Israel is a unique country with a special history and demographic structure. It is one of the few countries that has a large population with permanent residency status but no citizenship. This is due to a number of factors.
After the foundation of the State of Israel in 1948, many Arabs who lived in the territory became permanent residents but not citizens. This was due to the wars and conflicts that followed the establishment of the state.
After the 1967 war, Israel annexed East Jerusalem. The Arabs who lived there were granted permanent residency status, which gave them the right to live and work in Israel, but did not confer citizenship. Many of them have not yet accepted Israeli citizenship for political reasons.
Family reunification for a spouse of a permanent resident
Obtaining citizenship in Israel may require certain obligations, such as military service. Some people may prefer to remain permanent residents to avoid these obligations.
Thus, the distinction between permanent residents and citizens of Israel is the result of a complex combination of historical, political and social factors. However, since they are an integral part of Israeli society, Israel, as a democratic state, takes into account the rights of this part of the population as well, and therefore the Ministry of Interior has issued a number of instructions allowing a foreign spouse of a permanent resident of Israel to obtain legal status in Israel.
As is known, Israel does not allow secular marriage, but it does recognize secular marriage performed in another country on the basis of the laws of that country.
In order for a foreigner married to a permanent resident to receive legal status in Israel, the couple shall submit an application to the Ministry of Interior in the permanent resident’s address and attach three types of documents to the request:
- Personal documents of a foreign spouse certified with Apostille
- Documents proving the authenticity of the couple’s relationship
- Documents confirming the center of life in Israel
Once all the required documents have been submitted, they will be reviewed by the Ministry of Interior. If all the requirements are met, the marriage will be registered in Israel and the foreign spouse will be granted legal status allowing him/her to live and work in Israel.
In order for the foreign spouse’s legal status to be renewed, the couple will have to undergo annual interviews and provide proof of cohabitation. After five and a half years, a foreign spouse of a permanent resident may apply for permanent resident status.
There can be more than a few complications in such a process. If you have any questions, we will be happy to help.