Civil marriage and change of personal status: the legal aspect in Israel

While in Israel there is no option of holding a civil marriage inside the country, many couples, including members of different religions, same-sex couples, or those who do not want a religious marriage, choose to formalize the relationship outside 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 legal recognition of the relationship, and in handling the bureaucracy with the state authorities.

Civil marriage: legal recognition in Israel

A civil marriage held outside Israel (for example in Cyprus, Prague or the United States) is recognized in Israel for the purpose of registration in the Population Registry, subject to the presentation of official, 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 or separation proceedings

Inheritance rights, 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 change of personal status must be carried out with the Ministry of the Interior. At times, an application must be made to the Family Court for recognition of the relationship or of parenthood, or for a declaratory order.

Arranging the personal status is important for the following purposes:

Obtaining citizenship or residency for a foreign spouse

Issuing a new appendix to the identity card

Conducting inheritance proceedings, pension insurance and division of property

Marriage of people with no religion, or of mamzer status (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 held outside Israel and in accordance with the laws of that country. The Ministry of the Interior will register the couple as married.

Where can a civil marriage be held?

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

Is it possible to 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 held through it.

Is a civil marriage valid for inheritance rights as well?

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

Halevi • Levi Law Office accompanies couples of every kind and status

We provide advice and support on civil marriage, registration of a relationship, spouses' 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 accompany you in the legal arrangement of the relationship and in protecting it at every stage.