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Immigration & Aliyah

What rights does a permanent resident of Israel have compared to a citizen?

An Israeli permanent resident holds status under the Entry into Israel Law 5712-1952, which grants the right to live and work in Israel indefinitely, access the national health system through Kupat Cholim (health funds), and receive most National Insurance Institute benefits. The critical gaps compared to citizenship are: permanent residents cannot vote in Knesset elections, cannot hold an Israeli passport, and their status can be revoked if they relocate abroad for an extended period. Citizenship — whether by naturalization, return, or birth — provides unconditional residence, full political rights, and passport entitlement that permanent residency does not.

Permanent residency (*reshut klitah kavua* or the *A/5 permanent* status) gives holders most of the practical entitlements of daily Israeli life. A permanent resident can work for any employer without restriction, register children in the state school system, receive National Insurance benefits including child allowances, unemployment pay, and work-injury compensation, and purchase property in Israel. The health system is accessible through compulsory enrollment in one of the four recognized health funds under the National Health Insurance Law 5754-1994. Tax treatment mirrors that of citizens: permanent residents are taxed as Israeli residents on worldwide income. For many non-Jewish foreigners who completed the five-to-seven year graduated residency track, these rights represent substantial integration into Israeli society without the step of naturalization.

The differences become significant in three areas. First, permanent residency is revocable: under Section 11 of the Entry into Israel Law, status lapses if the holder establishes their center of life abroad — typically interpreted as residing outside Israel for more than three consecutive years without maintaining a genuine connection to the country. Citizens cannot lose citizenship on this basis. Second, a permanent resident enters Israel on their foreign passport and may be refused entry if there is a security flag or administrative issue — a citizen's entry is unconditional. Third, the right to vote in Knesset and municipal elections belongs only to citizens. Municipal voting rights are limited to citizens at the national level; non-citizen permanent residents can vote in local municipal elections in some circumstances. Anyone approaching the end of their graduated residency track should consult an immigration attorney about the costs and benefits of applying for naturalization under Section 5 of the Citizenship Law 5712-1952.

⚖ In Practice
  • Governing law: Entry into Israel Law 5712-1952 (residency); Citizenship Law 5712-1952 (naturalization); National Health Insurance Law 5754-1994
  • Competent authority: Population and Immigration Authority (Rashut HaHagira VeHaKnisos LeYisrael) for status renewals and naturalization applications
  • Revocation risk: permanent residency lapses if the holder lives abroad for more than 3 consecutive years without maintaining an Israeli center of life — notify PIBA before extended absences
  • Naturalization eligibility: 3 years of permanent residency (plus other conditions under Section 5 of the Citizenship Law) for non-Jewish spouses of citizens; 5 years for other tracks
  • Voting: permanent residents (non-citizens) may vote in local municipal elections; Knesset voting is restricted to citizens only

From the full guide: Permanent Residency in Israel: How to Qualify and Apply

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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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