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The Israeli Procedure for a Marriage Visa

Joshua Pex
Joshua Pex

Halvor Ronning

Courteous, clear, efficient service.

Marce Ruth St. Rey

Party time in the heart, my beloved husband received his residence after so much time of battles and faith. Gratitude, God has blessed us with wonderful beings who have accompanied us, including a "precious angel" who touched our hearts, our excellent and fantastic lawyer: Maria Chernin Dekel, sweet and wonderful human being, who has guided us and stayed On our side. side in this intense legal transit whom we bless on every occasion. God bless you dear Maria, you have exceeded your professional duty by containing us and collaborating with us in hard times, very hard, for that we want to thank you publicly, you are unique!!!
We bless and thank the entire team at Decker Pex Tal Ofir Law Firm.

Alexander P Gutterman

EU PASSPORT ! Big news! Thanks to Michael Decker and the other good people at the law office, as well as to the virtue of my ancestors, the cruelty of the Inquisition, reparations issued in the Iberian Peninsula, and etc, I am delighted to be on track for Portuguese and European Union Citizenship! A truly incredible development and one which brings me deep joy.

Sophie Cooperman

Oded Ger did an excellent job by reviewing a modeling contract I was offered. Explained the bad clauses in the contract, and their possible consequences. Thank you for your amazing job, your professionalism, your consultation and honesty. You showed me from your experience how it can be done differently. It was the best decision choosing you as my lawyer.
I highly recommend this firm, especially Oded Ger.

Priscilla Moses

competent consulting, fast processing, reliable, warm & good team. highly recommended

Michael Soffer

I would like to recommend Attorney Yehuda Elcharar. He assisted both me and my company in a complex lawsuit. He handled negotiations that led to a favorable outcome much quicker than expected.

I am extremely pleased with choosing Attorney Elcharar. Many thanks also to the office team, Oz and Chaya, for their assistance throughout the entire process.

Thanks again ????

YK C

We had a pleasure of working with Irena Rosenberg who assisted in getting our two U.S. born children registered in Israel and supported visa process for my wife in 2021. During the pandemic, my wife and I decided to move to Israel where I am originally from after living in the U.S. for over 20 years, but we had no idea how to go about securing visas before and after arriving in Israel. Irena is knowledgeable, reliable and competent lawyer who always had answers to all our questions which made us feel confident that everything would be fine with her assistance. We are now happily living in Israel and are so grateful to have Irena who is a genuinely nice person as our lawyer.

Andreas Kelling

We have been working with Decker, Pex & Co - Law Firm in Tel Aviv for many years very well. Because we appreciated their lawyers services, we recommended businesses and individuals again and again to go there as well.

Arielle Bosch

Incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, accessible, and evident across the board that they truly care about the people they are helping. They are quick to respond, engaged, and obviously top-notch lawyers. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. Thank you, Joshua and Itamar for your help with our Joint Life Application. You were a calming energy during a storm - always breathed a sigh of relief after speaking with you. It is so difficult to get straight answers from the Misrad Hapnim, but you guys are straight shooters. I appreciate your candor and evident integrity. Hope to work with you in the future, and will send everyone I know in need of legal aid your way. Thank you for your guidance and support.

Michael and Ariellah Waizman

For Advocate Joshua Pex.

We were in a devastating situation when my wife received an order from the immigration office to leave Israel within 30 days, without any explanation, after we have been married and in the process for six and a half years. We heard of Advocate Pex through a friend of a friend. We contacted Mr. Pex and he was ready to help us when he heard of our situation.

The service is amazing! Always ready to assist without regard to the time it takes. The advice Mr. Pex gave us was great, such as what to do, he gave useful links, and advice about which officials to contact. The price for the service was great!

The process until we received the extension for another year for my wife was not long (3 months). Things started moving once Mr. Pex came into the picture.

We highly recommend Advocate Joshua Pex! We achieved our goal and the fear of deportation has been lifted!

Josh W-S

The firm had a quick response to my last-minute needs, they were helpful in communicating with me in English, and they fulfilled my needs in a timely fashion.

Amir Abt

The best lawyer firm I’ve had dealt with. I would like to thank Anat Levi and Ariel Galili from the Jerusalem branch for all of their efforts and patience, we could not have been Able to reach to where we are now without them

Sveta Vashkevich

We (myself and my husband) came to Mr. Joshua Pex – for his professional advice – and we received such human warmth and caring attitude, that our hearts melted …

His attention to our details and our situation peculiarities, combined with his professionalism and knowledge, helped us to map out what needs to be done on our part: we appreciate and recommend You, Mr. Joshua!

Adi Katina

Great Team. With no doubt, this office is actually thee best-leading office in Israel. Simply put, if you want your case to win, just join them, hand in your documents, and celebrate the victory.

Kindest regards,
Adi k.

Matthias Oppliger

I have been receiving services from this Law Firm for several years now and I want to say THANK YOU to the team, especially Joshua Pex. They are doing outstanding work. The services I have received for both our Israeli non profit association but also our social business have helped us solve many issues at hand and provided solutions in complicated situations. Personally, I am grateful for support in visa issues as a foreigner living now in Israel for many years.

Schruuf

We were very pleased and content with the services of this law firm. They supported us 100% and solved our case successfully, we couldn't be happier.

Esty A

I had a consultation with Batya and she was very helpful. She made sure I understood all the information I needed, and was patient with me in gathering documents I needed.

Shaltiel Devorah

Mr. Joshua Pex is knowledgeable and Professional. I really appreciate his courteous and direct approach.

Dongdiet & Nellie

We are very happy with the services. Somehow they managed to translate the law lingo into language we actually understand 😉 and their outstanding YouTube videos helped us to have a better grasp of what process we had to go through. Their patience, clear explanation and experience are very valuable. It's also very nice to know that you will receive response promptly; it made us feel we can really trust their services. We recommend all those looking for immigration lawyers to get in touch.

Paul Prince

The team of lawyers and assistants are incredibly professional. Aiming to give their clients the advice possible regarding the normative and the law of Israel. With well trained and professional secretary at the front desk to the lawyers team, I could say that I had one of the most professional services possible. I'm super glad of choosing Joshua Pex of Law office for immigration solution, lawyers to advise in my case, to me, it is remarkable.

Dumitrascu Cristina

Best lawyer house from Israel! I couldn’t dealt with my situation without their professionalism and effectiveness. Their dedication to every legal aspect and their drive it’s how a true lawyer house can be!
Working in European market and international now, I couldn’t dare to let myself wide my wings on countries unknown to me. Definitely they’ll be the lawyers representing me, my business at every international aspect and on personal development.
When you hear Decker,Pex,Ofir &Co, you hear 10+ class services, luxurious professionals, confidentiality and exclusive attention to your needs.

Yossi Montrose

Very knowledgeable and professional

lynn vonne

Excellent service, very friendly and helpful, fast responding and very patient. Highly recommend. I will choose them again next time if needed.

Jacob Newberry

A really excellent firm. They knew exactly how to handle my situation effectively and efficiently, and we got the result I needed without much fuss. Adi Berger was a wonderful advocate for me and I am deeply grateful for her help!

Kfir Cohen

We were searching for a law firm that will be honest with us and really work hard for a satisfying result, it wasn't an easy task
We found them online; they were the only law firm from all of our searchings which were completely honest and NOT gave us just what we wanted to hear
Using them guaranteed honesty above all. A legal team that is friendly and cares for a superb result
They really care about helping their customers without any other interest
Nadia gave us service behind what we expected; she was professional which lead to fast and easy process with great result
We definitely recommend using them

Israel iluz

We were very satisfied with the service of Nehama. She was very professional in all her dealings and kept us informed all the way.
We highly recommend this law firm. They proved to be reliable, efficient and pleasant to work with.

Sergei m Vashkevich

We came to Mr. Joshua with so many questions (and most of all, with so many concerns and worries) …

When we explained our case to him, first of all, he calmed us down and helped us to see the big picture, which took away our fears;

Then he presented us with a detailed explanation and a few options to explore, and a timeline, how things work and necessary steps to undertake on our part,

We thank and highly recommend Mr. Joshua for showing us so much empathy, care and professionalism (!)

Gáspár Erőss

If you need to solve any complicated legal issue in Israel, don't hesitate to contact them. Otherwise you will loose hours/days/weeks with things that they can solve in minutes. They helped me to obtain my expert working visa in Israel and even after that they responded further questions and gave me advices related to administrative issues in Israel which saved me a lot of time. Irena Rosenberg and Michael Decker worked on my case, they are very professional and helpful. They will not let you down, feel free to contact them.

Lilian Granovsky

I can highly recommend these services!
Every time we turned to Joshua we always got a professional quick and helpful respond.

Eden Weiss

Extrmely friendly, professional and helpful. A big thank you to Irina especially from the Jerusalem office. Highly Recommended.

Michelle Long

Josh has been helping me on and off for a few years now. I have needed legal advice and assistance with immigration due to a complex situation of mine, and he has been extremely available and responsive, honest and clear about my route and how to proceed. Very much recommended!

David De La Rosa

Very friendly, professional, and effective, highly recommended

TarcisioePotira Freitas

I really recommend the law office's services. The service is very professional and efficient, the price is right. I am satisfied with the services I needed and happy to have known them.

Shurouq Hajyassin

We were very satisfied with the consultation we had.
You were very straightforward with us , You tried to help us in every way you could . we really appreciate that.
And of course the fast reply we got from you on our emails and the appointment you gave us .
You deserve more than 5 stars????

Наталья Мажуга

Great lawyers Joshua Pex and Nechama and Michael Deker who really want to help you and I have very trustful relationships with them. All my cases they took they won. Thank you and let’s keep working together

Lauma Zariņa

This is definitely the best lawyer I know!!! very honest and super helpful he really helped me a lot dealing with immigration issues in Israel and it was very successful!
I highly recommend

Genaan Abdelall

I cannot recommend Nechama enough! Her expertise, professionalism, and dedication to her clients is unparalleled. From the moment I reached out to her, she provided clear and concise communication, and helped me navigate through a complex legal issue with ease.

Throughout the entire process, Nechama went above and beyond to ensure that I was informed and comfortable with every decision. She demonstrated a deep knowledge of the law, and was able to offer sound advice that ultimately led to a positive outcome.

What sets Nechama apart is her compassionate and empathetic approach to her clients. She truly cares about the well-being of her clients, and it shows in the way she handles every case.

If you are in need of a lawyer, I highly recommend Nechama.

Joshua Pex was both an amazing human being and an inspiring human rights attorney. I reported directly to him for various activities I performed as in intern. I was impressed with his incredibly solid character. He is trustworthy, fair, and goes above and beyond to advocate for the vulnerable. He is completely trustworthy and high caliber in his work. His partners and employees are very blessed to work with him. I am honored to know them.

Heather Lebrun

Tomer Hila Birnbach

I received a recommendation from friends about the firm, and indeed every word is correct, a service team, professional, welcoming, a fair price for the work I requested, I am satisfied

Greg Olson

We highly recommend Adv. Mike Decker and have know him for many years. He has helped our family with many battles over the years. We recently received our permanent residency after 23 years in Israel. We so much appreciate Mike’s representation of us.

Prima Lorenzo

I admire the Austrian citizenship team in Tel-Aviv branch! They deserve more then 5 stars!! They are very friendly and professional. I've got Austrian citizenship in 4 months for all family members which consists of 12 people! The entire team is very friendly and responsive. They are always answering questions and support during the process. I recommend to everyone. Was 100% satisfied.

Stuart Safft

I am delighted to report that my wife and I have just obtained our Israeli citizenship. We will be forever grateful for all of the help, guidance and support which Ariel Galili of Decker, Pex & Co. provided through this process.
I am a Jewish, 80-year-old American, and my wife is not Jewish. We had started the process on our own back in November 2020 via the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B’Nefesh, but soon became entangled in the delays and often-changing regulations due to Covid-19. The pandemic also caused delays in obtaining the required apostilles for various documents from various state agencies and the US State Department.
We found Decker, Pex & Co. On the internet and began working with Ariel in late November 2021. Ariel did a superb job of leading us through the process, helping us to understand which documents were essential, which would most likely be required, and which, though included on the list of required documents, were rarely required. He helped us several times to understand what was likely and unlikely to occur as “the next step.” Helping us manage our expectations was extremely useful to us.
Besides his knowing the laws, regulations and procedures, Ariel also made us feel that he was truly interested in helping us to successfully work through this process in as smooth, timely, and frustration-free manner as possible.
My wife and I strongly recommend anyone planning to go through this process seriously consider hiring Decker, Pex, Ofir & Co. and, specifically, Ariel Galili.

Morgan Jones

The team at Decker, Pex & Co have been awesome to work with in helping our US company establish banking in Israel and in providing counsel for legal needs in Israel. I highly recommend!

How to obtain legal status in Israel as a Foreign Spouse of an Israeli Citizen?

Marriage visa Israel procedure

The Israeli Citizenship Act allows foreign residents to naturalize in Israel and receive Israeli citizenship or permanent residence. This article, by advocate Joshua Pex, explains how the stages of obtaining a legal status in Israel. The article also deals with the rights and procedures that concern the foreign spouse’s minor children. It should be noted that marriage to an Israeli citizen does not grant the foreign spouse an absolute right to obtain status – the couple have to undergo a “gradual process”, receiving a number of visas along the way. Permanent residence or citizenship in Israel are obtained at the end of the process, after approximately five years.

NOTE: This article does not apply to foreign spouses of Israelis residing in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza strip.

In order to facilitate and expedite this Israeli marriage visa process, we recommend using the services of our expert legal team. Members of our team include experts in naturalization and immigration to Israel, who have a great deal of experience with this procedure.

Who Can Use This Service?

Foreign citizens residing in Israel or abroad, may request an Israeli marriage visa based on their relationship with an Israeli citizen.

The Procedure

If the foreign spouse resides in Israel the request should be made in Israel, at the Population Authority’s regional bureau at the Ministry of Interior office closest to their domicile. If both partners reside abroad, the foreign spouse must submit the request before their arrival to Israel at the closest Israeli consulate. If the Israeli partner is in Israel, but the foreign spouse is abroad, the Israeli must receive permission for their foreign partner to enter Israel in advance by issuing an invitation via the Israeli Ministry of Interior.

During the evaluation process the spouse shall be granted a temporary residence permit in Israel, and a work visa with a six-month validity. While the evaluation is in process, this permit shall be extended as required. At the conclusion of the evaluation, if the request is granted, the spouse will commence a progressive naturalization process which lasts approximately four years. If it is found that the procedure was not adhered to or that incomplete information has been provided, the Authority is permitted to revoke any previously granted permit.

Before Submitting the Israeli Marriage Visa Application

Before submitting the request for a spousal visa to Israel, one must ensure that:

  1. The applicants can be physically present. Physical presence is mandatory. If the spouses reside in Israel, both are required to be personally present at the Israeli Ministry of Interior regional bureau; if the foreign spouse resides abroad, the Israeli spouse is required to be personally present at the bureau; if both spouses reside abroad both are required to be personally present at the Israeli consulate closest to their domicile.
  2. The applicants have prepared the required set of documents (referred to as “threshold documents“):
    1) filled and signed request forms.
    2) an original, authenticated and translated marriage certificate.
    3) the appropriate photos of both spouses.
    4) the Israeli identity card of the Israeli spouse, and at a consulate – the Israeli passport.
    5) the foreign spouse’s foreign passport, valid for at least two years.
    6) a letter signed by both spouses presenting the nature of their relationship.
  3. The appropriate original, authenticated and translated documentation pertaining the foreign spouse has been prepared:
    1) a birth certificate.
    2) a public certificate indicating a name change (if such a name change has occurred).
    3) a public certificate originating in the spouse’s country of origin, which indicates their current and previous personal status.
    4) an up-to-date certificate confirming the lack of a criminal record (required also for minors over the age of 16).
  4. Proof of a common center of life in Israel has been prepared: this consists of any indication on the genuineness of the relationship and the existence of a common center of life – rental contracts, common bank accounts, letters from friends and family members, etc.
  5. An affidavit prepared by both spouses: In this they need to declare the authenticity of the documentation and commit to inform the authorities on any change in their circumstances.
  6. Foreign citizens from the former Soviet Union states: They shall be directed to receive an evaluation from the Liaison Bureau (Nativ).

Additional Documents Required for Accompanying Minors

The following documents are required for accompanying minors (children of the foreign spouse from a previous marital relationship): 1) an original, authenticated and translated birth certificate, 2) a foreign passport, valid for at least two years, 3) an authorization from the minor’s other parent, 4) for minors over 15, proof of custody by the foreign spouse for at least two years prior to the request date.

Israeli Marriage Visa Application Fee

The charges for the Israeli marriage visa service are listed in the Israel Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPanim) fee schedule.

How to Submit the Request

The request is to be made at the Population Authority’s bureau at the Ministry of Interior office closest to the domicile of the Israeli spouse or, in the event both spouses reside abroad, at the Israeli consulate closest to their domicile.

How the Request Is Handled

  1. At the time the request for an Israeli marriage visa is submitted, a Population Authority clerk will identify all applicants, open a new computerized file and check the passports, marriage certificate and the foreign spouse’s personal documents. The personal status of the Israeli spouse will be updated accordingly.
  2. A Population Authority employee will check:
    1) the background records of the Israeli and foreign spouses as they appear in the Authority’s systems.
    2) the proof substantiating the genuineness of the relationship and the existence of a common center of life.
    3) whether there exists a criminal record or a security-based hindrance (both spouses and any minors over 14 will be evaluated), or whether the foreign spouse is a citizen of a risk state.
  3. If all the threshold documents are in order, the foreign spouse will be provided with a B/1 residence permit, valid for six months. If the permit cannot be granted due to existing restrictions, the request shall be forwarded to the Bureau’s Visa Center for further evaluation.
  4. If there are missing documents according to the Israeli marriage visa procedure, the couple shall receive a detailed list of what is still required, and these documents are due by the future date appointed for the next phase of the process, at the Visa Division. If these documents are not submitted by the due date, the request will be summarily denied. If the couple requires additional time, they must present a written request for an extension.

After the Request Is Received

  1. Before approving or rejecting the request, the Population Authority workers shall perform a thorough evaluation of the Israeli marriage visa application. During the course of the evaluation the Authority may interview the spouses, perform an evaluation of the genuineness of the relationship and the existence of a common center of life, and determine whether there is a criminal or security-based hindrance.
  2. If a doubt arises with respect to the genuineness of the relationship, the Visa Center may extend the B/1 residence permit for an additional six months at the end of which the genuineness of the relationship shall be re-evaluated. Alternatively, the Authority may condition the continuation of the process on a security deposit.
  3. If the request has been denied, the couple shall be asked to return to the Population Authority’s bureau where they shall receive a full written explanation, and the foreign spouse shall be requested to depart from Israel within 30 days (14 days if they are staying in Israel illegally).
  4. If the request has been approved, the couple shall be asked to return to the Population Authority’s bureau where they will receive an A/5 temporary residence permit which will mark the beginning of the progressive process.

Inviting a Foreign Spouse to Israel

The request must be made prior to the arrival of the foreign spouse to Israel. If during the last year prior to the request, the couple’s center of life was abroad, they must present proof substantiating the genuineness of the relationship and of the existence of their joint household. A decision regarding extending an invitation to the spouse will be given within 45 days. If there is not enough proof to substantiate the genuineness of the relationship, the Visa Center may decline the request or request to interview both spouses; the Israeli spouse’s interview shall take place in Israel, and the foreign spouse shall be interviewed in the appropriate Israeli consulate.

If the request is approved, the appropriate visa shall be sent to the consulate. This visa is only valid for 30 days. Accordingly, the couple must refer to the Authority’s bureau within 30 days of the arrival of the foreign spouse to Israel, and the process will continue there.

A Couple that Desires to Marry Abroad

If the foreign spouse is legally staying in Israel, they can ask for a re-entry visa. Based on an initial evaluation of the genuineness of the relationship, they will be issued a three-month B/2 permit and be authorized to re-enter.

When Both Spouses Reside Abroad

The request must be made prior to the arrival of the foreign spouse to Israel. If during the last year prior to the request the couple’s center of life was abroad, they must present proof substantiating the genuineness of the relationship and of the existence of their joint household. A decision regarding extending an invitation to the spouse will be given within 45 days. If there is not enough proof to substantiate the genuineness of the relationship, the Consul may condition the continuation of the process on a security deposit.

If the request is approved, the appropriate visa shall be sent to the consulate. This visa is only valid for 30 days. Accordingly, the couple must refer to the Authority’s bureau within 30 days of the arrival of the foreign spouse to Israel, and the process will continue there.

The Progressive Process

Upon approval of the Israeli marriage visa request, the foreign spouse (and any accompanying minors) will be granted an Israeli temporary residence (A/5 permit) valid for one year. The foreign spouse shall be registered in the population registry and will be granted a temporary identity card. This permit shall be extended once a year up to a total of four years.

During the progressive process, the couple shall be interviewed, and there shall be a re-evaluation of the genuineness of the relationship and its continuation, the existence of a joint center of life in Israel and the existence of any criminal or security-based hindrance. During this period, the foreign spouse must request an extension to the permit and must present this request no later than three months prior to its expiration. The permit will generally be extended for a period of one year. If it is not possible to make a decision by the time the permit expires, and there is no security-based hindrance, a six month extension shall be granted.

If the relationship has terminated or if the Israeli spouse is deceased, the progressive process shall be terminated.

Ending the Process

No later than three months before the end of the fourth year of stay, the foreign spouse must notify the Authority’s bureau regarding their chosen status, Israeli citizenship or a permanent residence permit. This notification requires the personal presence of both spouses.

There shall be an evaluation to determine that there has been no change in the circumstances, that the marriage is still valid and genuine, that the center of life is in Israel, and if an accompanying minor is involved, that there is no opposition on the part of the other parent.

The Naturalization Process

If the spouse desires to naturalize as an Israeli citizen, they must have resided in Israel at least three of the last five years and must have been residing in Israel continuously for the last two years (with the exception of short vacations). The spouse must also be eligible to become a citizen.

The bureau staff will prepare a naturalization file, and the couple shall be required to take an oath of allegiance to the State of Israel. Presently, a new identity card shall be issued and, at their explicit request, a new passport shall be issued.

We are at Your Service

If you need an expert in matters of Israeli marriage visas or a naturalization and immigration lawyer to Israel, you’ve found the right place. Our law office in Israel – is at your service.

We specialize in the area of immigration to Israel. Please contact us for more information.

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