Document checklist
South Africa → Israel: B/1 Work visa
What you need before you submit, checked against official requirements, not guesswork.
Not yet checked. This page was drafted from the sources listed below but hasn't passed verification yet. Double-check anything critical directly with the official source before you rely on it.
Required documents
10 itemsIdentity
Completed visa application form
RequiredThe application form for an entry visa to Israel, filled in and signed.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, via gov.il, Application for work visa in Israel
Passport photographs
RequiredTwo recent, identical, colour passport photos on a white background, showing your full face from the front, measuring 5x5 cm.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, via gov.il, Application for work visa in Israel
Valid passport
RequiredYour actual passport, valid for at least 2 years.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, via gov.il, Application for work visa in Israel
Financial
PIBA permit fee (employer stage)
RequiredYour employer pays 1,420 NIS to apply for the permit (1,060 NIS for expert chefs), at the end of the online application.
Purpose of travel
Approval letter from the Population and Immigration Authority
RequiredOnce your employer's permit application is approved, the mission needs the approval letter from the Population and Immigration Authority before it will issue your B/1 visa.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, via gov.il, Application for work visa in Israel
Employer's accountant report and company documents
RequiredFor a local company: an accountant's report confirming the company is active with no 'ongoing entity warning', a certified copy of the 102 form submitted to the National Insurance Institute for Israeli workers over the last three months, a printed letter explaining the need for the expert worker, and documents supporting that need. A foreign company without an Israeli branch instead provides power of attorney authorising the application.
Your resume and qualification documents (employer stage)
RequiredYour employer attaches your resume and your relevant diplomas, degrees, and certificates, showing your education, qualifications, experience, reputation, and expertise, to their permit application. Documents not in Hebrew or English must be translated into Hebrew and notarised, and all documents must be verified by a lawyer or accountant.
Other
Criminal clearance certificate
A criminal clearance certificate, valid for 6 months, translated and certified. The consul may ask for this with an Apostille.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, via gov.il, Application for work visa in Israel
Medical certificate confirming fitness for employment
A medical certificate signed by a physician confirming you're fit for employment; some missions ask for this, along with the results of medical tests done at a laboratory or hospital the mission recognises.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, via gov.il, Application for work visa in Israel
Prepaid, pre-addressed envelope
RequiredA prepaid envelope with a tracking number, addressed to you, for the mission to send back your passport and visa.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, via gov.il, Application for work visa in Israel
Why applications on this route get refused
Incomplete employer permit application
PIBA's permit stage needs specific, lawyer- or accountant-verified documents from the employer before it will consider employing a foreign expert.
How to avoid it: Have your employer confirm each required document, resume, qualifications, accountant's report, 102 form, and letter of explanation, is ready and correctly verified before submitting.
Applying for the visa before PIBA approval
The mission only issues the B/1 visa after receiving the approval letter from the Population and Immigration Authority, the visa stage can't start first.
How to avoid it: Wait for your employer's PIBA permit to be approved before booking your consular appointment.
Foreign-language documents not translated and notarised
Documents not in Hebrew or English must be translated into Hebrew and notarised before PIBA will accept them.
How to avoid it: Get certified Hebrew translations done in advance for any document not already in Hebrew or English.
Sources
Check your documents against this list before you pay the Israel application fee.
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