Immigration law is a dynamic field that frequently undergoes revisions. In this update, we review important changes of which you should be aware. They impact the entrance of foreign citizens into Israel in general, and particularly the engagement of foreign employees. Additional changes are expected in the near future, so it is important to stay updated. Registering for our legal updates, at the link below, serves as a good source for these updates:

Newsletter – Herzog Law | Israeli Law Firm

A. New Rules Regarding Entry to Israel from Visa-Exempt Countries – January 2025

Beginning in January 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel. The ETA-IL allows for stays of up to 90 days per visit and is valid for two years, permitting multiple trips within this period. Applications for the ETA-IL should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel arrangements are made and can be completed online.

Please Note: Approval of an ETA-IL does not guarantee entry, as immigration clerks may still deny entry. If you encounter any problems or need further assistance with this form or if the entry of your personnel entry is denied, we will be happy to assist.

It has also been brought to our attention that there have been several occurrences of visitors to Israel having their ETA-IL filled out by third-party sites and paying more than the standard rate, only to have their entry denied when they arrived. Please ensure that you use the official site only for submission of the application for the ETA-IL.

B. Changes to Fees – January 2025

Effective January 1, 2025, the fees for work permit applications, visas, and work licenses have been updated as follows:

• Work permit application for a foreign expert: NIS 1,390
• Work permit application for employees in industrial, construction, and ethnic restaurant sectors: NIS 1,040
• Work permit application for employees in the agricultural sector: NIS 690
• B1 foreign expert work license fee (per year): NIS 11,060
• B1 foreign expert work license fee (per day, up to six months): NIS 55.30
• B1 work license fee for employees in industrial, commercial, renovation, transportation infrastructure, and ethnic restaurant sectors: NIS 8,290
• B1 general fee: NIS 200
• Multiple entry/exit visa fee: NIS 200

Please Note: Expertise is necessary to understand which type of visa should be requested in each circumstance. We can, of course, assist with such classification and in obtaining permits.

C. Update to Average Salary – January 2025 (actual amounts not yet published)

 The salary paid to foreign experts engaged for more than 90 days is dependent on the average salary in the local market. A new average is expected to be announced very shortly, and it will be applied as of the salary paid of January 1, 2025.

Please Note: Stay posted for this update; it was due to have been announced by now but has not yet been.

D. Update to the Amounts Which an Employer May Deduct from a Foreign Employee’s Salary- January 2025

The law regulates the amounts that can be deducted from the salaries of foreign employees. Effective January 1, 2025, the permissible monthly deductions for accommodations have been increased and are as follows:

• Jerusalem: NIS 429.39
• Tel Aviv: NIS 559.90
• Haifa/Center of Israel: NIS 373.30
• South of Israel: NIS 331.86
• North of Israel: NIS 305.34

Additionally, employers may deduct up to NIS 107.27 for living expenses, with specific rates for the nursing and agricultural sectors.

Please Note: Employers may deduct only half of these amounts if the accommodations are on the employer’s property (as opposed to that owned by a third party).

E. Update on Proposed Bill with New Rules on Visa Checks

 This legislation aims to deal with the growing problem of fake visas. A preliminary bill requires employers to verify foreign employees’ visas through the Population and Immigration Authority website. This proposed law aims to prevent employers from claiming ignorance of illegal employment due to fake visas, and will impose extra obligations and liabilities on employers.

Please Note:

• This is only a proposed bill. Stay posted for any updates.
• Do not wait for the bill to pass: We recommend confirming the visas of all personnel.

The field of immigration law is not only evolving globally and locally but also requires specialized local expertise and a thorough understanding of local legislation and relevant authorities and their procedures. Our Immigration Department can assist with all immigration and related issues.

Meet Our Immigration Department

Our Immigration Department is a niche and unique department, distinguished by the fact that the advice given to its clients is in-depth, thorough, and includes professional and comprehensive consideration of other related fields such as labor law, tax law, pensions, employment of Palestinians, social security, international law, administrative law, criminal law, and commercial law. Our Immigration Department stands out in terms of its size, depth, experience, and expertise, and our clients enjoy the advantages derived from legal activity within a commercial firm, which constitutes a “One Stop Shop”. The nature of our department allows its clients to benefit from professional, practical advice and the highest standard of service.

The department’s team specializes in handling a wide range of issues in the field of immigration, including issuance of various types of visas, provision legal opinions, status acquisition, representation before government offices and various courts, issues related to the Law of Return and Naturalization, special issues related to eligibility for Israeli travel documents, matters related to the population registry, ongoing representation for corporations in the construction industry, arranging status with the IDF, and representing employers in cases of immigration-related proceedings and litigations.

For further assistance on any specific issue, please contact Roi Hayun at hayunr@herzoglaw.co.il