Q&A for How to Become an Israeli Citizen

The 1949 Israeli Security Service Law makes conscription to military service compulsory for all citizens once they turn 18. Those exempted from mandatory service are the ultra-Orthodox and Arab Israelis. However, according to Avi Jager in The Jerusalem Post (Oct 18, 2018), the army is becoming smaller and more professionalized and draft evasions are growing, with only 35% of the population serving in the military and 65% not participating in compulsory service, much of which is due to an increase in the population of those exempt.

As explained above, Israeli law allows for citizenship to be granted in various ways: Naturalization, affiliation (through marriage or descent), and also under the Law of Return. Under the Law of Return, all Jewish people are entitled to citizenship in Israel. To apply for citizenship, you’ll need to determine which of these avenues best suits your situation, then follow the required method for the application relevant to that.

Yes, you can but you will need to determine what visa requirements (visitor, work, etc., visas) are needed, which will depend on where you’re coming from and your nationality. For work opportunities, some basic ability with Hebrew is essential, and professional qualifications are preferred. If living in Israel for the first time, you will need to consider such things as: Security issues (always carry your ID with you), how you will finance your living expenses, which part of Israel you want to live in and the cost of moving (if taking more than your suitcase). It can be helpful to set yourself up with a program that helps people live in Israel for periods of time, as they can partner you with jobs and help with accommodation, etc.

Yes, a Palestinian can become an Israeli citizen. Most likely this would occur under either the naturalization of affiliation pathways described in the steps above.

No. You can get an Israeli citizenship immediately, though you'll have to wait one year for your Israeli passport.

You are eligible, yes. Apply for it and you should be gained Israeli citizenship.

Yes. Your age doesn't matter. You'll still need to apply through the regular channels like anyone else.

No, you would need to be a citizen in order to make aliya.

Only if you fit one of the naturalization options referred to in the article.

You may be eligible to become a citizen if you are married to the man that lives there. It also depends if he is a citizen, or if he is just living there.

Not specifically, but almost all Jews worldwide do have genetic links originating in the Near East.

You will not be able to become an Israeli citizen, then.

You can become a citizen through naturalization, conversion, or descent of an Israeli citizen.

If his parents or one of his parents are Israeli citizens, he becomes a citizen as soon as he's born.

Yes. You would not be discriminated against based upon ethnicity.

Not necessarily. While all Israeli citizens will have this type of document, residents of Israel are also required to obtain this identity card. Requirements for citizenship and residency are different, so you could be considered a resident without being considered a citizen of Israel.

As far as I know, DNA tests are not considered when making aliya. You will need official documents proving a Jewish ancestry.

Only by naturalization according to the Israeli nationality law, meaning you'll need to get an approval from the Israeli government to be a permanent resident and apply for citizenship after a certain amount of time. Note: You must renounce your Filipino citizenship in order to obtain an Israeli one, according to law.

No, according to the Israeli nationality law, and many court rules throughout the years, Israeli citizenship can be obtained by the law of return only if a person has a parent or a grandparent that is a Jew, and the person has not voluntarily became a member of any other religion. But, you can still obtain your citizenship through naturalization.

No, citizenship is not given by birth on the territory, but mainly through your parents (jus soli).

Of course, go to the nearest Israeli consulate in your region. According to law, Israel doesn't protect only its citizens, but Jews from around the world. I'm sure they'll accept you if your life is in danger.

If you are applying using The Law of Return, you may be able to get your Israeli citizenship without actually visiting Israel. You can contact the Israeli consulate or embassy in your area.

If you converted to Judaism, you’ll need a letter from an Orthodox rabbi that you can bring to the rabbinical court to gain citizenship.

Yes, so long as you fulfill one of the routes to obtaining citizenship. The UK and Israel allow dual nationality and both countries recognise each other too. You shouldn't have any issues.

Teudat zehut is given to those residing in Israel. It is not given to people living abroad.

To be considered Jewish, you need a Jewish mom but you could convert and then be let in.

Not necessarily: You have to be born to a Jewish mother or convert to Judaism in order to be eligible.

Although Jewish ancestry comes by the mother's bloodline, if your father is truly Jewish (religious or genetically), you will be able to gain citizenship.