How Long Does It Take to Get Israeli Citizenship?
Israeli Visa or Citizenship
If you’re considering moving to Israel or have already begun the process, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably, “How long does it take to get Israeli citizenship?” Israel offers several pathways to citizenship, each with its own timeline and set of requirements. This blog will break down the various routes to Israeli citizenship and provide detailed examples to give you a clearer understanding of the timelines involved.
Ways to obtain Israeli Citizenship
There are several ways to obtain Israeli citizenship, including:
Aliyah under the Law of Return
Citizenship through naturalization
Citizenship through birth or descent
Citizenship through marriage
Special cases of citizenship for non-Jewish residents of Israel
Each path has a different process and time frame, so let’s look at each of them in detail.
1. Aliyah Under the Law of Return
The most common way for Jews and their descendants to obtain Israeli citizenship is through Aliyah under the Law of Return. This law allows any Jew, as well as their children, grandchildren, and spouses, to immigrate to Israel and gain immediate citizenship upon arrival.
Timeline for Aliyah-Based Citizenship
For most individuals making Aliyah, Israeli citizenship is granted relatively quickly. Here’s a step-by-step timeline of what to expect:
Application: You start by submitting your Aliyah application through easyaliyah. The application typically takes 2 months from submitting documentation until obtaining a visa depending on case complexity depending on factors like security checks, background checks, and document verification.
Arrival in Israel: Upon arriving in Israel, you are granted immediate temporary citizenship (Teudat Oleh) at the airport. This provisional status enables you to live and work in Israel right away.
Permanent Citizenship: Within your first 90 days in Israel, you will be issued a Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card), which formalizes your full citizenship status. The entire process, from application to receiving full citizenship, usually takes between 2 to 5 months.
Case Example: Aliyah from the United States
Shlomit, a 32-year-old Jewish woman from Boston, applied for Aliyah in May 2023. Her documents were processed quickly, and she was approved in July 2023. By August, Shlomit had landed in Israel and was granted temporary citizenship. After completing the necessary bureaucratic procedures, she received her Teudat Zehut in later in September 2023, making her an Israeli citizen within 3 months of starting her application.
Factors That Could Extend the Timeline
Security checks for individuals from countries with heightened risks can lengthen the process.
Missing documentation or delays in background checks may also cause longer wait times.
Individuals with a criminal record may face additional scrutiny, which could slow down the approval process.
2. Israeli Citizenship Through Naturalization
For non-Jewish individuals who are not eligible for Aliyah but wish to become Israeli citizens, the process of naturalization is available. Naturalization is much more complex and time-consuming compared to the Law of Return.
Timeline for Naturalization-Based Citizenship
Residency Requirement: To apply for naturalization, you must first live in Israel for 3 consecutive years on a permanent residence visa. During this period, you must demonstrate that Israel is your primary place of residence.
Language and Integration: You are required to show basic proficiency in Hebrew and prove that you are well integrated into Israeli society. This may take time depending on your Hebrew language skills and social integration.
Submission and Approval: Once you’ve met the residency and integration requirements, you can submit your application for citizenship. The approval process generally takes between 4 to 6 months, depending on the case.
Case Example: A Non-Jewish Resident Seeking Naturalization
James, a British national, moved to Israel in 2018 for work and obtained a permanent residence visa. After living in Israel for three years, he applied for citizenship in early 2022. Due to his strong ties to the country, including Hebrew fluency and Israeli friends, his application was processed without a hitch. By the end of 2022, John was granted citizenship— a process that took about 4 years from the time he first moved to Israel.
Factors That Could Extend the Timeline
Hebrew proficiency: If your Hebrew skills are insufficient, you may be asked to complete language courses before applying.
Proof of integration: Applicants who struggle to demonstrate integration into Israeli society may face delays.
Complex legal situations: Individuals with unique legal statuses or those from countries with complicated diplomatic relationships may experience longer wait times.
3. Israeli Citizenship Through Birth or Descent
Another way to obtain Israeli citizenship is through birth or descent. If you were born to an Israeli parent, you are automatically entitled to Israeli citizenship, even if you were born outside of Israel.
Timeline for Citizenship by Descent
Immediate Citizenship: If you are born in Israel, you are automatically considered an Israeli citizen, regardless of whether your parents were Israeli citizens or permanent residents.
Citizenship for Children Born Abroad: If you were born abroad to an Israeli parent, the process to claim your citizenship is relatively simple and can take a few weeks to a few months depending on the documentation required. Typically, the parents need to visit the local Israeli consulate or embassy to register the birth and apply for citizenship for their child.
Case Example: Child Born Abroad to Israeli Parents
Daniel, the son of Israeli citizens living in Canada, was born in Toronto. His parents registered his birth with the Israeli consulate when he was two months old. By the time he was five months old, Daniel had received his Israeli passport and Teudat Zehut, making him an Israeli citizen in just 3 months.
4. Israeli Citizenship Through Marriage
If you are married to an Israeli citizen, you may apply for citizenship through marriage. However, the process is not automatic and includes several stages to ensure that the marriage is legitimate and not entered into solely for citizenship purposes.
Timeline for Citizenship Through Marriage
Temporary Residency: The process typically begins with the foreign spouse receiving a temporary residency visa (A/5 visa). This visa allows them to live and work in Israel but does not yet grant full citizenship. This stage lasts for 3 to 5 years.
Permanent Residency: After the initial residency period, the foreign spouse may apply for permanent residency, which can take another 1 to 2 years.
Citizenship Application: After completing the permanent residency period and demonstrating a stable marriage, the foreign spouse may apply for citizenship. The final approval may take between 6 months to 1 year.
Case Example: Non-Jewish Spouse Seeking Citizenship
Maria, a Spanish national, married her Israeli husband in 2018 and moved to Israel shortly after. She received her A/5 visa and lived in Israel for four years before applying for permanent residency in 2022. After another year of permanent residency, Maria was granted citizenship in 2023— a process that took around 5 years from the time of her marriage.
Factors That Could Extend the Timeline
Suspicion of marriage fraud: If the authorities suspect that the marriage is fraudulent, the process may be significantly delayed.
Failure to meet residency requirements: Not living in Israel for the required period may slow the process.
5. Israeli Citizenship for Non-Jewish Residents
There are certain non-Jewish populations in Israel, such as Druze, Bedouins, or Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, who may seek Israeli citizenship under special circumstances. These cases vary widely in complexity and timeline.
Timeline for Special Cases
East Jerusalem Palestinians: Palestinians living in East Jerusalem can apply for Israeli citizenship, but the process is often long and politically sensitive. The timeline can range from several months to several years, depending on the specific situation and political climate.
Druze and Bedouins: Non-Jewish residents of Israel, like Druze or Bedouins, often receive Israeli citizenship at birth, but those who do not can apply for naturalization under certain conditions, which can take 3 to 5 years.
Case Example: East Jerusalem Resident Seeking Citizenship
Fatima, a Palestinian woman from East Jerusalem, applied for Israeli citizenship in 2015. Due to the political situation and the complexity of her case, her application took nearly 7 years before it was finally approved in 2022.
Conclusion: How Long Does It Take to Get Israeli Citizenship?
The time it takes to get Israeli citizenship varies significantly depending on the path you choose. For those making Aliyah, the process can be relatively quick, taking between 3 to 6 months. For others, such as those pursuing naturalization or marriage-based citizenship, the process can take several years.