Israel may be a small country but it offers a great quality of life to its citizens and Israeli passport holders can enjoy visa-free travel to over 160 countries. It is considered one of the most advanced countries in the Middle East and Western Asia.
Despite having limited natural resources, the country has made a name for itself with its thriving industry and technological advancements. To be able to live in Israel and study or work over an extended period of time, citizenship is a promising route.
Israeli citizenship is governed by Israel’s Nationality Law. Under this law, citizenship can be acquired through five routes.
Read: How to Apply for Israel Student Visa
Different Ways To Get Israeli Citizenship
1. Citizenship by Birth
Anyone born in Israel or outside the country with one or both parents as Israeli citizens is eligible for citizenship by birth. A child born even after the death of a parent who was an Israeli citizen can claim citizenship through this route.
Citizenship by birth also applies to children born in Israel with no prior nationality. These cases are subject to certain limitations and citizenship may be granted if the person applies for citizenship between the ages of 18 and 25 years or if they have been a resident in the country for at least 5 consecutive years before applying for citizenship.
How to apply
To apply for citizenship by birth, the applicant must submit the following documents to the local Population and Immigration Authority office or the nearest mission (in case the applicant is abroad).
- Cover letter explaining why citizenship is being applied for
- Consent from both parents
- Application form
- Copy of both parent’s ID
- Current passport or travel documents
Read: Top 10 Countries Where You Can Immigrate and Settle Easily
2. Citizenship by the Law of Return
According to the Law of Return, any Jew, born anywhere in the world, has the right to return to Israel as an ‘oleh’ or a Jew immigrating to Israel and apply for citizenship. For the purpose of this law, a Jew is defined as anyone born to a Jewish mother or anyone who has converted to Judaism. In 1970, this definition was expanded to include children and grandchildren of Jews as well as the grandchildren’s spouse
Under this law, the person gets Israeli citizenship on arrival in the country or on receipt of the Oleh certificate.
In the case of an inter-faith marriage, the law may not apply to those people who were Jews and later converted to another religion. It also excludes people who may be considered threats to the security and health of the state, those with criminal pasts and those involved in activities against the Jewish interests.
How to apply
To apply for citizenship under this law you will need to submit the Notification of Interest in Receiving Citizenship as per section 4A of The Law of Return form to the local Population and Immigration Authority office along with proof of your eligibility.
3. Citizenship by Residence
Former citizens of the British Mandatory Palestine who have lived in Israel between the years of 1948 and 1952 can become citizens by residence or on their return to the country.
4. Citizenship by Marriage
A foreign citizen married to an Israeli citizen can apply for citizenship through marriage. This includes Jews and non-Jews. In such cases, citizenship is granted gradually over 5 years. To be eligible, they must live in Israel and share a household with their spouse.
The documents required include:
- Application for naturalization form
- Applicant’s ID
- Israeli travel document or foreign passport
- Proof of home address – contract for a home purchase or rental agreement signed by the landlord and applicant
- Kupat Holim document confirming the date of registration
- National Insurance Institute receipt of benefits confirmation
- Payslips for the applicant and his/her spouse
5. Citizenship by Naturalization
Individuals who are currently living in Israel and have lived in Israel for at least 3 consecutive years with a 5-year-valid permanent residency status are eligible for Israeli citizenship by naturalization. They must also be able to speak Hebrew to an extent and renounce any other citizenship currently held.
Documents required to apply for citizenship through naturalization are:
- Naturalization statement
- Applicant’s ID
- Israeli travel document or foreign passport
- Proof of home address – contract for a home purchase or rental agreement signed by the landlord and applicant
- Kupat Holim document confirming the date of registration
- National Insurance Institute receipt of benefits confirmation
- Payslips for the applicant and his/her spouse
If children are included in the application, you will also need to submit a copy of their vaccination booklets and certificates from their school.
Also Read
- Passport Rankings For 2021 – List Of Countries With The Most Powerful And Weakest Passports In the Word
- How to Apply for Israel Tourist Visa
