High-Tech Visa
B-1 High Tech Work Visa (HIT)
In 2019, Israel enacted an experimental procedure to allow Israeli high tech companies to obtain work permits and visas for foreign high tech experts in an accelerated and relatively easy manner.
This procedure is limited to experts, who are citizens of states holding a visa exemption agreement with Israel (which is the case for all EU and EFTA states). To examine whether a certain state has a visa exemption agreement with Israel, please consult the following website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
https://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ConsularServices/Documents/VisaRequirements-Tourists.pdf
An additional precondition is that the company employing the foreign expert is recognized as a High Tech Company in Israel. This is in particular possible for companies listed in the following fields:
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Production of conventional and homeopathic medication.
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Production of computers as well as electronic and optical devices.
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Computer programs, counselling in the computer field as well as accompanying services.
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Scientific research and development.
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Production of aircraft, space-craft and accompanying devices.
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Data processing and/or storage and accompanying services.
Additional companies may apply for the high tech status, if they hold an Israeli company, which spends more than 7% of its annual sales turnover on research and development, or if more than 15% of its employees in Israel are in the field of research and development.
Foreign specialists of recognized high tech companies not only receive their working visa in a quick manner and will have to furnish less documentation for the procedure; their spouses will also be able to receive a working visa in Israel enabling them to work for any employer without the requirement of a minimum salary, as is requested for other foreign experts.
For further details, see the English version of the Experimental procedure for Handling Applications of High Tech and Cyber companies to Employ and Regulate the status of Foreign Experts in Israel:
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High Tech Work Visa Process
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Gather all the required documents and prepare the work permit and B-1 Visa application.
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Submit the application for the High Tech Visa at the Work Permit Unit.
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Wait for the approval of the Israeli Innovation Authority of the company eligibility.
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Wait for the approval from the Work Permit Unit.
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The employee can now travel to Israel and get a B-2 visitors visa at the airport or port of entry.
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We submit the visa application at the local Ministry of Interior.
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Required documents for the B-1 Visa
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Israel B1 Visa application form.
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Two photographs (plain white background and 5.5x 5.5 cm).
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Valid passport (for at least six months beyond the intended duration of stay and with at least one blank page).
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Older passports.
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Proof of booked flight tickets.
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Birth Certificate.
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Proof of the B-1 Visa fees payment.
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Medical report.
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Police clearance certificate (not older than three months).
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Work contract or job offer stating the employer, their contact, your position and salary, as well as the period of employment.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the B-1 High Tech Work Visa
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1. Can I switch employer while in Israel?
No, the foreign employee can only work for the sponsoring company that was approved by the Israeli Innovation Authority.
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2. Can I work in Israel without a valid work visa?
No, Working in Israel without a valid work visa is a criminal offence of both the employee and employer. Check our blog post about Contractor’s Responsibility under Criminal Law
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3. Can my spouse get a work visa?
Only if your B-1 HIT Visa was granted for a work period of over 90 days.
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4. How long does it take to the B-1 High Tech Work Visa?
For High Tech working Visas, the application is processed within 10 working days.
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