At a glance
The Innovation Visa may let foreign technology entrepreneurs and researchers spend up to two years developing an approved project in Israel with a local support organization. The Innovation Authority must recommend the project, and the immigration authority must separately approve the visa.
- Who can apply
- Foreign technology entrepreneurs or researchers with relevant experience who plan to establish a company in Israel
- Requirements
- An innovative, workable project, an eligible support organization, research in Israel, and money for living costs
- Important detail
- A project recommendation is separate from visa approval
Summary
Israel's Innovation Visa is for foreign technology entrepreneurs and researchers who want to develop an innovative business and carry out research in Israel. It can allow a stay of up to two years with an approved organization supporting the project. You need both an Innovation Authority recommendation and immigration approval.
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Check your project fits Confirm the technology, research, company plans, and your own eligibility.
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Apply for a recommendation Provide the project plan and the required support organization's declaration.
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Complete the visa application Confirm the permit length, allowed activities, and any family arrangements with the immigration authority.
A recommendation is not a visa and does not create a right to permanent residence.
Eligibility
The program is for someone who:
- Is not already an Israeli citizen or resident.
- Has relevant experience as a technology entrepreneur or researcher.
- Plans to set up a company and carry out research and development in Israel.
- Has an innovative technology project with a workable plan and meaningful potential in international markets.
- Has an eligible organization in Israel to support the project, called a “supporting framework” in the program.
- Gets that organization's written declaration of support.
- Explains the research and development to be done in Israel.
- Can show how living costs will be paid throughout the stay.
The Israel Innovation Authority assesses your background, the support organization and what it contributes, the technology, how workable the plan is, the Israeli research activity, international business potential, and the potential to establish an industrial company in Israel.
The program page describes a procedure approved in 2024, open throughout the year. Applications are considered in the order received. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee a recommendation or a visa.
What This Route Allows
If the Innovation Authority recommends your project and the Population and Immigration Authority approves the visa, you can enter and stay in Israel to develop the approved project with the named support organization. The B/2 permit can last up to two years.
The program is intended to allow the approved business and research activity. Before doing paid work or work outside the project, get written confirmation from the immigration authority of exactly what your permission allows.
What This Route Is Not
The Innovation Authority's recommendation is not a visa. Only the Population and Immigration Authority can grant permission to stay, and it can refuse the application.
This is not an investment visa, a B/5 permanent-residence route, or a promise of a later residence status. It is also not a public funding grant. Approval does not give you a right to government funding, and the authorities do not take responsibility for your agreement with the support organization.
Ordinary consulting, retail, hospitality, or another conventional small business is not enough without significant technology innovation and research and development in Israel. The program is not for someone who already has Israeli citizenship or resident status.
Next Steps
- Read the current Innovation Authority program page and download its application materials.
- Confirm that you are not already an Israeli citizen or resident. Ask the immigration authority if your status is unclear.
- Describe the technology, research to be done in Israel, business potential, and plan for an Israeli company.
- Find an eligible support organization, agree on its role, and get its required declaration.
- Prepare evidence of your experience, the project's innovation and feasibility, the research plan, and money for living costs.
- Apply to the Innovation Authority for a recommendation. Wait for its decision before relying on this route.
- If recommended, follow the immigration authority's B/2 application process and provide the identity, background, medical, family, or consular documents it requests.
- Confirm the permit length, allowed activities, obligations to the support organization, and any family arrangements in writing before traveling.
- Plan for the end of the approved stay. Another work or residence permit requires a separate application and approval.
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