Israel citizenship test: requirements and civics quiz
Israel has no published official citizenship test question list. This page explains what naturalisation requires, links to the official source, and offers a free 22-question general civics quiz for learning. The quiz is not an official exam.
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Is there an official Israel citizenship test? We have not found a published official question list. Naturalisation requirements are summarised below with a link to the official source. The quiz on this page is a general civics quiz for learning and is not linked to any official process.
Does Israel have a citizenship test? How naturalisation works
Last reviewed: October 22, 2026 · Checked against the official source linked on this page.
Israel has no citizenship test. There are two very different routes to Israeli citizenship, and neither involves a knowledge exam.
The Law of Return
Jews, together with their children, grandchildren and spouses (section 4A of the Law of Return 1950), acquire citizenship automatically on immigrating (aliyah) under section 2 of the Nationality Law 5712-1952. There is no test, no residence period and no language requirement.
Naturalisation under section 5
Non-Jewish permanent residents apply under section 5 of the Nationality Law. They must be present in Israel, have lived there for three of the preceding five years, be entitled to permanent residence, have settled or intend to settle, have “some knowledge of Hebrew”, and have renounced their prior nationality or shown that it will lapse. Hebrew is assessed informally at an interview with the Population and Immigration Authority; no format, level, pass mark or fee for a test is published. Even when every condition is met, the grant is at the discretion of the Minister of Interior (“if he thinks fit”), and successful applicants make the declaration: “I declare that I will be a loyal national of the State of Israel.”
Exemptions, spouses and fees
Renunciation of the other nationality is waived for IDF and National Service veterans, bereaved parents and common-law spouses of citizens, and the Minister may waive conditions for special reasons (sections 5(b) and 6). Spouses of Israeli citizens use the graduated procedure under section 7, holding temporary and then permanent status for several years while the Ministry checks that the marriage is genuine and the couple’s centre of life is in Israel; they need not meet all the section 5 conditions and are not required to renounce. Applications are filed in person at a Population and Immigration Authority bureau (forms AZ21, AZ28 and AZ29) with a fee of NIS 195 (half for soldiers and volunteers). There is no statutory processing time: decisions can come within months, but residents of East Jerusalem report waits of several years just to obtain a filing appointment.
The quiz below is a general civics quiz about Israel’s Basic Laws, institutions and symbols for learning; it is not part of any official process. For countries that do run a knowledge test, see which countries have a citizenship test.
| Official citizenship test | No. Israel has no published citizenship knowledge test. Naturalisation requirements still apply; see below and the official source. |
|---|---|
| How naturalisation works | There is no citizenship test. Jews and their children, grandchildren and spouses who immigrate under the Law of Return receive citizenship automatically with no test, residence or language requirement. Non-Jewish permanent residents applying under section 5 of the Nationality Law must have “some knowledge of Hebrew”, assessed informally at a Population and Immigration Authority interview; there is no written exam, pass mark or question bank, and the grant is at the Minister of Interior's discretion. Applicants make a declaration of loyalty. |
| Language requirement | “Some knowledge of Hebrew” for section 5 naturalisation, assessed informally at interview; no level or test is published. No language requirement under the Law of Return. |
| Who it applies to | Section 5 applicants: permanent residents present in Israel who have lived there 3 of the preceding 5 years, intend to settle, have some Hebrew and have renounced (or will lose) their prior nationality. Spouses of Israeli citizens use the graduated procedure under section 7. Jews, their children and grandchildren and their spouses immigrate under the Law of Return. |
| Exemptions | No test exists. Renunciation of other nationality is waived for IDF and National Service veterans, bereaved parents and common-law spouses of citizens, and the Minister may waive conditions for special reasons. Olim under the Law of Return and spouses naturalised under section 7 may keep their other nationality. |
Topics in the general civics quiz
- Constitution and governmentHead of state, parliament, courts and the constitution.7 questions
- History and national symbolsIndependence, key dates, flag, anthem and other national symbols.7 questions
- Geography and societyCapital, geography, languages, currency and public holidays.6 questions
- Naturalisation rulesWhat the law requires for citizenship: residence, language, tests, fees and dual nationality.2 questions
Sample questions
Answer: A series of Basic Laws. Israel has no single constitution; the Knesset enacts Basic Laws under the Harari Resolution of 1950.
Answer: Hebrew, with Arabic having a special status. Section 4 of the Basic Law.
Answer: The Law of Return. The Law of Return, passed in 1950, gives Jews and certain relatives the right to immigrate. Most new citizens acquire citizenship this way.
How to prepare
Work out which route applies to you: the Law of Return (no conditions) or section 5 naturalisation (residence, Hebrew, renunciation and ministerial discretion).
Everyday Hebrew is enough for the interview; there is no exam to study for.
Use the quiz to learn the Basic Laws, the Knesset and the national symbols – useful knowledge even though it is not tested.
Israel citizenship FAQ
Is there a citizenship test in Israel?
No. Jews immigrating under the Law of Return receive citizenship automatically with no test. Non-Jewish permanent residents applying under section 5 of the Nationality Law must show “some knowledge of Hebrew”, assessed informally at a Population and Immigration Authority interview – there is no written exam, pass mark or question bank.
What are the requirements for Israeli naturalisation for non-Jews?
Be a permanent resident, have lived in Israel three of the last five years, intend to settle, have some Hebrew, and renounce (or prove you will lose) your other citizenship. The Minister of Interior still has discretion to refuse, and you make a declaration of loyalty.
Do I have to give up my other citizenship to naturalise in Israel?
Under section 5(a)(6), yes, unless an exemption applies, for example IDF or National Service veterans and common-law spouses of citizens. Olim under the Law of Return and spouses naturalised under section 7 are not required to renounce.
How much does Israeli naturalisation cost and how long does it take?
The application fee is NIS 195 (half for soldiers and volunteers). There is no statutory processing time; decisions can come within months, but East Jerusalem residents report waits of several years just to get a filing appointment.
Can the spouse of an Israeli citizen get citizenship?
Yes, under section 7, after a graduated procedure during which the spouse holds temporary and then permanent status; the Hebrew and residence conditions of section 5 need not all be met, but the Interior Ministry checks that the marriage is genuine and the couple's centre of life is in Israel.