Changing Your Last Name in Israel While on an A5 Visa

Moving to Israel to build a life with your partner already comes with plenty of paperwork and if you decide to change your last name after marriage, things can get a little more complicated. But don’t worry! At Mixed Neshamot, we’ve been there too, and we’re here to make this process easier for you.

This article is based on the personal experiences of our Neshamot, women from our community who have successfully gone through this process and shared what worked best for them.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you change your last name while living in Israel on an A5 visa.

Start in Your Home Country

Before doing anything in Israel, make sure your marriage is legally recognized in your home country and your new last name is officially registered. You’ll need to:

• Validate your marriage through your local authorities.

• Apply for a new passport with your updated last name.

Tip: Contact your country’s embassy in Israel to confirm the specific steps. This part is the foundation for everything else, your new passport is what connects all your future updates.

Send Both Passports to the Misrad HaPnim

When you apply for or renew your A5 visa, make sure to send photos of both passports:

• Your old one (with your maiden name), and

• Your new one (with your updated last name).

  
  

This helps the Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior) verify your identity and process your visa smoothly.

Update Your Teudat Zehut

If you already have a Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID), you’ll need to update it with your new name. Here’s how:

• Pay 130 shekels at the Misrad HaPnim.

• You can choose to receive your updated Teudat Zehut by mail or at the post office.

  
  

Update Your Information Everywhere

Once your documents are updated, it’s time to notify all other institutions:

• Your bank

• Kupat Cholim (Health Fund)

• Insurance company and workplace

• Any memberships or services connected to your name

  
  

Keeping everything consistent helps avoid future confusion and ensures all your details match your official ID.

Want to learn more?

Check out our other blog post on the B1 to A5 upgrade process, where we share more about the Teudat Zehut, visa renewals, and useful tips.

Have you already gone through this process? Share your experience in the comments or in our WhatsApp group, your story might help another Neshama going through the same step!