Entry to Israel and Obtaining a B-2 Visa for Spouses and Minor Children of Experts

For spouses and children up to the age of 18 of foreign experts with academic qualifications: There is the option to come to Israel and stay with your spouse based on a B-2 visa. Important to note: The spouse is not allowed to work unless they have received special permission to do so, which is granted in some cases involving specific expert categories. Failure to adhere to these restrictions may jeopardize the expert’s legal status.

Spouses and minor children of foreign experts from visa-exempt nationalities will receive an initial entry visa for up to 90 days only. As they are immediate family of the foreign expert, a formal request can be submitted to the Ministry of Interior to extend the visa for a duration matching the expert’s work permit. This extension is not automatic and requires consistent proof of the expert’s ongoing employment and legal standing.

For family members from nationalities that are not visa-exempt, an application must be submitted and approved before entering Israel. A visa must be obtained from the relevant Israeli diplomatic mission in their country of permanent residence. The processing time and required documents—such as apostilled birth or marriage certificates—vary significantly based on the specific consulate and individual circumstances.

Generally, a spouse visa can be granted to unmarried partners and/or same-sex partners, subject to providing substantial, documented proof of a long-term, committed relationship with the foreign expert. All family members must also maintain valid private health insurance for the entire duration of their stay.