Law & Regulations

Foreign Worker Work Permit Check — Step by Step Guide

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מאת: Horizon Work•10.3.2026

Foreign Worker Work Permit Check (Heter Iska): Step-by-Step Guide 2026

A work permit (Heter Iska) is one of the most critical documents in employing a foreign worker in Israel. Continuing employment without a valid permit — even if the worker has a valid visa — is a criminal offense with fines in the tens of thousands of shekels.

What Is a Work Permit (Heter Iska)?

Visa = authorization to stay in Israel. Work permit (Heter Iska) = authorization from the Interior Ministry for a worker to work for a specific employer in a specific sector.

Both documents must be valid simultaneously. Visa without permit = illegal. Permit without visa = illegal.

What Appears on the Work Permit?

| Field | Meaning | |-------|---------| | Worker name | Passport number + full name | | Employer name | Your name/company ID (in some sectors) | | Sector | Construction / Caregiving / Agriculture / Industry | | Expiry date | May differ from visa expiry | | Status | Active / Suspended / Expired | | Permit number | For filing and documentation |

Step 1 — Online Check via gov.il

  1. Go to gov.il → Business Services → Population Authority
  2. Log in with your business ID
  3. Select "Foreign Worker Search" → enter passport number
  4. Verify all of the following:
    • Status: must be "Active"
    • Expiry date: at least 3 months ahead
    • Sector: must match the actual work being performed
    • Employer name: must be your name (in sectors where this is shown)

Step 2 — Physical Passport Check

  1. Open to the visa page
  2. Confirm the passport is valid for at least 18 months
  3. Confirm the most recent entry stamp is in order
  4. Confirm the passport number matches what's on the permit

Step 3 — Document the Check

Keep a record of every check:

  • Date of check
  • Passport number checked
  • Results of the check
  • Inspector's signature

During a labour inspector visit — documentation can significantly reduce fines.

When to Check?

| Situation | Action | |-----------|--------| | New worker arriving | Check before their first work day | | Every 3 months | Routine check | | 3 months before expiry | Begin permit renewal process | | After worker travel abroad | Re-check on return |

What to Do When You Find a Problem

Permit has expired

  1. Stop work immediately — even "just one more day" is illegal
  2. Contact your Taagid agency for urgent renewal
  3. Renewal time: typically 3–6 weeks
  4. A new application fee will apply

Wrong sector

  1. Stop work
  2. Submit a sector-change application through the Taagid
  3. Timeline: 4–8 weeks

Worker has gone missing / absconded

  1. Report to the Population Authority within 24 hours
  2. Keep documentation of the report
  3. Failure to report = additional fine

Fines by Violation — 2026

| Violation | Minimum Fine | Maximum | |-----------|-------------|---------| | Employment without valid permit | 10,000 NIS | 52,500 NIS | | Wrong sector | 10,000 NIS | 52,500 NIS | | Failure to report absence | 5,000 NIS | 20,000 NIS | | Repeat violations | Double fine | + criminal prosecution |

The Renewal Process

When the permit is approaching expiry:

  1. 3 months before expiry — contact Taagid to begin renewal
  2. Taagid submits renewal application + documents
  3. Application fee: 690–1,390 NIS (by sector)
  4. Approval: 3–6 weeks

Important: during the renewal waiting period, the old permit has expired and work is not permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a visa and a work permit? A visa = right to stay. A work permit = right to work for a specific employer. Both are always required.

Can the worker check their own permit? Yes, but the verification obligation rests on the employer. Recommended to check together and document it.

Can a worker be employed while their permit is being renewed? No. Any work while there is no valid permit is illegal.

What if the permit expired and I didn't know? "I didn't know" is not a legal defense. Responsibility falls on the employer — this is why checks every 3 months are essential.

Can a permit be renewed after it has expired? Yes, but the application for renewal should be submitted before expiry. Contact your Taagid 3 months in advance.

Ready to Ensure Compliance?

Horizon Work carries out full document verification before and during employment. Contact us for a free compliance check.

See also: Foreign Worker Visa Check | Taagid Agency Guide | Recruiting Foreign Workers 7 Steps | Foreign Workers in Israel

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