Civil Marriage and Change of Personal Status – The Legal Aspect in Israel

While in Israel there is no option to conduct a civil marriage within the country, many couples – including members of different religions, same-sex partners, or those who do not wish to have a religious marriage – choose to formalize their relationship outside of Israel, and then to register as a married couple with the Ministry of the Interior.

Halevi • Levi Law Office, which specializes in family law and personal status, accompanies couples in arranging their personal status after a civil marriage, in obtaining legal recognition of the relationship, and in handling the bureaucracy with the state authorities.

Civil Marriage – Legal Recognition in Israel

A civil marriage conducted outside of Israel (for example in Cyprus, Prague, or the USA) is recognized in Israel for the purpose of registration in the Population Registry, subject to presenting official and original documents. Such registration does not constitute religious recognition – but it grants many rights:

Recognition as a married couple for the purpose of social rights

The status of a married couple in divorce/separation proceedings

Rights of inheritance, support, and family-member status for National Insurance purposes

Change of Personal Status – The Relationship and the Population Registry

After a civil marriage – or after living together as common-law partners – a procedure to change one's personal status must be carried out with the Ministry of the Interior. Sometimes, one must apply to the Family Court to obtain recognition of the relationship or of parenthood, or to request a declaratory order.

Arranging one's personal status is important for the following purposes:

Obtaining citizenship or residency for a foreign partner

Issuing a new appendix to the identity card

Handling inheritance proceedings, pension insurance, and division of property

Marriage of persons without religion or of mamzerim (who cannot marry in Israel through the Rabbinate)

Frequently Asked Questions – Civil Marriage and Personal Status

Does the State of Israel recognize civil marriage?

Yes – but only if it was conducted outside of Israel and in accordance with the laws of that country. The Ministry of the Interior will register the couple as married.

Where can one marry in a civil marriage?

Countries popular among Israelis: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Canada, Greece, the USA. It is important to check preliminary requirements and to obtain recognized documents.

Can one divorce in Israel after a civil marriage?

Yes – but the divorce will be conducted in the Rabbinical Court, even if the marriage itself was not conducted through it.

Are civil marriages valid also with regard to inheritance rights?

Yes. As long as the couple is registered as married – there is mutual entitlement to inheritance, support, pension rights, and more.

Halevi • Levi Law Office – Accompanying Couples of Every Type and Status

We provide advice and guidance on matters of civil marriage, registration of the relationship, partners' rights, and representation before the Ministry of the Interior and the courts. Whether you are a same-sex couple, a mixed couple, or common-law partners – we will ensure that your relationship is legally arranged and protected at every stage.