Applying for citizenship

A Mixed Neshamot Guide Inspired by the Experience of Co-Founder Ana

After years in the partner visa process, this is the moment many of us wait for: applying for Israeli citizenship.

If you hold an A5 temporary residency visa as the spouse of an Israeli citizen, you can apply for citizenship 3 years and 9 months after receiving your A5, essentially three months before your fourth A5 renewal.

Like many things in the partner process, there is no single procedure “written in stone.” Each branch of the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) may handle details slightly differently. This guide is based on Ana’s experience at the Jerusalem branch. She and her husband opened their case as a married couple in October 2020 while she was in Israel on a student visa.

Your 4th A5 Renewal

Three months before completing four years with A5 status, you will first submit your regular renewal documentation. There is nothing particularly different at this stage, it is the standard renewal process.

In Ana’s case, this was the first time the documents had to be uploaded online instead of being physically submitted at the branch.

You can access the partner status service here: https://www.gov.il/he/service/requesting-status-for-foreign-life-partner

Before starting:

• Make sure your Israeli partner remembers his username (Teudat Zehut number) and password for the government system.

• Fill out Form MR6 in advance: https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/generalpage/services_forms/he/MR6.pdf

  
  

Scheduling Your Citizenship Appointment

Not every country allows dual or multiple citizenship. For partners of Israelis, restrictions usually come from the other country, not Israel. Before applying, check the citizenship policies of any additional country you hold.

To request your citizenship appointment, use this link: https://www.gov.il/he/service/schedule_meeting_visas_department

How to book:

1. Complete your personal information in Step 1.

2. In Step 2, select: “Citizenship application” – בקשה לאזרחות

3. Then choose:“Citizenship application for partners (after completing the partner status process / changing from permanent residency to citizenship)” – בקשה להתאזרחות לבני זוג (בסיום הליך של קבלת מעמד עקב זוגיות / שינוי מעמד מקבע לאזרח לבן זוג לאזרח ישראלי)

The system will automatically assign your PIBA office based on your city.

In the “Details” section, you may write:

Hebrew version:

על פי סעיף ז(1) לנוהל 5.2.0008, עליי להודיע על בקשתי להתאזרחות עד שלושה חודשים

לפני השלמת ארבע שנים במעמד תושב ארעי. מכיוון שאשלים ארבע שנים במעמד תושב ארעי בחודש ______, אבקש בזאת לתאם תור להגשת בקשה להתאזרחות בהתאם לנוהל.תודה מראש.

English translation:

According to section Z(1) of Procedure 5.2.0008, I am required to notify about my intention to apply for citizenship up to three months before completing four years as a temporary resident. Since I will complete four years as a temporary resident in the month of ______, I hereby request to schedule an appointment to submit my citizenship application in accordance with the procedure. Thank you in advance.

What Happens Next?

You will receive a confirmation email stating that within 20 business days you will be informed of the next steps.

In Ana’s case, no follow-up came after 20 business days. When she emailed the branch, they replied that the citizenship request would be discussed during the renewal appointment. Disappointing , but not unusual.

The Renewal Appointment

On the renewal date (October 23rd in Ana’s case), before starting the process, the clerk printed a document and confirmed she was eligible to apply for citizenship.

The couple went through the usual interview process. However, for the first time, Ana was asked:

• Why do you want Israeli citizenship?

• Do you see yourself living in Israel permanently?

  
  

After completing the renewal:

• She received her renewed visa.

• She received her multi-entry visa.

• She completed paperwork and photos for a new Teudat Zehut (TZ).

  
  

Only then did the citizenship process formally begin.

They were given a new appointment (November 6th) to submit the following documents:

Required Documents

• Form AZ21 (טופס אז/21) – General citizenship application form

• Form AZ28 (טופס אז/28) – Naturalization declaration (must be signed by a lawyer)

• Form AZ29 (טופס אז/29) – Declaration of other citizenships

• A letter in Hebrew explaining why you want citizenship (your partner can help translate).

  
  

There is a government fee for the citizenship process. In Ana’s case, it was 810 NIS.

The clerk mentioned that cases are reviewed in groups. Once enough applications are collected and approved, candidates are invited to a citizenship ceremony on a designated day.

Although the ceremony is personal, it is scheduled collectively.

Important recommendation: Do not book international flights for 3-6 months after applying. If your application is approved and you are called for the ceremony but are abroad, you won’t lose your approval, but you will have to wait for the next group ceremony.

If you’re navigating the partner process and feeling unsure about your next step, you don’t have to do it alone.

Reach out to Mixed Neshamot or drop your question below, we’re here for you.