Working in Israel during the Gradual Process

The short answer

In most cases, yes. While the application is reviewed, the foreign partner is usually given a B/1 licence, which the procedures call a licence to stay and work. Later, in the A/5 stage, the foreign partner holds a temporary residence licence, and A/5 holders are also entitled to work. What matters is the licence you actually hold on the day: a tourist visa is not a work licence, so check your licence before starting a job.

This article is based on three procedures of the Population and Immigration Authority: 5.2.0008 for spouses of citizens (edition 16, 20.07.2026), 5.2.0009 for shared life and same-sex couples (edition 17, 16.07.2026), and 5.2.0011 for spouses of permanent residents (10.12.2020).

While the application is being reviewed

For a foreign partner married to an Israeli citizen, and for one married to a permanent resident, the procedures say that during the review a general B/1 licence to stay and work is given for up to half a year. It is given subject to the views of the authorities consulted, to the required documents and to the absence of any other impediment. This period is not counted as part of the Gradual Process. Under the procedure for spouses of permanent residents, the licence can be extended until the checks are finished.

If the foreign partner already holds a valid licence when applying, the procedures deal with it case by case, for example by extending the existing licence during the review. A resident of the Area receives a different kind of permit under the procedures.

Which licence you hold in each track

• Married to an Israeli citizen (5.2.0008): after approval, an A/5 temporary residence licence for four years in total, first for one year and then extended for up to two years at a time.
• Shared life with an Israeli citizen (5.2.0009): a B/1 licence for three years, then A/5 for four years. With a permanent resident: four years of B/1, then five of A/5. The first licence is given for one year, and extensions are for up to two years.
• Married same-sex couples (5.2.0009): an A/5 licence for four years.
• Married to a permanent resident (5.2.0011): a B/1 licence to stay and work for 27 months, then A/5 for three years, then permanent residency.

How long the Gradual Process takes

If you already work as a caregiver

If the foreign partner holds a valid caregiver B/1 licence when applying, the procedures require a letter from the employer saying the employer knows about the application and wants to go on employing the foreign partner. Under the procedure for spouses of permanent residents, a foreign partner who stops working for the caregiving employer has the licence replaced by a general B/1 licence, subject to the procedure.

The licence must stay valid

The right to work goes with a valid licence. Every licence in the Gradual Process is given for a fixed period, and before each renewal there is an interview and a fresh check. If a licence expires and is not renewed, the foreign partner holds no valid licence until it is. Apply to renew three months before the expiry date.

Travel abroad, including for work: anyone holding a temporary licence who leaves Israel without a re-entry visa loses the licence on departure. Ask for a re-entry visa before every trip.

Renewing the licence: when and how

Social rights are a separate question

Being allowed to work is not the same as being covered by National Insurance or state health insurance. Those rights are decided separately by the National Insurance Institute and depend, among other things, on the licence you hold and on being recognised as a resident of Israel. Check your own situation with them before relying on any cover.

How IsraelVisa helps

IsraelVisa helps you keep track of the expiry dates of your licences and documents, so that the foreign partner is not left without a valid licence, and keeps the evidence of your shared life in order for every renewal, yourselves and at your own pace. IsraelVisa does not give legal advice; if you wish, you can find independent lawyers through IsraelVisa.

Frequently asked questions

Can the foreign partner work while the application is being reviewed?

Usually yes, once the B/1 licence to stay and work is issued; during the review it is given for up to half a year. Until a licence that allows work is issued, check which licence you hold: a tourist visa does not allow work.

Does the review period count towards the Gradual Process?

No. Under the procedures for spouses of citizens and of permanent residents, the B/1 licence given during the review, for up to half a year, is not counted as part of the Gradual Process.

Is an A/5 holder allowed to work?

Yes. A/5 temporary residents are among the licence holders entitled to work in Israel.

I work as a caregiver on a B/1 licence. What do I need?

A letter from the employer saying the employer knows about your application and wants to go on employing you.

Related guides

• The Gradual Process: how a foreign partner gets status in Israel
• Married couples: the Gradual Process
• Shared life and common-law couples: the Gradual Process

Sources

• Procedure 5.2.0008 - status for a foreign spouse married to an Israeli citizen (edition 16, 20.07.2026), sections C.7, C.25 and the caregiver B/1 provision (Hebrew)
• Procedure 5.2.0009 - applications for status on the basis of a shared life (edition 17, 16.07.2026), sections G.1-G.2 (Hebrew)
• Procedure 5.2.0011 - status for a foreign spouse married to a permanent resident (10.12.2020), sections B.4, B.5, D.2 (Hebrew)
• Kol Zchut - temporary resident: rights and the licences that carry the right to work (Hebrew)