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Immigration & Aliyah

What is the A5 temporary resident visa in Israel?

The A5 visa (Toshav Arai A5) is a temporary resident status granted to the non-Jewish spouse of an Israeli citizen as part of the graduated residency procedure (halichat hamadragot) under the Entry into Israel Law 5712-1952. It is typically reached after 3–4.5 years in the process, following an initial period on a B1 work permit. The A5 holder has the right to live and work in Israel and may apply for permanent residency (A/PR status) after an additional period. It differs from permanent residency in that it requires periodic renewal and can be revoked if the marriage ends or the couple is found not to be living together.

The graduated residency procedure is the standard legal pathway for a non-Jewish foreign national married to an Israeli citizen who does not qualify for Aliyah under the Law of Return. The process is administered by the Population and Immigration Authority (Rashut HaHagira VeHaKnisos) and unfolds in stages. The couple first submits a joint application, after which the foreign spouse is granted a B1 work permit, renewed annually. After approximately 1.5 years on a B1, the couple may apply for upgrade to A5 temporary resident status, provided the couple continues to cohabit, the marriage is genuine, and neither party has a disqualifying criminal record. The A5 status is renewed every year or two and confers the right to work without a separate work permit, access health insurance through Bituach Leumi, and travel freely in and out of Israel.

The A5 stage differs meaningfully from permanent residency (A/PR) in two key respects: it does not protect against deportation in the event the marriage dissolves, and it does not establish a pathway to Israeli citizenship on its own. After accumulating sufficient time on A5 status — typically an additional two to three years — the couple may apply for A/PR permanent residency, and subsequently for citizenship under Section 7 of the Citizenship Law 5712-1952. The full graduated residency procedure from B1 to citizenship typically spans a minimum of five to seven years. Delays in renewing status at any stage reset the clock on the next upgrade, so timely renewal is critical.

⚖ In Practice
  • Governing law: Entry into Israel Law 5712-1952; Population and Immigration Authority internal procedures (nohali rashut)
  • Competent authority: Population and Immigration Authority (Rashut HaHagira VeHaKnisos), Ministry of Interior offices
  • Typical timeline: B1 work permit (approximately 1.5 years) → A5 temporary residency (approximately 2–3 years) → A/PR permanent residency → citizenship application
  • Application fee: approximately NIS 220–450 per renewal cycle (2026); subject to periodic adjustment
  • Revocation risk: A5 status may be revoked if the couple separates, the Israeli spouse dies, or the Authority determines the marriage was not genuine

From the full guide: Israel Spouse Visa: The Graduated Residency Procedure Explained

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Get a Free Consultation with Adv. Eli ShimonyPrepared under the direction of Adv. Eli Shimony, Eli Shimony Law Office · Editorial policy

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