How long does the mortgage approval process take for a non-resident?

Expect 6–10 weeks from initial application to fund disbursement. The bank account opening process (if you do not already have an Israeli account) can add 2–4 weeks. Apostilling and translating foreign documents adds more time. Pre-approval, which you can seek before signing a purchase agreement, typically takes 2–3 weeks for non-residents. Build these timelines into your purchase contract — include a financing condition giving you sufficient time, and agree a realistic completion date with your seller.