This procedure is required to prove the sincerity of a family or romantic relationship between a couple who wish to build their life together in Israel. The goal is to provide a legal path for the non-Israeli partner to reside in the country and eventually obtain either citizenship or legal residency status.
Marriage to an Israeli citizen does not automatically grant the right to family reunification or citizenship. The Israeli authorities require proof of a stable and genuine relationship.
A couple wishing to live in Israel must submit a request to the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim), accompanied by a set of required documents. This initiates the step-by-step status procedure, which typically lasts 4.5 to 7 years.
Steps to Take Before Starting the Procedure:
- Marriage registration abroad
(Including the collection of necessary documents such as a marriage certificate.) - Return of the Israeli partner to Israel and submission of a request to the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) to recognize the marriage with the foreign spouse as legally valid.
- Entry of the foreign spouse into Israel and attendance at an appointment with the Ministry of Interior.
Structure of the Step-by-Step Process in Israel:
1. First Interview
Once the couple is reunited in Israel, they will be invited to an initial interview at the local branch of the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim).
During this meeting, the spouses may be asked unexpected questions such as: “What color is your spouse’s toothbrush or coffee mug?”
The goal of this interview is to assess the authenticity of the relationship and rule out any fraudulent marriage.
Important note:
Officers at Misrad HaPnim are often skeptical and distrustful of couples going through this procedure. In some branches, there may be no Russian-speaking staff, which can make communication difficult.
Ministry officials may also interview friends, relatives, and even neighbors.
👉 We recommend consulting with a specialist in Israeli citizenship and residency processes.
📞 Mail us now for a free consultation: info@israelstate.org
2. Additional Interviews
The couple may be invited to attend additional interviews at Misrad HaPnim, where they may again face unexpected and sometimes provocative questions regarding the nature of their relationship, daily life, and social connections.
Family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers may also be contacted for confirmation.
During the first year, several such interviews may be conducted.
Required Documents for the Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Marriage certificate (translated into Hebrew and notarized)
- If the couple is not legally married: a cohabitation agreement
- Criminal background check for the foreign spouse (issued in the country of origin)
- Certificate of marital status or divorce certificate if applicable (notarized)
- Passport of the foreign spouse, birth certificate (original), and other supporting documents
Additionally, you’ll need to provide:
- A concise but detailed relationship history (from the beginning to present), including photos, social media posts, flight tickets, and anything else that demonstrates the depth and sincerity of the relationship
- Joint agreements (such as lease agreements, shared businesses, etc.)
- Letters from family, friends, or neighbors attesting to the authenticity of the relationship. Be aware that Misrad HaPnim staff may call these individuals during the interview to confirm the information.
🗂 For each new interview, the couple must prepare a new folder with updated supporting evidence.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The step-by-step process for obtaining Israeli citizenship can take more than 5 years.
In some cases, due to complications such as unresolved marriages, missing documentation, or administrative delays, the process may extend to up to 10 years.
After one year of interviews and successful progress, the foreign spouse may be granted a temporary residency card (known as the “red Teudat Zehut”).
After four years, the foreign partner can apply for Israeli citizenship.
