Israeli Citizens: Legal Matters

Returning Israelis and Israeli-Born Minors:

Due to frequent changes in regulations, students born in Israel, born to Israeli parents, or who hold an Israeli citizenship or passport should contact the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate before traveling to Israel in order to clarify their legal status upon returning to Israel.

Students Who Are Eligible for Israeli Citizenship

Students with at least one Israeli parent are not eligible for a student visa. They are required to enter and study in Israel using an Israeli passport.

Anyone who holds Israeli citizenship must have their birth registered with the local Israeli consulate. If this was not done in the past, it must be completed now in order to apply to the Ministry of Interior for an Israeli passport.

Eligibility by Law of Return

The “Law of Return” (חוק השבות) allows people of Jewish origin the legal right to make Aliyah and obtain an Israeli citizenship.

The eligibility is managed by the Jewish Agency. The application process can be done via the Israeli consulate in your home country prior to your arrival, or via the Ministry of Interior after you arrive to Israel. To start the process, you will be required to submit various documents, including an authenticated birth certificate, a certificate of good-standing (police clearance), proof of Judaism, etc.

This process essentially confirms your Judaism and determines your eligibility for an Israeli citizenship by the Law of Return.

Please note: While being recognized as eligible by the Law of Return is a pre-requisite for Aliyah, having this eligibility does not necessarily mean you have to make Aliyah.

Student Visa with Permission to Work

Students who are determined as eligible by the Law of Return, may receive a student visa with permission to work during their studies. This can only be done from within Israel, after arriving with a regular student visa. In these cases, the visa issuing fees at the Ministry of Interior are waived.

Additional Information

There are organizations that assist Jewish people who considering making Aliyah to Israel. one of them is “Nefesh B’Nefesh”, who have a very detailed website with a lot of information of use for those who are considering Aliyah now or in the future.

When learning about this topic, our recommendation is to use official sites, such as governmental websites ending in ”gov.il” (for example the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration webpage).

Military Service

Israel has mandatory military service for its citizens. This means that individuals who hold or obtain Israeli citizenship may be called to report for service once they fall within the relevant age range. In many cases, students can request a temporary deferment, but they must arrange it directly with the Israeli authorities to avoid being considered eligible for draft while studying.