Innovation Visa for Foreign Entrepreneurs

The Innovation Visa for Foreign Entrepreneurs is a pilot program enabling foreign entrepreneurs to reside in Israel for up to 24 months to develop technologically innovative projects with the aim of establishing an Israeli company. Launched in February 2017, it is a joint initiative of the Israel Innovation Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA). The visa is classified as a B/2 visitor's residence permit under PIBA Procedure No. 5.3.0029, meaning holders do not enter into any employer-employee relationship with Israeli entities. Entrepreneurs are hosted within approved "landing pad" incubators and accelerators that provide workspace, mentoring, and access to Israel's innovation ecosystem.

• Must be a foreign national who is not an Israeli citizen or resident
• At least 2 years of professional experience in the field of the proposed innovation
• A technological startup idea that requires professional and logistical support to develop into a product
• Must be accepted by one of the twelve approved landing pad support frameworks
• A detailed business plan explaining the innovation's potential and development requirements
• Declaration of sources of funds for living expenses during the stay
• No specific minimum capital investment is required

• Photocopy of passport with at least 18 months validity
• Medical certificate
• Certificate of good standing (criminal record clearance)
• CV/resume
• Academic certificates
• Detailed business plan
• Declaration of sources of funds for living expenses
• Declaration from an approved landing pad confirming acceptance
• Israel Innovation Authority recommendation letter

The initial visa is valid for up to 1 year. It can be extended to a maximum cumulative period of 24 months. Extension applications must be submitted to PIBA at least 3 months before the current permit expires. Renewal requires continued compliance with program conditions and a recommendation from the Israel Innovation Authority.

If the venture matures into an incorporated Israeli company with Innovation Authority support approval, the founder may transition to a B/1 Expert Work Visa valid for up to 5 years.

Spouse and children under 18 may accompany the primary visa holder. Family members must apply separately through PIBA under standard B/2 visitor visa procedures. Dependant visas can be extended to match the duration of the entrepreneur's permit. Family members do not receive work authorization and cannot be employed in Israel.

The B/2 visa does not itself create tax residency. Israeli tax residency is triggered by the 183-day presence test or the "centre of life" test under the Income Tax Ordinance. New residents and returning citizens receive a 10-year exemption from Israeli tax on foreign-source income under Section 14(a) of the Income Tax Ordinance. Entrepreneurs should be aware that spending most of the visa period in Israel may trigger tax residency.

The application proceeds in two stages. In Stage 1, the entrepreneur applies to the Israel Innovation Authority through one of the twelve approved landing pad organizations. The landing pad reviews the application and issues a confirmation of acceptance. The Innovation Authority then assigns a professional evaluator to examine the project's technological merit, competitiveness, and potential. The Authority's committee reviews the evaluation and issues a recommendation to PIBA.

In Stage 2, the entrepreneur applies to PIBA for the B/2 Innovation Visa, submitting the recommendation along with all required documents. Nationals of countries requiring an entry visa apply at an Israeli consulate abroad. Nationals of visa-exempt countries may enter Israel on their standard visa-free entry and apply at the PIBA office in Bnei Brak within 30 days of arrival.

During the development phase, Innovation Visa holders are eligible to apply for grants under the Innovation Authority's Tnufa (Ideation) Incentive Program, which provides conditional grants of up to NIS 200,000 (~USD 55,000) at an 80% grant rate over a 12-month period for early-stage concept development and prototyping. Royalty repayment is required from future product sales.

• The program is limited to technological ventures — non-technology business ideas are not eligible
• The entrepreneur must remain affiliated with their approved landing pad throughout the stay
• The B/2 classification means holders cannot be employed by any Israeli entity, including their own company — the visa covers only the pre-incorporation development phase
• The program was originally designed for approximately 50 entrepreneurs and may have limited capacity depending on landing pad availability
• Any change in circumstances, such as leaving the landing pad or abandoning the project, must be reported to PIBA