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Immigration & Aliyah

What is the A/1 temporary resident visa in Israel and who qualifies?

The A/1 visa is a temporary resident permit issued under the Entry into Israel Law 5712-1952 to people who are eligible to immigrate under the Law of Return 5710-1950 but who are not yet ready to make full Aliyah. It is open to Jews, their children and grandchildren, and their spouses. An A/1 holder can live, work, study, and access the health system in Israel for an initial period of up to three years, while keeping their foreign citizenship and deferring the decision to naturalize. It is often used by diaspora families who want to try living in Israel before committing to citizenship.

The A/1 status sits between a tourist visa and full immigration. Eligibility tracks the Law of Return, so an applicant must show the same Jewish ancestry or family connection that would qualify them for Aliyah, including a person with at least one Jewish grandparent and the spouse of such a person. Unlike an Oleh, the A/1 holder does not acquire Israeli citizenship and does not receive the full Aliyah absorption basket, although certain benefits may apply. The permit is granted for one year and can be extended up to a total of three years, after which the holder is generally expected either to complete Aliyah and naturalize or to leave. Applications are processed by the Population and Immigration Authority, usually with input from the Jewish Agency on eligibility under the Law of Return.

In practice the A/1 is valuable for people who want flexibility: someone testing a job in Israel, a retiree spending extended time near family, or a person whose tax or citizenship situation makes immediate naturalization undesirable. The right to work without a separate employment permit is a major advantage over tourist status. Holders should plan around the three-year ceiling and understand that time spent as an A/1 resident can affect Israeli tax residency and obligations. Those who later decide to commit can convert to Oleh status and pursue the full Aliyah process. Choosing between A/1, a returning resident track, or direct Aliyah is a decision worth mapping out before arrival.

⚖ In Practice
  • Governing law: Entry into Israel Law 5712-1952 and its Regulations; eligibility tracks the Law of Return 5710-1950
  • Competent authority: Population and Immigration Authority (Rashut HaUchlosin VeHaHagira), with Jewish Agency involvement on eligibility
  • Who qualifies: Jews, their children and grandchildren, and the spouses of each, who are eligible under the Law of Return
  • Duration: issued for one year, renewable up to a total of three years before a status decision is required
  • Key right: permission to live, work, and study in Israel without a separate work permit, while retaining foreign citizenship

From the full guide: Israel Visa Types: Complete Guide for Foreign Nationals

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