A/5 Visa in Israel: Work, Healthcare, Bituach Leumi, Kupat Holim and Travel
Receiving an A/5 visa is an important step in the Israel spouse visa process. In this process, A/5 is the stage after the B/1 visa. The foreign partner could already work with B/1. A/5 changes their status to temporary resident and makes it possible to join Israel's public health-insurance system after completing the Bituach Leumi process.
Two names appear throughout this process:
- Bituach Leumi is Israel's National Insurance Institute. It collects national- and health-insurance payments and pays benefits such as maternity, child, unemployment, disability and work-injury benefits.
- Kupat Holim is a health fund. This is the organization through which you receive public healthcare. Israel has four: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet and Leumit. You choose which one to join.
This guide explains what to do after receiving an A/5 visa so you can continue working, register with Bituach Leumi, join a Kupat Holim and travel outside Israel.
Can You Work with an A/5 Visa?
Yes. You can work with an A/5 visa. If you were already working with a B/1 visa, you can continue working after receiving A/5.
Bituach Leumi: What Happens After 183 Days?
Receiving an A/5 visa does not automatically register you with Bituach Leumi.
Bituach Leumi can recognize an A/5 visa holder as an Israeli resident after the person has accumulated 183 days of legal stay in Israel within the relevant 12-month period and can show that their center of life is in Israel.
To apply, complete Form 625, the residency questionnaire for temporary residents, and submit it with the requested documents to the Bituach Leumi branch responsible for your address.
The documents usually show that you actually live in Israel. They can include:
- your A/5 visa, Israeli ID and passport;
- a rental contract or proof of home ownership;
- arnona and household bills;
- salary slips or other work documents;
- an Israeli bank account;
- documents showing that your spouse and children live in Israel; and
- school or kindergarten records for children.
Bituach Leumi may ask for additional documents. The complete document list is included in Form 625.
How to Join a Kupat Holim
After Bituach Leumi approves your residency, choose one of the four health funds: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet or Leumit. Go to your local Bituach Leumi branch and ask to be registered with the fund you chose. Once the registration is complete, you can receive healthcare through that Kupat Holim.
Paying Bituach Leumi and Health Insurance
Once Bituach Leumi recognizes you as a resident, you must pay national- and health-insurance contributions.
If you are an employee, the contributions are deducted from your salary and shown on your payslip. Your employer is responsible for reporting the salary and transferring the payments to Bituach Leumi.
If you are self-employed, you must register as self-employed and pay the contributions yourself. If you do not work, you generally need to pay the minimum monthly contributions yourself unless Bituach Leumi confirms that an exemption applies to you.
After Bituach Leumi recognizes you as a resident, you can apply for benefits when they are relevant, including maternity benefits, child allowance, unemployment benefit, disability benefits and payments for a work injury. Each benefit has its own eligibility rules.
Traveling Outside Israel with an A/5 Visa
Before leaving Israel, get a re-entry visa from Misrad Hapnim. It is commonly called an inter-visa.
The inter-visa allows you to return to Israel after your trip. An A/5 visa by itself is not enough for re-entry.
Check that your passport, A/5 visa and inter-visa will all remain valid on the date you return to Israel. If you plan more than one trip, check how many entries the inter-visa allows before leaving.
Common Questions
Does A/5 automatically include Bituach Leumi and Kupat Holim?
No. After accumulating 183 days of legal stay, you need to apply to Bituach Leumi using Form 625. After Bituach Leumi recognizes you as a resident, you can register with the Kupat Holim of your choice.
Can I choose my Kupat Holim?
Yes. You can choose Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet or Leumit.
Can I get healthcare before the 183 days are complete?
Yes, through suitable private medical insurance. You are not covered by the public health-insurance system until Bituach Leumi recognizes you as a resident and your Kupat Holim registration is complete.
Do I need an inter-visa every time I travel?
You need valid re-entry permission when you return to Israel. Before each trip, check that your existing inter-visa covers the travel dates and the required number of entries. If it does not, arrange a new one with Misrad Hapnim before leaving.
Glossary: Key Hebrew Terms
If you are going through the spouse or partner visa process in Israel, you may come across Hebrew terms in official documents, communication, or during the interview.
Here are some of the most common ones:
- אשרת א/5 (Ashrat A/5) - A/5 visa
- תושב ארעי (Toshav Arai) - temporary resident
- המוסד לביטוח לאומי (HaMosad LeBituach Leumi) - National Insurance Institute
- קופת חולים (Kupat Holim) - health fund
- ביטוח בריאות ממלכתי (Bituach Briut Mamlachti) - State Health Insurance
- מרכז חיים (Merkaz Haim) - center of life
- שאלון לקביעת תושבות (She'alon LeKviat Toshavut) - residency questionnaire
- אשרת כניסה חוזרת (Ashrat Knisa Hozeret) - re-entry visa
- אינטר-ויזה (Inter-Visa) - commonly used name for a re-entry visa
- רשות האוכלוסין וההגירה (Rashut HaUchlusin VeHaHagira) - Population and Immigration Authority
Important:
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available sources and practical guidance. It is not an official government publication and is not legal advice. Procedures may change. Always verify current requirements with the official Population and Immigration Authority (Misrad Hapnim), Bituach Leumi, your Kupat Holim and other relevant official sources.