Work Permits for Foreign Researchers
Work Permits for Foreign Researchers
Foreign Experts Procedure No. 5.3.0041 allows for the issuance of a work permit and work visa for a foreign researcher participating in the EU Framework Program, which the State of Israel joined in accordance with Article 9 of Government Decision 2292 of January 15, 2017 as part of the national plan to increase skilled manpower for the high-tech industry.
This unique program allows companies which are not institutions of higher education to employ a foreign researcher, as long as the research is approved as part of the EU Research and Development Program by the Israel Innovation Authority.
The employing company must pay wages to the foreign researcher in accordance with the rules of the above framework plan and its procedures, as well as in accordance with Israeli labor law.
The application process for a foreign researcher work permit consists of several steps:
Step 1: Submission of an application for a work permit in the Work Permits Unit of the Population, Immigration and Border Crossing Authority in Jerusalem.
Step 2: The foreign researcher is allowed to enter Israel with the issued work permit, and can start working immediately.
Step 3: Being issued a work permit in the researcher’s passport at the Ministry of Interior within 48 hours of arrival in Israel.
The steps above relate to the standard and orderly procedure- however, depending on different circumstances and evolving policies, the steps in the process may be shortened or lengthened, and at each stage a requirement for additional documents, reports and relevant information for the Authority may be received. In addition, most of the procedures involve the payment of government fees.
A researcher employed under the EU Framework Program may apply for a 2-year visa for his/her children up to the age of 18, and for a B / 1 residence and work permit for his/her spouse, in accordance with the conditions set out in Procedure No. 5.3. (This is the Procedure for handling applications for employment or for the granting of a residence permit to researchers and lecturers in institutions of higher education who are on the path to being granted tenure, as well as to their families.)
Please note:
Working in Israel without a valid work visa is a legal violation which may result in severe penalties, including: substantial fines (more than 5,000 NIS per business day), the arrest and deportation of the foreign expert (which may result in the possible impairment of the foreign expert’s ability to be employed in other countries), and even criminal proceedings against company executives in Israel and abroad.
Referring to a law firm that specializes in Israeli commercial immigration law (and specifically in the immigration of foreign experts) will allow the visa applicant to be issued a work visa quickly and professionally, and will significantly increase the chances of obtaining desired results.
Are you interested in employing foreign experts in Israel? Contact us today, and we will be happy to assist you in obtaining the necessary permits and visas!
RECOMMENDATIONS
Sharon Eyal - Sharon Eyal- CEO, Haifa Chemicals South
We have been working with the law firm of Iftach Hanan & Co. for some time in the field of applying for foreign expert work licenses in Israel. As a leading company in our field, we carry out many projects that require the purchase of advanced machinery and upgrading the production system in our factories on a regular basis, while utilizing the services of foreign experts.
From the moment we turned to Adv. Iftach Hanan, we realized that we were already in a different place- a sense of service, professionalism, availability, and providing an efficient and quick response to any problem, issuing work permits on tight schedules, and doing everything possible for the sake of the project. Real professionals, great job!
Erez Ohayon - Indirect property procurement, Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems - Cyclone Ltd., is engaged in the production and design of aerospace parts for the military and civilian market for the best aircraft manufacturers in the United States, and most of its activities are for defense exports.
I would like to thank you and the firm's staff for their fruitful cooperation, and for your thorough, efficient and professional service.
Your guidance in the process of applying for visas has proven itself, particularly against the background of COVID-19 and in light of the complexities involved both with the suppliers abroad and with the authorities in Israel. I enjoy working with you, especially because of the courtesy and sense of partnership for which I am grateful.
Yossi Eli - VP of Management and Resources, HCT
For about two years, our company has been using the services of the Iftach Hanan & Co. law firm for the purpose of applying for long-term and short-term foreign expert work permits.
In light of the complexity that currently exists with the authorities abroad and in Israel regarding the issuing of work permits and the immigration of foreign experts, Iftach Hanan's services have proven themselves more than once to be professional, courteous and fast.
Therefore, I would like to thank Iftach and his dedicated employees for the availability, personal attention, and accompanying services pertaining to the above.
Keren Lougassi - Projects Operations, Coral
We at Coral Energy provide services to a large number of Israeli and international companies.
In recent years, we have been working together with the Iftach Hanan & Co. law firm, which specializes in applying for work permits and work visas for foreign experts who wish to work in Israel.
Adv. Iftach Hanan and the staff in his firm are well versed in immigration law to Israel and in the field of commercial immigration in particular. Their services include responsiveness at any hour of the day, efficient and fast work, and quick and efficient problem-solving.
Throughout our time working together, Iftach and his team have proven their integrity and reliability, professionalism, willingness to work non-routine hours, and impressive results.
We strongly recommend that you contact the Iftach Hanan & Co. law firm when dealing with immigration issues and applying for work permits and work visas for foreign experts and workers.
