New Procedure for Work Visas for Foreign Experts
Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority recently published a new procedure on the issuance of work visas to foreign experts. This will allow visa holders to work in Israel for up to 30 days over a 12-month period.
How it worked so far
Previously, multinational companies that wished to send professionals to Israel to work with their Israeli R&D centers or strategic partners for short periods of time were required to apply for and obtain a work permit (from the Ministry of Economy) and a work visa at an Israeli consulate abroad. This was to take place before entering Israel.
The new procedure
The new procedure expedites an expert employee’s application for a work permit, with full processing completed within six days in most cases.
Upon receiving the permit, an expert may enter Israel as a tourist, provided he or she reports to the Authority within two business days of arrival. At such time, the expert’s tourist visa will be converted to a work visa.
This new process should lessen the burden on multinational or non-Israeli acquirers that require their expert employees to supervise operations in Israel. It also allows these companies to send experts to Israel on an urgent basis.
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Barnea has broad experience in advising multinational companies on their Israeli activity. In this context, we assist clients in obtaining work visas for foreign experts.
We would be happy to assist you in any matters related to this topic. It is important to receive legal counsel on this matter in order to avoid fines and deportation. For more information about the new procedure and other related issues, feel free to contact us. We are at your service.
Source: barlaw.co.il