and Handling

Applying for permanent residency is a complex process requiring careful preparation and precise interaction with immigration authorities at the Ministry of Interior. The process requires meeting defined requirements, presenting original and authenticated documents, and proving eligibility for status. Proper preparation and organized submission of all required documents through an attorney to the Ministry of Interior will help expedite the process and increase chances of success. Here are the main stages:

File Preparation:

• Collection of all required documents (certificates, approvals, foreign passport)

• Proof of center of life in Israel (rental contract, salary slips, bills)

• Affidavits and authenticated original documents

Application Submission:

• Application to the Population and Immigration Authority office in the area of residence

• Payment of fee (as of 2025: 195 NIS)

• Personal presence required

Review Process:

• Personal interviews with officials

• Document verification and information authentication

• Assessment of threshold conditions compliance

Practical Tips and Special Considerations

Our professional experience in handling permanent residency applications shows that there are key points that can significantly impact the success of the process. Here is essential information to help deal with common challenges:

Maintaining Status:

• Careful documentation of center of life in Israel

• Keeping receipts, bills, and documents proving continuous residence

• Reporting changes in personal status

Dealing with Difficulties:

• Professional legal consultation is recommended

• Keeping copies of all submitted documents

• Documenting all communication with authorities

Summary

Obtaining permanent residency status is a complex process requiring attention to detail and persistence. It's important to prepare in advance with all required documents and meet all conditions set by law and procedures. Professional legal guidance can significantly assist in the success of the process.

For additional information and professional consultation, we invite you to contact us.