Making Aliyah from France in 2026: the complete guide

French Aliyah in numbers

2025 data — sources: Jewish Agency, Misrad HaKlita

1. 📋
   6–12 months before

   Contact the Jewish Agency

   Contact the Jewish Agency (Sochnut) to open your Aliyah file. Gather documents: birth certificate, proof of Jewish heritage, passport.

2. 📁
   3–6 months before

   Complete the dossier

   Translate diplomas and civil documents (certified translator). Complete the Aliyah Consular Committee interview.

3. ✈️
   1–3 months before

   Book the Aliyah flight

   The Jewish Agency organizes group Aliyah flights during the summer season — ask your Shaliach about joining a group. Otherwise, book your flight individually (El Al, among others). Arrange temporary accommodation for your first weeks.

4. 📜
   Arrival — Day 1

   Receive Teoudat Oleh

   Upon landing at Ben Gurion Airport you receive your Teoudat Oleh (immigrant certificate). This is your key for all subsequent procedures.

5. 🏛️
   Week 1

   Register at Misrad HaKlita

   Visit the Ministry of Absorption (Misrad HaKlita) in your city. Open your Sal Klita (absorption basket) file and receive your first financial support.

6. 🏦
   Week 1–2

   Open a bank account

   Present your Teoudat Oleh and Teoudat Zehout to a bank. Bank Hapoalim and Bank Leumi offer fee-free accounts for Olim in the first years.

7. 🏥
   Week 1–4

   Choose your Koupat Holim

   You have 3 months to join a health fund (Koupat Holim). Compare Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet and Leumit based on your city and needs.

8. 📚
   Month 1–3

   Enroll in Ulpan

   Ulpan (intensive Hebrew courses) is free for new Olim. Essential for quick integration into professional and social life.

Aliyah from France vs other countries

French-specific details to know before you start

Frequently asked questions about Aliyah from France

How many French Jews made Aliyah in 2025?

In 2025, approximately 3,300 French Jews made Aliyah, a +45% increase compared to 2024. France remains one of the top Aliyah source countries worldwide.

What are the requirements for Aliyah from France?

To make Aliyah you must be recognized as Jewish under the Law of Return: having a Jewish grandparent, or being married to a Jewish person. An interview with the Aliyah Consular Committee is mandatory.

What is the Sal Klita (absorption basket)?

The Sal Klita is financial support paid by the Israeli government to new Olim: an initial payment at the airport then 6 monthly instalments (e.g. ~₪3,150/month for a single person in 2026). It is complemented by free Ulpan (Hebrew courses). Use the Sal Klita simulator for your exact profile.

How long does it take to prepare Aliyah from France?

On average, 6 to 12 months between first contact with the Sochnut and arrival in Israel. Urgent cases can sometimes be processed in 2 to 3 months.

How to open a bank account in Israel as an Oleh?

Present your Teoudat Oleh to an Israeli bank (Bank Hapoalim, Bank Leumi, Discount). New Olim are entitled to a Ptour (exemption from standard banking fees) for 3 years — request it in writing when opening your account.

Is a French degree recognized in Israel?

A partial Franco-Israeli agreement exists for degree recognition. Medicine, law and engineering degrees often require additional validation. OlimAid recommends contacting the Misrad HaHinoukh for each case.