Israel Visa for Thai Workers 2025–2026 — Complete B1 Visa Guide

The B1 visa is a work visa for Israel intended for foreign workers, including Thai workers. The visa allows you to work legally in Israel for a specific employer and in a defined sector (agriculture, construction, caregiving, etc.).

B1 Visa Characteristics

• •Validity: up to 63 months for caregiving, up to 5 years for agriculture and construction
• •Specific employer: the visa is tied to one employer
• •Defined sector: agriculture, construction, caregiving, welding or approved trades
• •Health insurance required: the employer must provide valid health insurance

The process of obtaining a B1 visa consists of several steps. It is important to work only through legal channels and avoid unauthorized brokers.

Process Steps

• •The employer in Israel applies for a foreign worker quota with PIBA
• •After quota approval — the employer receives a hiring permit
• •The worker submits a visa application at the Israeli Consulate in Bangkok
• •Required: valid passport, birth certificate, employment permit, photos, and additional documents
• •After approval — a B1 visa is issued and the worker can fly to Israel
• •In Israel — a residence permit must be issued at the airport

Renewing your visa is essential to continue working legally. You must start the renewal process at least 45 days before the visa expires.

How to Renew

• •Contact PIBA — phone hotline 3450
• •The employer must submit a renewal application through the PIBA online system
• •Required: valid passport, current employment permit, valid health insurance
• •Renewal cost: approximately 190 ILS (employer bears the cost)
• •Processing time: 7–14 business days

A Thai worker can change employers, but the process must be done legally through PIBA. Working for a different employer without approval is an offense that can lead to deportation.

When Can You Change?

• •Your employer fired you or closed the business
• •Your employer has not paid wages for a month or more
• •Illegal or life-threatening working conditions
• •Abuse or violence from the employer
• •The employer refused to renew the visa

Change Process

• •Contact PIBA (hotline 3450) and report your intention to change employers
• •Receive an official "employer release"
• •Find a new employer with a foreign worker hiring permit
• •The new employer submits a transfer request to PIBA
• •During the transition period (up to 90 days) you can work for the new employer temporarily

If your visa has expired, you are in an illegal status and at risk of deportation. However, there are ways to handle the situation. Most importantly — do not run or hide, seek help.

Solutions

• •If it recently expired (up to 30 days) — you can renew through your employer
• •If the employer refused to renew — contact Kav LaOved or get legal advice
• •If a long time has passed — you can get a "special residence permit" to arrange documents and depart
• •In any case — do not work without a valid visa, it risks deportation and an entry ban

Deportation is the most severe outcome. Many workers can avoid it if they act in time and get proper advice.

• ✅Always keep your visa valid — check the expiry date every month
• ✅Keep copies of all documents (passport, visa, contract, payslips)
• ✅Do not work for another employer without approval
• ✅Pay taxes and national insurance as required
• ✅If there is a problem — seek advice immediately, do not wait