High-Tech Expert B/1 Work Visa in Israel

Israel operates a dedicated foreign high-tech expert program through the Israel Innovation Authority together with the Population and Immigration Authority.

January 2025 operating framework

The official program states that the high-tech expert track began in 2018 and is open year-round. It is designed for Israeli high-tech companies seeking skilled personnel from abroad.

Core criteria

The official Innovation Authority page lists three key criteria:

  • the foreign expert is a citizen of a country exempt from the requirement to obtain a tourist visa before travel;
  • the expert's salary is at least double the average wage in Israel; and
  • the sponsoring company is a high-tech company authorized by the Israel Innovation Authority.

Visa period and family benefit

The official program states that the expert can receive a work visa for up to one year, renewable annually for up to five years, subject to the immigration rules. It also describes a work visa for the expert's spouse after the expert visa is granted.

This is still an employer-sponsored work route. It is not a digital-nomad or open freelance permit.

Compare the general foreign-expert B/1 route, Innovation Visa, Israel hub, work visas, Middle East, methodology, and the legal disclaimer.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Israel