New visa options available for Indian businessperson visitors

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Israel has introduced a new long-term and multiple-entry business visa for Indian national businesspersons.

What does the change mean? Israeli consulates in India will be able to issue multiple-entry B-2 visitor visas, valid for up to five years and allowing up to 90 days per stay.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: B-2 visitor visas.
• Who is affected: Indian businesspeople who are visitors to Israel.
• Business impact: The new visas will facilitate business travel for qualifying Indian visitors and eliminate the need to reissue visas for every visit.

Background: The visas will apply to Indian businesspeople who are visiting Israel to develop their business. The permitted business activities include “participating in business meetings, engaging in negotiations, investing in Israel, buying or selling Israeli companies, participating in conferences and conducting market research.” The sponsoring company must be active and registered in the Indian Company Registrar for at least six months before the filing date of the B-2 visa application.

BAL Analysis: Indian national businesspersons may take advantage of the longer validity visas immediately. They are reminded that productive work of any kind is prohibited on the B-2 visas and would require a work visa. Prohibited activities include, for example, supplying products, providing services or serving as the company’s permanent representative in Israel.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Israel. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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