Work Permits for Foreign Expert in Israel
Work Permits for Foreign Expert in Israel
Our firm specializes in providing legal assistance to Israeli and global corporations and companies in applying for permits and visas to foreign experts so they can work in Israel.
In recent years, we have witnessed a significant increase in the employment of foreign experts in Israel. Among other factors, the increase is due to globalization and the need for transfer of skilled labor between countries. In addition, there is a significant increase in projects and mega-projects, both national and private. Sometimes, these projects are carried out by foreign companies and foreign experts who possess unique knowledge relevant to the project.
In general, most of the foreign experts employed in Israel work in the fields of infrastructure, energy, gas and oil drilling at sea and on land, green alternative energy, high-tech, biotechnology, engineering, aviation, banking, communications, etc.
These foreign experts utilize technology and knowledge that do not exist in Israel, or exist in Israel to a limited extent. In these cases, the work is carried out by foreign experts who posses the relevant knowledge, experience and unique skills.
Practically speaking, employment of foreign experts in Israel is possible either by a foreign company or by an affiliate of a foreign company in Israel or by an Israeli company, in a case where the applicant for the employment of foreign experts is the actual employer who pays the foreign expert’s salary.
The Entry Into Israel Law, the Foreign Workers Law, and the Foreign Experts Procedure No. 5.3.0041 constitute the legal authority for the employment of foreign experts in the country. The employment of foreign experts requires the employer to be issued a type B/1 work permit and a matching work visa. The procedure is a long bureaucratic process which consists of several steps.
The schedule for applying for a permit and work visa varies depending on the type of permit. The duration of the process for being issued a yearlong work permit ranges from 6-8 weeks, depending on the identity of the submitting company and the workload of the Work Permit Unit which is tasked with issuing work permits. On the other hand, being issued a work permit for a period of up to 90 days in the expedited process only takes up to 6 business days, and allows employers who urgently need foreign experts to have their arrival in Israel approved on particularly short notice.
In light of the above, we recommend that you plan in advance and start preparations for permit and visa applications as early as possible.
As a rule, employers may submit applications for extending a work permit by an additional year, although the work permit with all extensions cannot exceed a cumulative period of 63 months of work by the foreign expert on a B/1 work permit. Submission of a special application for extending beyond a period of 63 months is possible in exceptional circumstances if it can be proven that the continued placement of the foreign expert is a contribution to the Israeli economy. This process requires the preparation of a detailed application and attachment of references, and therefore it is recommended to consult a law firm specializing in the field of immigration to Israel.
For short periods, such as an application for a period of less than three months in the non-expedited process, an application for extension may not be submitted, except in exceptional cases. Therefore, if there is any concern whatsoever that the project will be delayed beyond the original schedules, our recommendation is to apply for a longer work visa at the very beginning.
Please note:
Working in Israel without a valid work visa is a legal violation which may result in severe penalties, including: substantial fines (more than 5,000 NIS per business day), the arrest and deportation of the foreign expert (which may result in the possible impairment of the foreign expert’s ability to be employed in other countries), and even criminal proceedings against company executives in Israel and abroad.
Referring to a law firm that specializes in Israeli commercial immigration law (and specifically in the immigration of foreign experts) will allow the visa applicant to be issued a work visa quickly and professionally, and will significantly increase the chances of obtaining desired results.
Are you interested in employing foreign experts in Israel? Contact us today, and we will be happy to assist you in obtaining the necessary permits and visas!
RECOMMENDATIONS
Sharon Eyal - Sharon Eyal- CEO, Haifa Chemicals South
We have been working with the law firm of Iftach Hanan & Co. for some time in the field of applying for foreign expert work licenses in Israel. As a leading company in our field, we carry out many projects that require the purchase of advanced machinery and upgrading the production system in our factories on a regular basis, while utilizing the services of foreign experts.
From the moment we turned to Adv. Iftach Hanan, we realized that we were already in a different place- a sense of service, professionalism, availability, and providing an efficient and quick response to any problem, issuing work permits on tight schedules, and doing everything possible for the sake of the project. Real professionals, great job!
Erez Ohayon - Indirect property procurement, Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems - Cyclone Ltd., is engaged in the production and design of aerospace parts for the military and civilian market for the best aircraft manufacturers in the United States, and most of its activities are for defense exports.
I would like to thank you and the firm's staff for their fruitful cooperation, and for your thorough, efficient and professional service.
Your guidance in the process of applying for visas has proven itself, particularly against the background of COVID-19 and in light of the complexities involved both with the suppliers abroad and with the authorities in Israel. I enjoy working with you, especially because of the courtesy and sense of partnership for which I am grateful.
Yossi Eli - VP of Management and Resources, HCT
For about two years, our company has been using the services of the Iftach Hanan & Co. law firm for the purpose of applying for long-term and short-term foreign expert work permits.
In light of the complexity that currently exists with the authorities abroad and in Israel regarding the issuing of work permits and the immigration of foreign experts, Iftach Hanan's services have proven themselves more than once to be professional, courteous and fast.
Therefore, I would like to thank Iftach and his dedicated employees for the availability, personal attention, and accompanying services pertaining to the above.
Keren Lougassi - Projects Operations, Coral
We at Coral Energy provide services to a large number of Israeli and international companies.
In recent years, we have been working together with the Iftach Hanan & Co. law firm, which specializes in applying for work permits and work visas for foreign experts who wish to work in Israel.
Adv. Iftach Hanan and the staff in his firm are well versed in immigration law to Israel and in the field of commercial immigration in particular. Their services include responsiveness at any hour of the day, efficient and fast work, and quick and efficient problem-solving.
Throughout our time working together, Iftach and his team have proven their integrity and reliability, professionalism, willingness to work non-routine hours, and impressive results.
We strongly recommend that you contact the Iftach Hanan & Co. law firm when dealing with immigration issues and applying for work permits and work visas for foreign experts and workers.
