Official Documents to Start the Israeli Partner Visa Process

Starting the partnership visa process (also known as the gradual process) in Israel calls for the submission of “תיעוד עדכני של המוזמן, מקורי, מאומת ובמידת הצורך גם מתורגם”, or in English: “up-to-date documents of the invitee, original, authenticated and, if necessary, also translated”.

It means that in order to start the Israeli partner visa process, you’ll have to provide some official documents from the country of origin of the foreign partner. These documents are often referred to as “The threshold documents”, and are applicable to both married and non-married couples. Without them, your visa application will not be processed.

The authenticated documents needed to start the partnership visa process in Israel are:

1. Birth Certificate
2. Name Change Certificate – When applicable – only if you changed your first/last name in the past.
3. Personal Status Certificate (current/previous) –
   • Non-married couples – a single status certificate, or a divorced/widowed certificate when applicable.
   • Married couples – a certificate of previous single status (or divorced/widowed status when applicable) AND a certificate attesting to the current status as married.
     • A marriage conducted in the home country of the non-Israeli partner may cover these two requirements inside the marriage certificate itself.
4. Certificate of Non-Criminal Record
5. Marriage Certificate (for married couples)

What does “authenticated” mean?

Every official certificate or document, that was issued by a foreign country, has to be authenticated in order to have validity when presented outside of the issuing country. For example, a certificate issued in Germany, will only be valid in Israel if it has been authenticated.

The authentication can ONLY done by the issuing country! The authentication CANNOT be done in Israel! (only documents issued in Israel can be authenticated by Israel).

Many countries, have agreed on one “easy” way to authenticate official documents and certificates. This is what we know as “apostille”. Getting an Apostille seal is the way to authenticate documents, between two countries that are signed on the Hague Convention (Apostille). Israel is one of the convention countries, and therefore will accept authentication done by apostille seal from fellow convention countries.

In the case that the foreign country is not a member of the Hague Convention (Apostille), the authentication is done differently by “signature chain” (שרשרת חתימות). The document will have to be signed by the issuing authority, then by the ministry of foreign affairs in the issuing country, and then by the Israeli consulate at the issuing country.

What if I’m missing a document?

In case you are missing a document, a translation, or authentication of one of the threshold documents, you should be given a written list of the missing documents and 45 days to provide them. In case you failed the provide the missing document within the 45-day time frame, PIBA can close your file.

You can ask for an extension to the 45-day period. Keep in mind that PIBA will not continue processing your application until you complete the missing documentation.

Attention! Some branches have been known to close applications that are missing the Official Documentation without giving a 45-day period to complete them. It is highly advisable to not apply for the partner visa before you have ALL the necessary documentation ready.

What if I’m a dual citizen/lived in multiple countries?

In case the foreign partner recently lived in a country that isn’t their country of citizenship – they will likely need to present documents from this additional country of residence, specifically a Certificate of Non-Criminal record, and sometimes also a Personal Status Certificate. This may be also requested from people with dual citizenship. Contact your PIBA office for clarifications.

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It is important to know, that according to procedure 5.2.0008 (the partner visa procedure for married couples), the official documentation from the country of origin IS NOT considered a “Threshold condition”, and technically a B1 visa can be given even before providing those documents fully. The 45-day period to complete to missing documents stays the same though.

Apart from these initial official documents, when applying for the Israeli partner visa, you’ll also need to present a number of other documents, proving the integrity of your relationship, and a center of life in Israel. Here’s a list of the other documents you might need: List of Required Documents for the Partner Visa Application.

In an immense community effort, we’ve gathered information on how to obtain the necessary documentation from over 25 countries around the world! Find the instructions for your country below. This is your first step on your way to a partner visa.

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