Note
Due to the war, any visas that expired between February 22 – March 31 are being given an automatic three month extension by the government, as outlined here.
A toshav arai is a temporary resident of Israel.
An A/1/א visa grants the visa holder temporary resident status, allowing them to legally live and work in Israel for the duration of their visa.
Who May Acquire an A/1 Visa?
To be eligible for an A/1 visa, one must not be an Israeli citizen (see here) and must be Jewish (i.e. eligible under the Law of Return).
How Long is an A/1 Visa Valid?
An A/1 visa is generally valid for 3 years. It may be extended an additional two times for one year each, up to a maximum of 5 years total.
Note
An applicant who is not eligible for an A/1 visa, or one whose A/1 visa has expired after 5 years, may be eligible for an A/5 which is another temporary resident visa.
What is a Toshav Arai Eligible For?
- Bituach LeumiBituach Leumi is Israel’s national insurance institute that provides insurance and social security benefits to residents of Israel. Members of Bituach Leumi access healthcare services through one of the 4 health funds/ networks called kupot cholim. (National Insurance) membership, after 183 days of residency in Israel
- Legal permission to work in Israel
- An Israeli ID number (mispar zehut) and an Israeli ID card (teudat zehut)- in a different color than that of Israeli citizens
- Exemption from army service
Note
Children of a toshav arai born in Israel will automatically be Israeli citizens.
Application for an A/1 (Toshav Arai) Visa
In order to apply for an A/1 visa, every applicant – including children – must appear in person at the visa department of the Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) nearest them.
Check the branch’s visa hours and appointment requirements. At this time, all branches require that one make an advance appointment.
For an application in Jerusalem, make an appointment by sending an email to: ashrot-jerusalem@piba.gov.il
Tip
In the email, include the names and passport numbers of all applicants. Supply a phone number and specify if you need a visa for an adult or child, if it is a first time or renewal, the amount of visas required, etc. It is suggested to attach a file containing all your documentation for review.
A Misrad Hapnim representative should call or email you to schedule your appointment. They may call from a blocked number, so be sure to answer all calls. It is advisable to check your email spam folder as well.
The following documents should be brought to the appointment :
- Criminal records check from the applicant’s place of origin, with an apostille. See here for more information.
- Applicant’s original birth certificate, on which the applicants’ parents names must appear, with an apostilleAn apostille (from the French word for “marginal note”) is an additional certification attached to a legal document from one country that makes it acceptable in another. See here for more information
- Proof of personal status:
- For married applicants: Foreign marriage license with an apostille, or alternatively an ishur nisu’in.
- For single applicants: Proof of singlehood either from country of origin or a signed declaration from an Israeli notary.
- The applicant’s passport plus a copy. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the length of the visa requested.
- Three current passport photos
- An original letter from a recognized rabbi abroad (head of a congregation or institution), written on official stationery stating the applicant is “Jewish by birth.” This letter must include:
- applicant’s name
- date of birth
- passport number
- parents’ names and dates of birth
If the applicant is a ger, additional documentation is required. - how the rabbi is familiar with the applicant
- A letter written and signed by the applicant stating that they would like to live in Israel for the next 3 years.
- Completed visa application form
Note
All documents must be original.
Documents that are not in English or Hebrew must be presented with a notarized translation.
After submitting the documents, the applicant will be notified by Misrad Hapnim when to come pick up their visa and teudat zehut. Processing time is generally about 6 weeks.
Renewing a Toshav Arai Visa
To renew a toshav arai visa, schedule an appointment at Misrad Hapnim as described here.
Children under 16 are not required to be present.
Bring all the documents that were needed for the original application in addition to proof of residency in Israel (e.g., utility bills, Israeli bank statements etc. ).
The original 3 year visa may be renewed twice for one additional year each time.
