Foreign Worker Agency (Taagid) in Israel: Complete Guide 2026
You cannot recruit a foreign worker in Israel directly — in almost every sector, working through a licensed Taagid is a legal requirement. This guide explains what a Taagid is, what it does, and how to choose the right one.
What Is a Taagid?
Taagid ("Taagid Mursheh" = Licensed Agency) is an Israeli company licensed by the Interior Ministry and the Population and Immigration Authority. The Taagid acts as a "compliance officer" between employers and the authorities — responsible for:
- Submitting work permit (Heter Iska) applications
- Managing visas and documentation
- Ensuring legal compliance throughout the employment period
Important: The Taagid does not source workers itself. It works with international recruitment agencies like Horizon Work, who find, vet, and send workers from source countries.
The 3-Party Chain
| Party | Role | |-------|------| | Israeli employer | Defines need, funds the hire | | Licensed Taagid | Handles permits, visas, compliance with authorities | | Recruitment agency (Horizon Work) | Sources, vets, and sends workers |
Which Sectors Require a Taagid?
| Sector | Notes | |--------|-------| | Construction | Mandatory through Taagid, government quotas | | Agriculture | Through Taagid, tied to annual quotas | | Caregiving | Can also go through regular company; Taagid needed for parts of process | | Industry | Taagid required for authorizations | | Hospitality | Taagid for some authorizations |
What Is the Taagid Responsible For?
Before the worker arrives:
- Checking quotas with the Population Authority
- Submitting work permit application and paying fees
- Coordinating with recruitment agency to find candidates
- Conducting government background checks
- Submitting visa application to Israeli embassy
During employment:
- Renewing permits and visas
- Handling sector/employer changes
- Monitoring legal compliance
- Reporting to authorities when required
At end of employment:
- Managing departure process
- Handling return flight ticket
- Administrative closure with authorities
Taagid Fees — Employer Costs
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Work permit application fee | 690–1,390 NIS (by sector) | | Annual visa fee | 1,390–11,060 NIS (by sector) | | Taagid service fee (varies) | 2,000–8,000 NIS |
How to Choose a Taagid
5 things to check:
1. Valid licence
Verify the Taagid holds an active licence from the Population and Immigration Authority. Can be checked on gov.il.
2. Experience in your sector
A Taagid specialising in construction may not know caregiving well. Choose one with proven experience in your specific sector.
3. Transparent fees
A reliable Taagid will provide an itemised quote. Be suspicious of any Taagid that refuses to detail costs.
4. Response speed
A Taagid that doesn't answer within one business day is a red flag. In an emergency (expired visa, missing worker) you need an immediate response.
5. Replacement guarantee
Request a written guarantee for replacing a worker who left before a defined period.
Taagid vs. Recruitment Agency — What's the Difference?
| | Taagid | Recruitment Agency (e.g. Horizon Work) | |-|--------|---------------------------------------| | Location | Israel | Country of origin | | Role | Permits, visas, compliance | Source, vet, send workers | | Licence | Israeli Interior Ministry | Government of source country | | Clients | Israeli employers | Taagids, employers |
Horizon Work operates from the source country — sources and vets workers, and works with licensed Taagids in Israel to handle permits and visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work with multiple Taagids? Yes. You can work with different Taagids for different sectors or needs.
Is the Taagid responsible if a worker leaves? Not directly. The Taagid handles the administrative process; the international agency (Horizon Work) provides the replacement guarantee.
What happens if the Taagid loses its licence? You must switch Taagids immediately. Employers employing workers without an active Taagid are exposed to fines.
Can the Taagid represent me in front of labour inspectors? Generally yes, for administrative matters. For criminal matters — a lawyer is recommended.
Are Taagid fees fixed or variable? Population Authority fees are fixed by law. The Taagid's own service fee varies by provider.
Ready to Get Started?
Horizon Work partners with licensed Taagids across all sectors and guides you through every step. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
See also: Recruiting Foreign Workers 7 Steps | Work Permit Check | Foreign Workers in Israel