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Residence of Israeli citizens
All information on the stay of Israeli citizens in Germany and on visa applications from Israel.
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What special entry requirements apply to Israelis?
when Israeli citizens receive a long-term visa
How Israelis apply for a residence permit in Berlin
which special regulations apply to Jewish immigrants
1. Visa-free entry to Israel
2. Stay of Israelis in Germany
2.1 Stay up to 90 days
2.2 No work during visa-free stay
3. Apply for a visa at the embassy in Tel Aviv
4. Residence permit for Israeli citizens in Berlin
5. Special regulations for Jewish immigrants
6. FAQ Immigration to Israel
7. Conclusion
1. Visa-free entry to Israel
Due to the close political and cultural ties between Israel and Germany, Israeli citizens enjoy special advantages when applying for residence permits . This privilege is not limited to visa-free entry into Germany (see the visa list of the Federal Foreign Office). Rather, unlike other visa-free applicants, Israeli citizens are entitled to apply for their residence permit directly in Germany . While citizens of other countries must first obtain a visa from the German embassy or consulate in their home country for permanent residence, Israeli citizens can enter Germany without a prior visa according to Section 41 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV) and submit their application for a residence permit directly to the relevant immigration authority in Germany.
Visa-free entry for Israeli citizens into Germany requires fulfillment of the general entry requirements according to the Schengen Borders Code (Article 6 of EU Regulation 2016/399). This primarily includes carrying a valid passport , which should contain at least one blank data page, as Israeli citizens also receive an entry stamp upon arrival. Furthermore, travelers from Israel must credibly demonstrate the purpose of their stay at the border and prove that they can financially secure their stay in Germany. For a business trip, this means, for example, presenting a letter of invitation from the inviting company and a booking confirmation for accommodation.
2. Stay of Israelis in Germany
2.1 Stay up to 90 days
Israeli citizens may stay in Germany for up to 90 days within any 180-day period after their visa-free entry, according to Section 41 of the German Residence Ordinance (AufenthV). The EU Commission provides the "Schengen Calculator" for calculating this 90-day period. If an application for a residence permit is submitted to the relevant immigration authority during the visa-free stay, the stay can be extended beyond 90 days. In this case, the so-called "legal fiction" applies according to Section 81 Paragraph 3 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG), meaning the stay is considered legal until the immigration authority makes a final decision. A certificate of legal fiction can also be issued for the period until this decision is reached. Detailed information on this can be found in our VISAGUARD guide on applying for a certificate of legal fiction.
2.2 No work during visa-free stay
Visa-free entry for Israeli citizens into Germany is generally only permitted if they do not engage in gainful employment . For any form of employment, regardless of the foreigner's origin – even for privileged countries like Israel – either a visa or a residence permit is required (§ 4a para. 1 of the German Residence Act). An exception is the so-called " deemed non-employment " provision under § 30 of the German Employment Ordinance. This regulation allows Israeli citizens to engage in certain activities during their visa-free stay, although these activities are strictly limited. Frequently used activities that do not require a permit include business trips or participation in trade fairs.
However, it is important to note that taking advantage of the legal fiction of non-employment involves risks. Exceeding the permissible limits of permit-free activity constitutes illegal employment, which can be punished with substantial penalties (see our VISAGUARD information on illegal employment of foreign nationals). Our independent VISAGUARD experts will be happy to advise you individually on whether your planned work as an Israeli citizen in Germany requires a work permit.
3. Apply for a visa at the embassy in Tel Aviv
If you are an Israeli citizen and intend to take up full-time employment in Germany, it is generally recommended that you apply for the appropriate visa at the German Embassy in Tel Aviv before entering the country. Detailed information on the required documents and the application procedure can be found on the official website of the German Embassy in Tel Aviv .
Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can book a visa appointment through the RK Visa service . After the embassy in Tel Aviv has issued the visa, you can enter Germany and begin your employment. Further information can be found in our VISAGUARD guide to applying for a visa .
4. Residence permit for Israeli citizens in Berlin
If you are already residing in Germany and wish to apply for a residence permit as an Israeli citizen, you must contact your local immigration office . In Berlin, for example, residence permits for Israeli citizens are issued by the State Office for Immigration (LEA). The State Office for Immigration provides specific information for Israeli citizens on its website . If you, as an Israeli citizen, wish to apply for a residence permit pursuant to Section 26 Paragraph 1 of the Employment Ordinance (BeschV) at the Berlin Immigration Office, you must submit the following documents:
Valid passport
Employment contract
Rental agreement including details of the living space
Proof of monthly rent (e.g. bank statement)#
Proof of your health insurance
The collected documents must then be submitted via the LEA contact form . The immigration office will then schedule an appointment for you. Booking an appointment is no longer possible in Berlin (see the VISAGUARD blog post on the abolition of the appointment system in Berlin ).
5. Special regulations for Jewish immigrants
Due to Germany's historical responsibility for Israel's right to exist , various privileges apply to the immigration of Jews to Germany (see Decree No. 01/2006: Order pursuant to Section 23, Paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) regarding the granting of residence permits to Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union – with the exception of the Baltic states). Accordingly, Jewish people in Germany can obtain a permanent residence permit under simplified regulations if they have received a corresponding acceptance letter (Section 23, Paragraph 2 AufenthG). Accepted family members who themselves do not meet the requirements for admission as Jewish immigrants receive a residence permit pursuant to Section 23, Paragraph 1 of the Residence Act. The residence permit is initially granted for one year and then extended for two-year periods. The special regulations for Jewish immigrants in Germany are very complex in specific individual cases. One of our VISAGUARD experts will be happy to advise you on the requirements for obtaining a residence permit for Jewish immigrants .
6. FAQ for Israelis residing in Germany
Are Israeli citizens affected by the new ETIAS regulations?
Yes, since Israeli nationals can enter without a visa, they will be subject to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) from mid-2025.
How long does a visa application process take for someone from Israel?
Visa procedures in Israel are relatively quick. Visa applications from Tel Aviv can usually be completed within 2-4 months if our VISAGUARD tips for accelerating visa processes are followed .
What is the success rate for visa applications from Israel?
Due to the various privileges granted to foreigners from Israel, the success rate for visa applications is over 90% if the requirements are met.
Are Israeli citizens allowed to enter Germany without a visa?
Yes, Israeli citizens may enter Germany without a visa and stay for up to 90 days (§ 41 AufenthV). The purpose of the stay must be proven upon entry.
Can Israeli citizens apply for a residence permit after entering the country?
Yes, Israeli citizens can apply directly for a residence permit in Germany at the immigration office – without a prior national visa. During the processing of the application, the legal fiction of residence status applies (§ 81 para. 3 of the German Residence Act).
7. Conclusion: Stay of Israelis in Germany
On this page you have learned about the special visa and residence regulations that apply to Israelis in Germany. Israeli citizens are citizens of so-called "Best Friends" countries and, as such, can enter Germany without a visa, apply for a residence permit (§ 41 AufenthV), and work without possessing a formally recognized qualification (§ 26 para. 1 BeschV).
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List of Sources (Paywall)
[1] BeckOK AuslR/Klaus, 29th Ed. April 1, 2021, BeschV § 26
[2] Offer/Mävers, Commentary on the Employment Ordinance, 2nd ed. 2022, § 26
[3] Visa Handbook, Jewish Immigration, 75th Supplement, as of 08/2022