Main factors affecting step-by-step procedure
Naturalization of a foreign spouse. How to start process correctly?
From the perspective of the Israeli Ministry of Interior, to initiate the family reunification process, the foreign spouse must obtain special permission to enter Israel. Attempting to enter under the guise of a regular tourist is not advisable. This could result in refusal of entry, immigration detention, and a ban on visiting Israel for the next 5-10 years. To avoid this, the Israeli spouse must apply to the Israeli Ministry of Interior for permission for the foreign spouse to enter with the purpose of family reunification. Alternatively, if the spouses reside together outside the country and plan to return together, the process must be initiated through the Israeli consulate abroad. To ensure everything is done correctly and to avoid serious consequences, consulting with an immigration lawyer is advisable.
What else is important to know about step-by-step procedure?
Before entering Israel for family reunification, the foreign spouse must gather a package of necessary documents. The list of required documents is available on the website of the Israeli Ministry of Interior. However, in practice, the Ministry may request additional documents not mentioned in the list. It is always advisable to consult with a specialist to find out what additional paperwork may be required in a specific case, how to properly prepare them, where to certify translations into Hebrew, and which exact documents are needed.
If the process goes smoothly, the timeline from opening a case with the Ministry of Interior to obtaining citizenship is approximately 4-5 years for officially married couples and around 7 years to obtain permanent residency for couples in a civil partnership. Couples in a civil partnership can also apply for citizenship for the foreign spouse, but there may be additional conditions involved.
Step-by-step procedure for married couples
Step-by-step procedure for civil partners
Why do you need a lawyer for step-by-step procedure?
It’s important to understand that even a 100% compliance with all instructions and procedures does not guarantee smooth and unhindered naturalization. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Israel may refuse to legalize a foreign spouse at any stage of step-by-step process based on the slightest suspicion of insincerity on the part of the spouses. Timely consultation with a lawyer to handle the case can help avoid the need to challenge the decisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in court.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is step-by-step procedure?
Step-by-step procedure is a process that allows spouses to reunite and legalize their marriage in Israel. This process involves the spouse obtaining a B1 visa (work visa), followed by an A5 visa (temporary residency), and then obtaining permanent residency or citizenship. The process begins with filing an application to open a case at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Israel. This is an important step that requires document collection and legal support.
How to obtain Israeli citizenship through marriage?
Obtaining Israeli citizenship through marriage is possible in two ways:
- Joint repatriation – if the couple married before repatriation under the Law of Return.
- Family reunification – if the marriage took place after one spouse acquired Israeli citizenship, this would be the step-by-step procedure.
The process begins with the Israeli citizen applying for a change of status at the Ministry of Internal Affairs/Israeli consulate abroad.
Which lawyers specialize in spet-by-step procedure and marriage legalization in Israel?
The lawyer should possess qualifications in immigration law. In our office, several experienced lawyers specialize in family reunification processes through step-by-step procedure for married and civil partners, handle cases of marriage legalization, and assist in the inclusion of children in the process. We have years of experience in providing legal support to families at any stage of the legalization process in Israel.
What are the peculiarities of legalizing same-sex marriages, LGBTQ+ couples in Israel?
Israel recognizes same-sex marriages. LGBTQ+ spouses can repatriate if their marriage was solemnized before the spouse acquired citizenship under the Law of Return. If the marriage occurred after or the couple lives without official registration, such families can possibly legalize their status in Israel and obtain permanent residency or citizenship for the foreign spouse. Each process is individual and involves legal intricacies.
What are the requirements for naturalization in Israel through marriage?
For naturalization in Israel through marriage, it’s necessary to comply with the requirements outlined by the Israeli Ministry of Interior. It will be necessary to confirm that the marriage is not fictitious, that it was not entered into for the purpose of obtaining citizenship, and that the relationship between spouses is genuine. At the next stage, a multitude of documents will be required to demonstrate that the center of the couple’s life interests has shifted to Israel. For the Israeli citizen, a check of their case will also be required at the Nativ Consular Service in Jerusalem.
What documents are necessary to confirm marriage in Israel?
The process of confirming a marriage in Israel is individual. There are general requirements, of course, as well as individual ones. The general requirements include: marriage certificate with an apostille, marital status certificates for both spouses with an apostille, divorce certificates if the applicants were previously married, and translation and notarization of these documents by an Israeli notary. The full list of documents is determined during consultation with a lawyer, as it depends on personal circumstances and whether the couple begins the process in Israel, whether both spouses are in Israel, or if one spouse is abroad.
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The office provides legal services in the field of immigration, family, commercial and labor law, conducts real estate transactions, develops individual solutions for businesses and individuals, and provides legal support to Israeli and international companies. Our lawyers regularly participate in the work of specialized commissions at the Chamber of Lawyers of Israel and the Knesset, create judicial precedents, improve regulatory mechanisms in various areas of law, provide advisory assistance to official representative offices of foreign states and significant public organizations located in Israel and abroad.