Business & investor visas
Israeli Innovation Visa for Foreign Entrepreneurs
A pilot route letting foreign tech entrepreneurs develop an innovative venture in Israel without an employer relationship.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The reported stay of up to two years and specific eligibility thresholds are from Innovation Authority/press material; confirm current pilot terms on the official Israel Innovation Authority page before publishing figures.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Israel government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Innovation Visa for foreign entrepreneurs (B/2-based, pilot)
- Route type
- Talent / entrepreneur (technology)
- Run by
- Israel Innovation Authority with MFA and PIBA
- Work
- Develops own venture; not an employer-employee work permit
Who it is for
- Foreign technology entrepreneurs and researchers (non-Israeli citizens).
- Founders seeking to develop an innovative venture and establish a company in Israel.
Requirements
- A venture with a high degree of technological innovation and a feasible plan.
- R&D activity to be carried out in Israel and significant business potential.
- Meeting the programme's eligibility criteria set by the Innovation Authority and PIBA.
What you can do
- Stay in Israel to develop the innovative project under the programme.
- Work on your own venture without forming an employer-employee relationship with a local firm.
How to apply
- Apply to the Israel Innovation Authority under the innovation-visa procedure.
- Provide the venture's innovation, feasibility and R&D evidence.
- On approval, obtain the B/2-based innovation visa via PIBA / an Israeli mission.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.