Making Aliyah from France in 2026: the complete guide
2025 data — sources: Jewish Agency, Misrad HaKlita
3 300
French Olim in 2025
Source: Jewish Agency
+45%
Increase vs 2024
Strongest growth in 10 years
From first contact with the Sochnut to enrolling in Ulpan
- 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.
- 3–6 months before
Complete the dossier
Translate diplomas and civil documents (certified translator). Complete the Aliyah Consular Committee interview.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Month 1–3
Enroll in Ulpan
Ulpan (intensive Hebrew courses) is free for new Olim. Essential for quick integration into professional and social life.
Official resources (France)
OlimAid is a general information source, updated regularly but not exhaustive. Aliyah law and procedures can change, and every personal situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis: check with the Jewish Agency or Misrad Haklita to validate your specific case before making any decision.
French-specific details to know before you start
| Step | France | Other countries |
|---|---|---|
| Sochnut / Jewish Agency | Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg | Offices in 60+ countries |
| Subsidized Aliyah flight | Jewish Agency group flights (summer season) | Yes — via Nefesh B'Nefesh (USA, Canada, UK) |
| NBN integration support | No — US/Canada program | Yes for USA, Canada |
| Processing time | 2–4 months | 2–6 months depending on country |
| Community network | Very developed (3,300 olim/year) | Varies by country |
| Degree recognition | Partial Franco-Israeli agreement | Depends on country and degree |
Free PPP tool — compare real purchasing power between France and Israel.
Your salary of €3 500 / month in 🇫🇷 France
for the same standard of living.
PPP data: World Bank 2025.
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