Quitting Your Job while on an A5 Visa

Here's What You Should Know

If you’ve been working in Israel with an A5 visa for more than 12 months (even if across different companies), you may be eligible for unemployment benefits three months after your last day of work—unless you were fired, in which case you can apply immediately.

But before making any big decisions, take a moment to reflect. We’re not saying you shouldn’t quit—just that it’s worth thinking through your reasons and understanding your rights and responsibilities before handing in that notice.

Notice Periods: What the Law Says

When you resign, you're legally required to give notice. The length depends on how long you’ve been employed:

• 1 to 6 months: 1 day per month worked

• 7 months to 12 months: 2.5 days per month

  
  

Example: If you’ve been at your job for 8 months, you need to give 11 calendar days’ notice (yes, that includes weekends and holidays). Double-check your employment contract in case there are any additional company policies, but Israeli labor law takes precedence.

You can resign during a one-on-one with your manager or via email—whatever feels most comfortable or appropriate for your workplace. They might ask you why you are quitting, you are not obligated to give details and can always just say: personal reasons. 

What You're Entitled to When You Quit:

• Unpaid vacation days – yes, these should be paid out

• Sick days – unfortunately, these are not reimbursed

• Bonuses – read the fine print; depending on the policy, you might forfeit some if you leave mid-cycle

• Dmei Havra'a – a mandatory summer benefit; if you leave mid-year, you may receive a prorated amount. Read more about it here.

  
  

Pro Tips Before You Go:

• Create a handover plan—future you will thank you.

• Even if you're leaving a toxic workplace, try to exit gracefully. Israel is small; reputations travel fast.

• Double-check that your employer has been consistently paying into your pension and Keren Hishtalmut (if you have one). Mistakes happen, and it’s best to sort them out before cutting ties.

  
  

After you quit, your employer must provide you with: 

• Tofes 161 – a termination form required for processing final payments and tax clearance. They have until the 15th of the month after your last working day to provide this.

• A letter stating how long you work with them - this letter might come in handy when applying for unemployment or releasing your pitzuim.

Leaving a job isn’t easy, but knowing your rights can make the transition much smoother. Take the time to plan, protect your benefits, and walk away with confidence.

Have questions about your own situation or want to hear how others navigated this process? Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with our community—we’re here to help each other succeed in Israel.