Immigration and Relocation Law

When the Population and Immigration Authority rejects an entry visa, work permit, or residency application—or when it decides on deportation, status revocation, or visa renewal refusal—the decision does not have to be final. In many cases, these decisions are based on factual errors, a failure to consider personal circumstances, or an overly narrow interpretation of the law. Administrative litigation in the immigration field is the tool that allows us to appeal these decisions, present arguments and facts before the court, and demand a just and reasonable ruling. At GCB, we know exactly how to build a robust case, present well-founded and convincing evidence, and conduct effective legal proceedings.

GCB provides full representation in administrative litigation:

• Filing administrative petitions against decisions by the Immigration Authority.
• Appeals regarding visa rejections, status revocation, or refusals.
• Representation in proceedings to cancel deportation orders and stay of exit.
• Filing urgent requests for temporary injunctions in emergency cases.
• Counsel in appeals to the Supreme Court in complex and principled cases.

The employment of foreign workers in Israel is subject to strict regulation. Employers who do not strictly adhere to the rules may find themselves facing criminal indictments, heavy fines, and even imprisonment. Over the years, GCB has handled hundreds of criminal cases in the field of foreign labor, accumulating rich experience in both criminal defense and the accompanying administrative proceedings. We have a deep understanding of enforcement patterns and the prosecution’s considerations, allowing us to build an effective and impenetrable defense aimed at mitigating damage, minimizing sanctions, and reaching the best possible legal outcome.

GCB is with you all the way in criminal and administrative proceedings:

• Issuing work permits and visa extensions in authorized sectors.
• Establishing proper work protocols to prevent legal exposure.
• Consulting on employment conditions, pay slips, and regulatory obligations.
• Representation in indictments regarding unlawful employment of foreign workers.
• Negotiating with the prosecution for plea bargains and penalty reduction.

The Israeli market, particularly the high-tech and technology sectors, attracts top-tier professionals from around the globe. Israeli companies recruit foreign experts in development, management, sales, and innovation. Consequently, employers must ensure employment is conducted according to the law, enabling the expert to work in Israel continuously and properly. The process of obtaining a work visa for a foreign expert involves submitting numerous applications and documents, and occasionally negotiating with authorities. Thanks to our experience guiding international high-tech companies, startups, and major corporations, we know exactly what is required, how to draft the application, and how to accelerate the process.

GCB serves as the launchpad in Israel for international companies and experts:

• Filing work visa applications for foreign experts in all fields.
• Advising employers on meeting threshold conditions for bringing in expert workers.
• Guidance through approval procedures with the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Interior, and Population Authority.
• Preparation of documents, affidavits, and approvals required for application submission.
• Representation in appeals and administrative proceedings in case of rejection.

One of the most complex and sensitive procedures in immigration law is the formal recognition of life partnerships. International couples—where one partner is an Israeli citizen or permanent resident and the other is a foreign national—require special approval from the Population Authority to legally reside together in Israel. This procedure involves submitting numerous documents, rigorous scrutiny of the relationship’s sincerity, and interviews with immigration officials, in a process that can sometimes span years. We have guided dozens of international couples from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, successfully helping them obtain legal status, residency visas, and ultimately, permanent residence.

GCB guides you until your life together is legally secured:

• Filing applications for recognition of life partnerships for married couples and common-law partners (“known in public”).
• Guidance in preparing all required documents, affidavits, and evidence.
• Preparation for interviews with the Population Authority and accompaniment during the process.
• Representation in appeals and litigation in cases of application rejection.
• Guidance through to the receipt of permanent residence and Israeli citizenship.

Many sectors in the Israeli economy rely on foreign workers as an inseparable part of their workforce. However, employing foreign workers is not simple. It is subject to quotas, permits from various government ministries, strict conditions regarding wage payment and rights protection, as well as rigorous supervision and enforcement. Over the years, we have guided thousands of employers from all sectors of the economy in every aspect of employing foreign workers, from small agricultural farms to massive construction contractors.

GCB provides a comprehensive solution for legal employment:

• Obtaining approvals and permits for employing foreign workers by sector.
• Guidance in worker replacement procedures, transfers, and contract extensions.
• Handling foreign worker complaints and labor disputes.
• Managing malfunctions and urgent cases.
• Preliminary audits to prevent sanctions.

Obtaining legal status in Israel—whether temporary residency, permanent residency, or Israeli citizenship—is a complex process requiring deep legal understanding and immense patience. There are several tracks to obtaining status in Israel: under the Law of Return, Population Registry policy, family unification, or after years of legal and continuous residence. Each track involves different conditions, complex documentation requirements, and a lengthy examination process. Over the years, GCB has developed the ability to navigate this intricate bureaucratic system, assisting hundreds of people from around the world to achieve legal status in Israel and realize their dream of living, working, and building their future here.

At GCB, we handle every detail of status and citizenship proceedings:

• Filing applications for temporary residency, permanent residency, and Israeli citizenship.
• Handling status regulation for children born in Israel to foreign parents.
• Guidance for Hebrew proficiency tests, citizenship interviews, and all process stages.
• Family unification and foreign spouses.
• Appeals on rejected applications and legal proceedings to obtain status.
• Applications for status on humanitarian grounds.