Key Points
- As of January 1, 2025, Israel increased submission fees for work permits and visas.
- The updated fees include NIS 1,390 for work permit applications and NIS 11,060 for HIT B-1 work permits.
- Additional costs apply for multiple-entry visas, dependent visas, and specific work categories, such as the 90-day STEP program.
Overview
Effective January 1, 2025, the Israeli government implemented updated fee structures for work permits and related visa categories. This change impacts foreign nationals and employers sponsoring individuals for work-related stays in Israel. The fee increases aim to align administrative costs with processing demands, affecting multiple permit types and visa services.
The updated fees for work permits and visas include the following:
- Work permit submission fee: NIS 1,390
- Standard B-1 work permit fee: NIS 200
- Multiple entry visa fee: NIS 200
- HIT (Hi-Tech) B-1 work permit fee: NIS 11,060
- 90-Day STEP or HIT fee: NIS 4,977
- B-2 dependent visa fee: NIS 100
The B-1 work permit, commonly issued for foreign nationals entering Israel for temporary employment, now has a standard application fee of NIS 200, with a significantly higher rate of NIS 11,060 for applicants under the HIT program—a specialized visa for the hi-tech sector. Similarly, fees for the 90-day STEP program, designed for short-term assignments, have been raised to NIS 4,977.
The multiple entry visa fee remains at NIS 200, ensuring that work permit holders can re-enter Israel without needing additional permissions for each trip. Additionally, dependent family members of B-1 permit holders applying for a B-2 visa will incur a fee of NIS 100.
These changes reflect Israel’s commitment to balancing regulatory improvements with fee adjustments to support administrative processes and ongoing demand for work permits across key sectors. While the fee adjustments may represent a higher cost for employers and applicants, they underscore the importance of thorough financial planning for companies navigating Israel’s work visa landscape.
Looking Ahead
The fee adjustments may increase costs for companies sponsoring foreign workers, particularly in the technology sector, which frequently utilizes the HIT B-1 visa for high-skilled professionals. Organizations should incorporate the updated fees into their hiring budgets and consider the financial impact when planning international assignments.
HR and global mobility teams should ensure that foreign nationals and their dependents are informed of the updated costs and prepare for the necessary payment requirements to avoid visa processing delays. Additionally, businesses should monitor for any potential policy updates that could further impact the administrative or financial aspects of Israel’s work permit and visa application processes.
Employers may benefit from consulting immigration professionals to ensure compliance with Israeli work permit requirements and to address any challenges posed by the increased fees, particularly for employees involved in multi-entry travel or short-term assignments.
