Check Your Eligibility for Aliyah

The right to make Aliyah to Israel is based on Israel’s Law of Return (1950) and its later amendments. In general, the following people may be eligible to make Aliyah and receive Israeli citizenship:

• Jewish people who were born to a Jewish mother.
• People who have converted to Judaism through a recognized Jewish conversion process.
• Children of Jewish people and Grandchildren of Jewish people, including those with only one Jewish grandparent.
• Spouses of a Jewish person, children of Jewish people or grandchildren of Jewish people.

Eligibility is determined individually and must be supported by documentation proving Jewish ancestry or conversion, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, synagogue records, or letters from recognized Jewish communities or rabbis.

Please note that some restrictions apply. For example, a person who was born Jewish and later voluntarily adopted another religion may not be eligible under the Law of Return. Applications may also be denied in exceptional cases involving security concerns or serious criminal backgrounds.

Since every family situation is unique, we strongly encourage you to contact the official Aliyah authorities for a personal assessment of your eligibility:

• The Jewish Agency for Israel – the primary organization assisting with Aliyah applications and eligibility procedures for applicants around the world. The process and responsible authority can vary depending on your country of residence.
• Nefesh B’Nefesh – a partner organization of the Jewish Agency and the Government of Israel that provides Aliyah guidance and support, primarily for applicants from the United States and Canada.

To make the Aliyah process easier and more efficient, it is useful to gather necessary documents in advance.

You’ll usually need:

• Passport (check validity requirements)
• Birth certificate (long form)
• Proof of Jewish status (This may include a letter from a rabbi, a ketubah, or synagogue membership)
• Parents’ birth certificates (if applicable)
• Marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
• Police clearance 
• Passport photos

Note: Depending on each Aliyah case, further documentation might be required.

Contact the local Jewish Agency or Nefesh B’Nefesh office in your country/region. If you do not have one, please contact the Global Aliyah Center | The Jewish Agency – U.S.

A Shaliach (Aliyah emissary) will invite you to an Aliyah Interview. Its purpose is to verify eligibility, review documents, and help prepare the applicant for Aliyah.

Here is an example of what your interview might look like:

Before the interview

• Submit the required documents.
• The Shaliach reviews your application.

During the interview

• Personal introduction
  • Tell us about yourself.
  • Family members making Aliyah with you.
• Jewish background
  • Family history.
  • Jewish identity or eligibility under the Law of Return.
  • Community involvement (if applicable).
• Document verification
  • Review passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of Jewish status.
  • Clarify any missing or inconsistent information.
• Reasons for making Aliyah
  • Why do you want to move to Israel?
  • Why now?
• Plans in Israel
  • Where do you plan to live?
  • Employment or study plans.
  • Family or friends in Israel.
• Questions about life in Israel
  • Explain the Aliyah process.
  • Discuss first steps after arrival.
  • Available benefits and support programs.
• Take this opportunity to ask questions!
  • Housing.
  • Ulpan (Hebrew classes).
  • Health insurance.
  • Shipping belongings.
  • Financial assistance.
  • Any other concerns.

After the interview

• The Shaliach may request additional documents if needed.
• Once eligibility is confirmed, the Aliyah file moves forward.
• You receive guidance on the next steps, such as flight planning and arrival arrangements.

• Group Aliyah – Find and apply with an organized group or Aliyah organization for guided support and coordinated travel. 
• Independent Aliyah – Apply on your own as an individual, couple, or family with flexible travel dates. 
• Aliyah from within Israel – Already in Israel? You may be able to apply for Aliyah without leaving the country. 

Each route follows a different application process and timeline, but eligible Olim generally receive the same government Aliyah benefits.

Note:
There are many wonderful programs designed to help you experience life in Israel and  assist you on your journey of considering and making Aliyah!

Programs for the younger generation:

• Na’ale Elite Academy (Jewish teens approx. ages 14–17) –  Complete high school in Israel before parents make Aliyah. Tuition, boarding, and support are provided. Many graduates later make Aliyah and serve in the IDF.
• Masa Israel Journey (Young adults of 18–40) – A 2–12 month programs in Israel including internships, study, volunteering, gap year, Ulpan. A popular way to
  experience life in Israel before deciding on Aliyah.
• Lone Soldier Programs (Young Olim or volunteers serving in the IDF without immediate family in Israel) – Housing, financial assistance, host families, community support, and guidance throughout military service.
• Garin Tzabar (Young adults planning both Aliyah and IDF service) – Group Aliyah program that prepares participants for military service, Hebrew, Israeli life, and provides an adoptive community.
• Israel Experience Programs (High school graduates and young adults) – Educational, volunteer, academic, and internship programs that help participants explore Israel before making Aliyah, like Taglit.
• Kibbutz Ulpan (Young adults and new Olim) – Live on a kibbutz while studying intensive Hebrew and gaining work experience. Often used as a bridge to Aliyah or early integration.

For professionals:

• Career Israel internships 
• Israel Tech Challenge 
• Professional licensing assistance (medicine, nursing, law, teaching, engineering) 
• Employment fairs and job placement through Nefesh B’Nefesh or the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration

We would recommend looking online or going to an Aliyah fair near you for further information.

🎉 This is your official Aliyah moment! 🎉

If you make Aliyah upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, you will typically receive:

• Your official Oleh status and welcome from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. 
• A temporary proof of identity (your permanent Teudat Zehut is usually issued shortly afterward, often at the airport or through the Population and Immigration Authority, depending on the current procedure). 
• Documents related to your Aliyah, such as your Teudat Oleh (Immigrant Certificate). 
• Information about your Sal Klitah (Absorption Basket) and the first payment process (the first installment is generally transferred to your Israeli bank account after it is opened, rather than being handed out in cash). 
• Guidance on registering with one of Israel’s health funds (Kupot Holim) so your health insurance can begin. 
• Assistance with opening an Israeli bank account (this involves information on how to open a bank account, you do not open the account at the airport). 
• A free taxi voucher to your first destination in Israel.

Absorption basket:

Once you are in Israel, these are the benefits new Olim receive from the state as an
“absorption basket” to make the integration in Israel easier:

💰 BENEFITS FOR NEW OLIM

• Monthly financial assistance (Sal Klita)
• Hebrew Ulpan (free or subsidized)
• Some Tax benefits (up to 10 years)
• Rent assistance (varies)
• Reduced Arnona (municipal tax)
• Healthcare from day one
• Options for Job and retraining programs

💡 Tips:

• • Start learning Hebrew as early as possible. Even a basic knowledge of Hebrew will make daily life and bureaucracy much easier.
  • Plan your budget carefully. The cost of living in Israel can be higher than expected, so having some additional savings can provide peace of mind during your first months.
  • Research different cities and neighborhoods. Consider employment opportunities, rental prices, transportation, schools, and community life before deciding where to settle.

• Timing is everything. Please remember that timing can affect your experience. If you arrive during major holidays such as Pesach, Sukkot, Rosh Hashanah, or other national holidays, many offices may operate on reduced hours or be closed altogether. If you are arriving with school-aged children, try to learn about school registration deadlines and the beginning of the school year. Arriving a few weeks before school starts can help make the transition smoother for the whole family.

• Be patient with the bureaucracy. Administrative processes can sometimes take longer than expected. Staying organized and patient will help.
• Keep all your important documents together. Bring original documents and several copies to appointments with government offices, banks, health insurance providers, and other institutions.
• Connect with other Olim and local communities. There are groups on Facebook, Telegram, WhatsApp. They can offer valuable advice, practical support, and friendships as you settle into your new life.
• Ask questions whenever you’re unsure. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance before signing contracts or making important decisions. There are many organizations and people who are happy to help.
• Keep an open mind. Life in Israel may be different from what you expect and adjusting takes time. Most importantly: be patient with yourself. Making Aliyah is a process, not an event.