A developed economy and high social standards of the Holy land often make foreigners think about moving there. Moreover, along with rich culture, substantial salaries, and sunny climate Israel residency opens visa-free entry to 140 countries of the world. 

Pros of Israel permanent residency

• There are no demands or limitations for staying within the country. Immigrants aren't supposed to be in Israel for some particular period to submit documents or once residency or citizenship is obtained. Yet long-term leave will spare from all privileges Israel residency can offer (terms and details should be checked at the consulate);

• Medical care. Citizens and residents of the country are provided with multi-level insurance. Usually, it covers different procedures, sometimes even surgeries. But there are exclusions: e.g. calling an ambulance at home will cost a fortune. 

• Developed a system of social benefits and support. Jewish organization of Sochnut offers via tickets, monthly payments for 12 months, and the opportunity to study the state language for free. 

• Quick adaptation. The state of Israel contributes to keeping the spirit of the nation’s unity. Therefore along with governmental support one will get help and assistance from all the people around.

• Additional benefits for launching a business. Starting a business in Israel is also supported: one can look for assistance from state analytics which will estimate enterprise relevance and demand for its services. 

• Simplified taxation. Immigrants can have different tax benefits including an income tax cut for 3,5 years. Also, the income gained in the other states will be tax-free for 10 years.

• Housing loan. The loan for real estate purchase is offered on the security of purchased property to guarantee the loan’s payoff. 

Despite all the above-mentioned benefits, those planning to move to Israel must consider the following aspects:

• Language is a must. Without the relevant level of Hebrew, one can get only low-qualified labor occupations such as dishwasher, housekeeper, etc. 

• High salaries mean high living standards and costs. Accommodation, meals, and transportation in Israel are quite expensive.

• In the majority of cases becoming a citizen or a permanent resident is possible only via the repatriation program. 

Repatriation

This is a process of returning to the home country of people who had left it for reasons beyond their control and thus lost citizenship. Within its mission to unite all Jews in their promised land, Israel offers repatriation opportunities to every representative of the nation. 

In accordance with the Retrieving Law, the right to have a permanent residency permit (KMA) or citizenship is accessible to:

• Jew descent up to the third generation through the mother or the father, as well as their children and spouses; 

• widows and widowers of the Jew spouse if they did not remarry after their partner’s death; 

• Jew children adopted by the foreigners;

• children of any nationality adopted by Jews;

• foreigners who joined Judaism;

To get a repatriation permit, an immigrant-to-be has to collect a pack of documents that prove his| or her Jewish descent, pass an interview, and get a special visa. 

Note: repatriates can choose between citizenship and permanent residency. In both cases, social benefits, rights, and visa-free access to most of the world’s countries are the same. 

Immigration to Israel for non-Jews

Getting permanent residence in Israel outside the repatriation program is almost impossible. The foreigners are put into different kinds of checks, and a lot of papers are also required. So becoming eligible to receive citizenship or permanent residency permit in Israel non-Jews can due to:

• Marriage. Before the non-Jew partner is given a right to apply for residency or citizenship he|she will be considered a temporary resident of the state (TRP; the status must be prolonged annually). And the couple will have to pass a multilayered process of marriage legalization which takes about 5-7 years. 

• Official employment. Making a deal with the local employer provides a right to get a special working visa valid for 1 year. If the foreigner changes jobs or works till the visa expires, the process should be passed again.

• Refugee context. Each case is considered individually and demands proof of a real threat to the foreigner’s life or health in his| or her homeland. Help can be provided based on persecution for political views, religion, or orientation. 

Read here how foreign nationals can stay safe in Israel.