Israel Working Holiday Visa - The Complete Guide

Through its Working Holiday Visa program, Israel allows visitors to discover the country in a way that leaves a lasting impact. The visa will enable you to blend career development with tourism by letting you interact deeply with Israeli culture and establish global relationships in an environment that bridges historic sites with modern technologies.

Israel is a compact country with a rich diversity that does not require travelling too far. With amazing historical sites like Tel Aviv and natural wonders like the Dead Sea, it's the mecca for all types of preferred travel without having to travel for too long or too far.  

This guide will give you all the tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Israeli Working Holiday Visa experience.

Imagine this:

Jerusalem: Walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old City at dusk, surrounded by ancient stone walls and the sounds of prayers from churches, mosques, and synagogues—a place where history and faith collide.

Tel Aviv: Start your day with a beach run by the Mediterranean, work from a buzzing startup hub, then unwind with cocktails at a seaside bar as the sun sets.

Dead Sea: Float effortlessly in mineral-rich waters, view the Jordanian mountains, and slather on black mud for a natural spa treatment.

Eligibility Requirements

To go on a working holiday in Israel, you ought to follow certain guidelines the Israeli government sets:

• Age Requirement: Must be between 18 and 30 years old (varies from country to country).
• Nationality: Must be a citizen of one of the countries with which Israel has bilateral agreements, such as Australia, Austria, Germany, New Zealand, Czech Republic, and Korea.
• Financial Proof: Provide evidence that you have adequate funds for your accommodation.
• Return Transportation: A valid return flight ticket or enough money to book one 
• Health Insurance: Proof of complete travel and health insurance coverage for the entire visit period is mandatory.
• No Dependents: This visa does not allow dependents to accompany the applicant during the stay.
• Clean Criminal Record: Every applicant must present proof of no criminal history with an official police clearance certificate. A background check might be needed for particular cases.

Conditions

After obtaining your Israel Working Holiday Visa, multiple rules will apply during your stay in Israel. These conditions exist as part of Israeli government policy to protect both local job opportunities and foreign workers. 

Understanding these regulations will help you maintain your legal position in Israel while preventing potential complications.

• Duration: The Israel working holiday visa enables a 12-month stay starting from the entry date with no option for an extension.
• Employment Limitations: You can work with different employers but for no more than three months for each employer.
• Study Restrictions: Short-term enrollment in courses not exceeding four months is permitted. Full-time study programs are forbidden for expats.
• Regional Restrictions: You must pay income tax to the Israeli government based on your inside-country earnings. 
• Tax Obligations: Required to pay Israeli income tax on earnings while in the country
• Entry/Exit: Multiple entries are allowed to Israel. However, your combined stay duration should remain below 12 months.
• Registration: Upon arrival in Israel, you must register with the Ministry of Interior.

Top Tip: Verifying entry requirements with the local Israeli embassy or consular offices is essential because each nation has specific conditions. Citizens from countries subject to limited annual visa quotas should make early applications before visa slots become unavailable.

Application Process

Getting your Israel Working Holiday Visa sorted takes some effort, but it's worth it. There are a few steps and documents to handle before you can start your adventure.

To avoid any stress, apply 2–3 months before your trip, just in case things take a little longer than expected!

Step 1: Document Preparation

Begin by gathering all required documentation. The Israeli authorities require a comprehensive set of documents to process your application:

• Valid passport with at least one year of validity remaining beyond your planned entry date
• A filled and signed application form (available online)
• Two recent passport photographs (5 x 5 cm and with white background)
• Proof of financial means (bank statements from the last 90 days)
• Round-trip flight reservation or proof of funds to purchase return transportation
• Comprehensive travel insurance policy covering medical treatment and hospitalisation
• Police clearance certificate from the country of origin (must not be over 3 months)
• A medical certificate, if required by your local Israeli embassy
• Detailed itinerary of your planned activities in Israel
• Letter explaining your motivation for applying and how you plan to support yourself

Step 2: Submission Process

Once you've gathered all the documents, you'll need to submit your application:

• Contact the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country to confirm their specific submission requirements
• Schedule an appointment if required
• Submit your complete application package in person at the embassy or consulate
• Pay the application fee

Step 3: Processing and Approval

After submission, your application enters the processing phase:

• Processing times typically range from 4-8 weeks but may vary depending on nationality and individual circumstances
• The embassy may request additional documents or information during this period
• In some cases, you will be invited for an interview to further consider your application in detail.
• Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements before being granted the visa
• After approval and bagging the visa, you must enter Israel within three months from the visa issue date.

Step 4: Pre-Departure Preparation

After approval but before departure:

• Make copies of all essential documents, including your visa
• Register your travel with your home country's embassy in Israel
• Research accommodation options for your arrival
• Familiarise yourself with Israeli customs regulations

Top Tip: Be as honest as possible when filling out the application form. Accompany the application with a well-written cover letter that contains your plans. This proves serious and might help with the approval.

What to Do After Arriving in Israel

Starting fresh in a new country can be overwhelming, especially when figuring out the first steps. Here's a simple checklist to make those first few days much easier.

Register with Authorities

Your first official task is to register with the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) within 30 days of arriving in the country. The documents to be

taken include the passport, visa, and other official IDs. You will get a temporary resident card valid for all legal procedures in Israel.

Banking Setup

It's a good idea to open a local bank account to avoid extra charges on international transfers. You'll need the following documents to open an account: passport, Working Holiday Visa, temporary resident card, and proof of address (like a rental agreement or utility bill).

Communication Essentials

Purchase a local SIM card from providers like Partner, Cellcom, or Pelephone. Prepaid options are available at Ben Gurion Airport and throughout major cities.

Finding Accommodation

For your first few nights, hostels or Airbnb provide flexibility while you get oriented. For longer-term stays, explore these options:

• Shared apartments (common in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem)
• Facebook housing groups specific to cities
• Yad2 (Israel's major housing platform)
• Subletting opportunities from students during the summer

Health Insurance

Activate your international health insurance and save emergency numbers in your phone. Locate the nearest medical facilities to your accommodation and identify English-speaking doctors.

Top Tip: The bureaucratic processes in Israel can vary significantly between offices. Find fellow expats to learn branches of the Ministry of Interior known for being more efficient and proficient in English.

Hot Spots to Visit in Israel

No working Holiday is complete without a list of holiday destinations to visit. Make sure you add to your list the following - making your Israel trip truly memorable!

Jerusalem

The Old City is split into four quarters, each home to iconic spots like the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the stunning Dome of the Rock. Don't miss out on Machane Yehuda Market—it's a lively food market by day and a buzzing nightlife spot by night. While you're there, make time for the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and the Israel Museum, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display.

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a sophisticated cosmopolitan city that stands along the Mediterranean Sea and has a beautiful coastline on its western margin. Visit Jaffa Old City, cruise through seaside alleys to admire its architecture, learn about Bauhaus architecture walking down Rothschild Boulevard, and explore the Carmel Market. Tel Aviv has become a world-famous culinary destination and a nightlife spot.

Dead Sea Region

Float gracefully with the Dead Sea's therapeutic waters with their high mineral content, and immerse yourself in the world's lowest point below sea level. Neoreal, visit Ein Gedi Nature Reserve with its desert springs and hike up or take the cable car to Masada – a fortress overlooking the desert and the sea.

Top Tip: When travelling to Israel, base yourself in Jerusalem and/or Tel Aviv and travel to the surrounding attractions as day trips to avoid frequent hotel changes.

How to Best Get Around Israel

Israel is an easy country to get around. You could easily have breakfast in Jerusalem and lunch in Tel Aviv. Here are some transport options that will be helpful during your working holiday:

• Public Buses: Convenient, economical and the most common mode of transportation in Israel.
• Trains: Not as common as buses but relatively cheaper, faster and more comfortable.
• Rav-Kav Card: This rechargeable card is used to pay for fares and is valid for all transport facilities in the country.
• Sherut (Shared Taxis): Minivans operating on certain lines like buses but can stop anywhere en route.
• Car Hire: Come in handy when visiting remote places like the Negev Desert or the Galilee region.
• City Transportation: Tel Aviv has Tel-O-fun bicycles and numerous electric scooters. Jerusalem has a well-developed Light rail transit (LRT) that covers the most popular regions.
• Taxis: You can easily find them in the major cities with fair fare charges.

Top Tip: Most public transport does not run on Shabbat from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.

FAQs about Israel Working Holiday Visa

How long can I stay in Israel on a Working Holiday Visa?

The Working Holiday Visa of Israel only permits you to stay for up to one year from the day you enter the country. This period cannot be extended beyond the initial one-year period. You should exit the country before the visa time limit is up, lest you pay fines.

Can I study while on a Working Holiday Visa in Israel?

Yes, you can enrol in short-term courses while on a Working Holiday Visa in Israel. However, you are limited to study for four months. Full-time study programs are not permitted under this visa category.

Are there restrictions on where I can work in Israel?

Working Holiday Visa is not limited to any geographical area within Israel where one can work. However, the same employer cannot employ you for more than 3 months, and some positions related to security may not allow foreign employees.

Do I need to speak Hebrew to get a job?

No, you do not necessarily have to be fluent in Hebrew to work in Israel. Hotels, tourism, and many technical fields mainly demand English rather than Hebrew. Nonetheless, learning basic Hebrew will open up several new job vacancies and give you valuable cultural experience.

Can I travel to neighbouring countries while on the Israel Working Holiday Visa?

Yes, you can visit several countries during your stay with an Israel Working Holiday Visa. However, red countries may cause you additional questioning once you return to Israel. Ensure that you meet the entry requirements of the country you intend to visit.

Final Thoughts

Young working professionals seeking the Israel Working Holiday Visa find it an amazing chance to tour Israel and build a great work experience. Israel provides an exceptional experience through its urban centres, which are complemented by picturesque nature and professional advancement. 

This visa allows you to experience Israel to the nth degree, whether enjoying coffee in Tel Aviv cafes, trekking through Negev Desert trails, or floating at the Dead Sea. 

If you want to learn about the working holiday visa’s for other countries, we have extensive guides for countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Taiwan, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Portugal and more coming.