Your Guide to Applying for Citizenship After the A5

A Mixed Neshamot Guide

This guide is based on the real experience of Ana, one of our founders, who walked this path so you don’t have to walk it alone.

For many of us in Mixed Neshamot, reaching the A5 stage feels like finally being able to breathe. And then, just like that, you’re already thinking about the next big step: citizenship.

If you’re approaching your fourth A5 renewal, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect based on personal experience at the Jerusalem PIBA branch. While every office has its own “personality” (as we all know too well), this is the clearest picture we can offer to help you prepare with confidence.

When Can You Apply?

You become eligible to apply for citizenship 3 years and 9 months after receiving the A5, three months before your fourth renewal.

For context: we opened our file as a married couple back in October 2020, when I was still on a student visa.

Your 4th A5 Renewal (3 Months Before)

Before anything citizenship-related happens, you’ll need to submit your A5 renewal as usual. In our case, this was the first year they required an online submission rather than bringing physical copies.

Before you begin:

Use this link to submit your partner visa renewal: https://www.gov.il/he/service/requesting-status-for-foreign-life-partner

Make sure:

• Your partner remembers their TZ + password for login.

• You fill out this form beforehand: https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/generalpage/services_forms/he/MR6.pdf

Nothing else unusual happens at this stage, just the standard renewal process.

Starting Your Citizenship Application

Before applying, check whether your other citizenship country allows dual citizenship. For partners of Israelis, restrictions almost always come from the other country, not Israel.

Booking Your Citizenship Appointment

Use this link to schedule your appointment: https://www.gov.il/he/service/schedule_meeting_visas_department

How to fill it out:

Step 1: Enter your personal information.

Step 2: Choose:

• “Citizenship application” – בקשה לאזרחות

• Then: “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 the correct PIBA office based on your city.

What to Write in the “Details” Section

Copy/paste this text:

Hebrew Version:

 נוסח משופר בעברית

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 Version:

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.

After Submitting the Request

You’ll receive an email saying that within 20 business days, you’ll receive further instructions.

In my case, nothing came. When I emailed them, they simply told me to wait until my A5 renewal appointment and that citizenship would be handled there. Not ideal, but welcome to PIBA.

The Renewal Day (Where Citizenship Actually Moves Forward)

Ana's testimony

Date: October 23rd

Before starting the renewal, the clerk printed a document confirming I was eligible for citizenship.

During the interview, they added two new questions:

• Why do you want Israeli citizenship?

• Do you see yourself living in Israel forever?

Once the renewal finished, I received:

• My renewed A5

• A multi-entry visa

• A new TZ photo + paperwork

Only then did we move to the citizenship discussion.

Documents Required (Our Appointment Was on Nov 6th)

The clerk gave us a list of documents to bring:

• AZ21 (אז/21) – Citizenship application form

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

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

• Letter in Hebrew explaining why I want citizenship(your partner can translate)

You can find these in our Mixed Neshamot public folder here.

The clerk said our case looked simple and should go directly to the ceremony. Sometimes, however, PIBA may request:

• More documents

• An additional interview

• Or a renewal-style check

  
  

Fees & Committees

On the day we delivered the papers, we also paid the citizenship fee: 810 shekels

The committee only meets once they have enough applications. Once your group is approved, they will call you with your ceremony date.

Although the ceremony itself is private, PIBA holds them on specific designated days.

Important Tip: Don’t Book Flights Yet

We recommend avoiding booking travel for 3–6 months after you apply.

If you’re called for the ceremony but aren’t in Israel, you won’t lose your approval, but you will have to wait for the next group, delaying everything.

Coming in the Next Article: The Ceremony Day

Here’s a preview:

What to bring:

• Teudat Zehut

• Passport

• Credit card for your new Israeli passport and TZ

Yes, you can bring guests.

The Citizenship Declaration

“אני, (שם המתאזרח/ת), מצהיר/ה שאהיה אזרח/ית נאמנ/ה למדינת ישראל”

I, (your name), declare that I will be a loyal citizen to the State of Israel”

“Ani, (your name), matzhir/matzhira she’eheye ezrach/ezrachit ne’eman/ne’emana lemedinat Israel

Mixed Neshamot is here to support you.

Share your experience, ask for help, or connect with women on the same path inside the Mixed Neshamot