Legal Status for a Foreign Spouse in Israel

The process of arranging legal status for a foreign spouse married to an Israeli citizen is a complex procedure according to the Ministry of Interior’s regulations, lasting at least five years. It begins with submitting an application form for obtaining legal status in Israel for the foreign spouse of an Israeli citizen, through providing various certificates from the foreign spouse’s country of origin, and culminating in annual interviews at the Ministry of Interior offices.

During this period, the couple is required to prove that they maintain a joint household and a genuine and authentic relationship through various means, including repeated questioning at the Ministry of Interior. It is recommended to seek assistance in this process from a lawyer specializing in status arrangement who is knowledgeable about the procedures and experienced in representation at the Ministry of Interior to arrange the status without obstacles.

The process for obtaining full citizenship in Israel for foreign spouses of Israelis is called a “graduated process,” and as its name suggests, it requires ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Interior over years and regular appearances until full status is obtained.

Among the documents that couples need to provide to the Ministry of Interior for status arrangement are: birth certificate, certificate of good conduct, certificate of single status, marriage certificate (if applicable), photos and evidence proving the authenticity of the relationship between the couple, and more. Often, the documents are required to have an “Apostille” stamp, which is given in the countries of origin of the couple or from the embassy in Israel, depending on the circumstances of the case.

The Ministry of Interior also recognizes a publicly known spouses partners or unmarried couples. Arranging status for a foreign partner in Israel does not require the couple to be married; it’s sufficient for the couple to maintain a joint life, meaning they live in a shared household and conduct their lives as a couple, to be able to submit the application for status arrangement.

The process of arranging status for a foreign common-law partner is complex according to the Ministry of Interior’s procedures, usually lasting about seven years until receiving a permanent residence permit. Initially, a temporary residence permit is granted for a period that extends each time, and after several years, the application for arranging the status of the foreign partner is reconsidered at the Ministry of Interior. If everything proceeds properly, eventually citizenship for the foreign common-law partner becomes possible.

It is possible to conduct Utah marriages, civil marriages via Zoom, which are accepted by the Ministry of Interior. Our office conducts these marriages for our clients.

Our firm specializes in arranging residence permits and granting citizenship to foreign spouses of Israeli citizens, including arranging status for a foreign spouse after becoming widowed or divorced.

The Ministry of Interior’s procedures regulate situations where the graduated process for obtaining citizenship is interrupted for one reason or another. Sometimes, due to unfortunate circumstances such as the death of the Israeli spouse or, alternatively, divorce, the couple’s process is terminated, but there are many justifications for the foreign spouse to remain in Israel and be eligible to receive citizenship or permanent residency.

Among other things, in these cases, the Ministry of Interior examines the applicant’s connection to the State of Israel, the length of time they have lived in Israel, the social-economic settlement of the applicant in the country, whether there are shared children, and more.

The Ministry of Interior recognizes same-sex couples. The process of arranging status for a foreign same-sex partner in Israel also requires a graduated process of proving the authenticity of the relationship. The couple needs to prove the nature of their relationship, that they live in a shared household and conduct their lives as a couple, in order to submit the application for status arrangement.

The process of arranging status for a foreign common-law partner is complex according to the Ministry of Interior’s procedures, usually lasting about five to seven years until receiving a permanent residence permit.

It is possible to conduct Utah marriages, civil marriages via Zoom, which are accepted by the Ministry of Interior, also for same-sex couples. Our office conducts these marriages, which demonstrate the seriousness of the relationship.

When looking for a lawyer to arrange legal status, it’s important to get an impression from the practical testimonials of the firm’s clients. Check the level of trust the lawyer instills in you during the initial consultation and whether you feel you will receive professional and reliable assistance performed in the best possible way. Verify the lawyer’s achievements and years of experience.

Skilled and precise legal handling by a lawyer well-versed in immigration laws usually streamlines the process and shortens it, saving valuable time and significant financial costs. Experience and in-depth familiarity with the Ministry of Interior’s procedures will distinguish between short, successful treatment and a lengthy process.

The lawyers from our firm are not only professional experts in the specific field, but also know how to communicate optimally and pleasantly with the authorized officials at the Population Authority, the courts, and provide patient and courteous service to their clients, alongside assertiveness. Zari Hazan & Co. Law Firm is the leading law firm in civil status and immigration in Israel, with a reputation for many successes in the field, representing many clients before the Population Authority, the Appeals Court, and the Administrative Courts.

The firm specializes in arranging status in Israel for foreign spouses of Israeli citizens, assists in proving paternity and handling children of the foreign spouse, and in all matters required before the Population and Immigration Authority. You are invited to contact us at any time for professional legal advice and assistance in the firm’s areas of expertise.