Israeli citizenship in 2025 for great-grandchildren of jews: what has changed and how to apply

On 11 November 2025, a historic session of the Knesset Committee on Immigration and Absorption marked a turning point for thousands of families with Jewish roots. The Israeli Ministry of Interior officially revoked the controversial restrictions that had limited the right of great-grandchildren of Jews to immigrate, reinstating the previous regulations.
As a result, the pathway to Israeli citizenship has once again become accessible for fourth-generation descendants.

This decision sparked significant public response and is widely seen as the restoration of historical justice. For many families whose cases were rejected or frozen, it now represents a real chance to begin a new life in Israel.

In August 2025, without prior public discussion, the Ministry of Interior introduced an internal directive that restricted the rights of great-grandchildren of Jews to immigrate. According to the new rules, approval for permanent residency (PR) and citizenship became possible only in “exceptional cases.”
This led to confusion, numerous refusals, and the suspension of cases for dozens of families who had already relocated to Israel.

Three months later, following pressure from Knesset members — including the strong position taken by Vladimir Beliak — these restrictions were revoked. The previous, well-established procedure has now been restored: great-grandchildren of Jews may obtain permanent residency and apply for citizenship after three years, provided they can confirm their center of life in Israel.

In practice, the process is as follows: if you are a descendant of a Jew through any line — mother, father, grandfather or grandmother — you have the right to immigrate under the Law of Return.
For great-grandchildren, this right is implemented through the issuance of permanent residency (PR) rather than immediate citizenship.
After three years of residence, and provided that your “center of life” is genuinely in Israel — renting accommodation, formal employment, children enrolled in school, enrollment in a health fund — you are fully entitled to apply for citizenship.

The key criterion is proof of center of life. This requires demonstrating real integration into Israeli society, not just physical presence. Supporting evidence includes rental agreements, utility bills, registration at medical institutions, and school documentation for children.

To obtain permanent residency and later citizenship, applicants must prepare the following:

• Documents confirming Jewish ancestry: archival records, metric books, birth certificates of ancestors
• Proof of lineage connecting you to the Jewish ancestor
• Police clearance certificates from countries of residence
• Apostilled and officially translated documents
• Proof of center of life in Israel: lease agreement, utility bills, medical registration, school records

If some documents are missing or located in restricted archives, retrieval may be possible through specialized institutions or professional consultants.

The full process — from obtaining PR to qualifying for citizenship — takes a minimum of three years.
Initial steps include immigration processing and issuance of PR status, followed by the required residency period.
Government fees vary depending on the applicant’s status and document volume. Additional costs include translations, apostilles, notarization, and possible archival searches.

Israeli citizenship provides substantial social, legal, and economic advantages:

• Right to permanent residence and employment in Israel
• Free public healthcare
• Visa-free access to 160+ countries
• Tax benefits for new immigrants — exemption from taxes on foreign income for 10 years
• Social benefits, education access, and integration programs
• Possibility to bring family members and obtain status for them

Importantly, Israel allows dual citizenship, so applicants do not need to renounce their current passport.

While the cancellation of restrictions restores confidence, Israel’s immigration policy remains sensitive to internal political dynamics. New directives can appear unexpectedly.
Therefore, if you or your family have Jewish roots, now is the optimal time to begin the process.

Visa Dan provides full support at every stage: from initial eligibility checks to citizenship approval.
We search archives, prepare and legalize documents, handle translations, submit applications, and assist with adaptation — including housing, banking, health funds, and family status.

2025 became a turning point: Israel has once again opened its doors to great-grandchildren of Jews.
If you believe you may qualify but lack documents or certainty — do not worry. We will help verify eligibility, restore missing records, and prepare the entire application in accordance with Ministry of Interior requirements.

Contact Visa Dan for a free eligibility assessment.
We support clients from any country — from the first consultation to receiving your Israeli passport.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!