Registering as the Child of an Israeli
Citizenship by Descent
If you have a parent who is an Israeli citizen, you may be entitled to Israeli citizenship yourself, even if you were born outside of Israel and have never lived there. This path to citizenship is distinct from Aliyah under the Law of Return and comes with its own process, requirements, and implications.
Who Qualifies?
You are automatically an Israeli citizen from birth if at least one parent was an Israeli citizen at the time of your birth, regardless of where you were born.
This means Israeli citizenship passes from parent to child automatically—you don't "apply" for it; rather, you register citizenship that already exists.
Important Distinction:
This is different from the Law of Return. You're not immigrating as a Jew or family member of a Jew; you're claiming citizenship because you're the child of an Israeli citizen.
The Registration Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Your Documents:
Birth certificate (official, with apostille if required)
Current passport from country of residence
Passport-sized photos (per Israeli specifications)
Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
Children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
Parent’s Documents:
Israeli identity card (Teudat Zehut) – copy
Israeli passport – copy
Parent’s birth certificate and citizenship documents
Parent’s marriage certificate (if applicable)
Note: Documents in foreign languages must be officially translated to Hebrew. Documents from Hague Convention countries need apostille certification.
Step 2: Where to Apply
If Living Outside Israel:
Apply at the nearest Israeli consulate or embassy. An in-person appointment with the consular section is required.
If Living in Israel:
Apply at the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) or Population and Immigration Authority offices.
Step 3: Processing and Documentation
Application reviewed by Population Authority
Background security check conducted
Processing time: several weeks to several months
Upon approval: Israeli ID (Teudat Zehut) issued
Eligible for Israeli passport immediately
Special Cases and Complications
Parent Became Israeli After Your Birth: You may not have automatic citizenship; other legal pathways may apply.
Adopted Children: Citizenship possible but requires court adoption documents.
Israeli Grandparent Only: Does not confer citizenship automatically; may qualify for Aliyah instead.
Military Service Implications
This is critical to understand before registering.
Males:
Under 18: subject to mandatory service at 18
Ages 18–26: generally expected to serve upon registration
Over 26: generally exempt
Females:
Under 20: subject to mandatory service
Over 20: generally exempt
Important:
Many young men delay registration until after age 26 specifically to avoid mandatory service. This is legal and common.
Rights and Responsibilities
Rights:
Israeli passport and travel documents
Right to live and work in Israel indefinitely
Access to Israeli healthcare
Voting rights
University tuition at citizen rates
Consular protection worldwide
Responsibilities:
Military service (if applicable)
Israeli taxation if residing in Israel
Maintaining valid documentation
Reserve duty (for those who serve)
Dual Citizenship
Israel generally allows dual citizenship. However, some countries do not—check your country’s laws.
Important:
Once registered, you must use your Israeli passport to enter and exit Israel.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
Visa-free travel to many countries
Unrestricted right to live, work, or study in Israel
Access to healthcare and social services
Children automatically eligible for citizenship
No immigration bureaucracy if moving to Israel
Disadvantages:
Military service obligations (if applicable)
Potential travel complications to some Middle Eastern countries
Israeli taxation if residing in Israel
Common Questions
“Do I have to move to Israel?”
No. Citizenship does not require residence.
“Can I register my children?”
Yes. Once you are registered, your children automatically qualify.
“What if my parents are divorced?”
Irrelevant. One Israeli parent is sufficient.
“I’m over 40—should I still register?”
Many do, particularly for travel and legal security. No military obligation at this age.
Timeline and Costs
Processing Time: typically 1–6 months
Costs: approximately $100–500 depending on documents, translations, apostilles, and passport fees
Getting Started
Contact nearest Israeli consulate
Request citizenship registration information
Gather required documents
Schedule appointment
Submit application (often with parent present)
Wait for processing
Receive Israeli identity documentation
Israeli citizenship through a parent is your birthright. Whether and when to register is a personal decision based on your circumstances, goals, and legal implications. Take time to understand what registration means for you before proceeding.
