Opening a Bank Account in Israel with B/1 or A/5

If you do not have an Israeli identity card, prepare your valid foreign passport and B/1 permit. The bank's identification rules allow foreign residents to be identified using a foreign passport or travel document, with an additional document to check their details.

The normal additional document has a photograph and identification number. If you do not have one, the rules provide an alternative using a document containing your name or identification number together with an address or date of birth. Ask the branch which document it will accept before your visit. Identification rules

Plan to apply at a branch. The standard online account-opening route is for Israeli residents, so an app that requires an Israeli ID number is not the appropriate route for a B/1 holder without one. Online banking rules

Bring your Israeli identity card, its accompanying address appendix, your passport and current A/5 permit. The Bank of Israel explicitly states that A/5 holders must be identified using their Israeli identity card. A foreign passport alone does not replace it. Official clarification, question A4

If you already opened an account during B/1, contact that bank to update your identification details after receiving A/5. Ask it to link your Israeli ID to the existing customer record and explain whether any account documents need updating.

If you want to open an account online, first check whether the bank's service accepts your temporary-resident ID. If it does not, arrange a branch appointment.

A joint account makes both partners account holders. You can open a new one together or ask to add the foreign partner to an existing account.

You must also choose signing rights. You can require both partners' approval for transactions, or allow each partner to act independently. Make sure both of you understand the arrangement before signing. Joint-account guide

In addition to the identification documents above, ask the branch whether it needs:

• check_circleProof of your address in Israel, such as a rental agreement.
• check_circleInformation about your employment or other income, with documents such as payslips or an employment contract if relevant.
• check_circleEvidence explaining money you intend to transfer from abroad, such as statements showing your savings or documents explaining a particular payment.
• check_circleYour countries of tax residence and the relevant tax identification numbers, where applicable.

This is a preparation list, not a fixed checklist required from every applicant. Tell the bank how you expect to use the account: receiving salary, paying household expenses, receiving support from your partner or transferring savings. Ask which supporting documents it needs for your circumstances. These checks form part of the bank's obligations to understand its customers and their transactions. Customer-checking rules

The bank will provide its tax-residency declaration forms. Complete them according to your actual tax circumstances; do not choose a tax residence simply by copying the visa category. The international reporting rules distinguish tax residence and require information about relevant tax identification numbers. CRS guidance

Choose a bank and branch, then arrange an account-opening appointment through the bank's website or customer service. Explain that you hold B/1 or A/5 and whether you have an Israeli ID. Ask which documents to bring.

For a joint application, arrange for both partners to attend with their identification documents. If one cannot attend, ask the bank in advance what alternative it accepts.

There is no single government application form for opening an ordinary bank account. You complete the chosen bank's account-opening documents and declarations through its own process.