Working in Israel – for workers
General information about Israeli work visas, the process and your rights.
To work in Israel you need a work visa (B/1) and an employer with a permit in a sector where hiring foreign workers is allowed. The main sectors are caregiving, agriculture, construction, industry and hotels.
Most new workers come under agreements between Israel and their home country. These agreements aim for organized and fair recruitment, including limits on the placement fees a worker pays. It is important to work only with authorized bodies, and to be careful of anyone who asks for large payments in return for a promise of work.
Who may be a good fit?
A general overview. The actual conditions vary by sector and by the agreement with your country.
General conditions
- Citizens of a country that has a recruitment agreement or arrangement with Israel in the relevant sector.
- Meeting the sector's requirements: usually age, experience or professional training, and medical checks.
- No criminal record, according to the requirements of the agreement and the authorities.
- In caregiving: experience or training in caring for people is usually required.
Good to know
- A foreign worker visa is granted for a limited period, and there is a cap on the total time you can stay in Israel.
- The visa is tied to the sector and to an employer with a permit. Moving between employers is possible according to the rules of each sector.
- The law limits the placement fees that may be charged to a worker. Under agreements between countries, the limit is even stricter.
- As a rule, a foreign worker visa does not allow you to bring family members.
Which documents are usually needed?
The exact list varies by sector and by agreement. This general list will help you get started.
- A passport that is valid for long enough
- A certificate of no criminal record from your country
- Medical checks, as required
- Training certificates and proof of work experience
- Visa application forms and photos, as required by the Israeli mission
- A signed employment agreement, in a language you understand
What does the process look like?
The general steps. How long the process takes varies a lot between sectors and countries.
- 1RegistrationYou register through the authorized body in your country, or through a licensed agency, depending on the sector's channel.
- 2Screening and matchingSome sectors have professional tests and interviews. After that, you are matched with an employer that has a permit.
- 3Work visaYou apply for the visa at the Israeli mission, with the required documents.
- 4Arrival and starting workYou arrive in Israel and start working. The employer arranges health insurance and housing, and you receive information about your rights.
Your rights in Israel
Foreign workers in Israel have rights under the law. Here are some of the main ones.
Your exact rights depend on the sector and the agreement. This is general information, not a complete list.
Frequently asked questions from workers
Do I have to pay to get a job in Israel?
The law limits the amount that may be charged to a worker for placement, and under agreements between countries the limit is even stricter. Be careful of anyone who asks for large payments or promises you a job.
Can I change employers?
Yes, but according to the rules of each sector. In some sectors you can change only at certain times or under certain conditions. We will explain what applies to you.
How long can I work in Israel?
The visa is granted for a limited period and is renewed according to the rules, and there is a cap on the total length of stay. The cap and the exceptions differ between sectors.
What is the deposit?
In some sectors, the employer pays money every month into a deposit account for the worker, and the money is paid to the worker when they leave Israel legally.
Can my family join me?
As a rule, a foreign worker visa does not allow you to bring family members to Israel.
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The information on this site is general and is not legal advice. The decision on each application rests with the competent authorities.
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