Which documents are required before making Aliyah?

Essential documents include: a passport valid for more than 1 year, a birth certificate with parental information (recent full copy), a clean criminal record extract (Bulletin n°3) with Apostille, and proof of Jewish status (Orthodox rabbi's letter, parents' Ketouba, or conversion certificate). Depending on your situation: family record book, marriage certificate, or divorce judgment.

What is the Global Aliyah Center and how do I contact it?

The Global Aliyah Center is the Jewish Agency's (Sochnut) multilingual call center, open to all future Olim regardless of country of origin. It helps you open your Aliyah file, answer your questions, and schedule an appointment with your Shaliach.

How long does the entire Aliyah process take?

The full process typically takes 6 to 12 months: file registration on the Jewish Agency portal → Shaliach interview → file validation in Jerusalem → Consulate visa → Aliyah flight. The timeline varies based on family situation and availability of consular appointments.

What is an Apostille and for which Aliyah documents is it required?

An Apostille is an official certification (issued by the Court of Appeal of your country) that authenticates a public document for international recognition. For Aliyah, it is mandatory on the criminal record extract (Bulletin n°3) and may be required on the marriage certificate depending on the Consulate.

What documents do I need to prepare before making Aliyah?

Essential documents: official birth certificate with Apostille, marriage certificate (if applicable) with Apostille, proof of Jewish status (letter from community rabbi), valid passport, ID photos, and recent bank statements. Most must be translated into Hebrew or English.

How long does it take to prepare Aliyah?

The process takes 6–12 months on average. An interview with the Jewish Agency can be obtained in 1–3 months, and the Aliyah visa is usually issued 2–4 months after the interview. Start as early as possible.

Is it necessary to learn Hebrew before making Aliyah?

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended. In Israel you are entitled to free Ulpan (intensive Hebrew course) for the first 5 months. A basic level greatly eases the transition. Apps like Duolingo or Pimsleur are a good start.

Are there financial aids to help fund Aliyah?

Once in Israel, the Sal Klita (absorption basket) pays approximately ₪19,000–₪26,000 in 6 monthly instalments. Organizations like Nefesh B'Nefesh offer additional grants to Olim from North America and the UK.

Before departure

Preparing your Aliyah.

Even before setting foot in Israel,
a well-prepared file saves you months of delay.

Documents checklist

Check off each document as you go — your progress is saved on this device.

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Passport (valid for more than 1 year)
Birth certificate (recent full original copy with parental information)
ID photos
Criminal record extract (clean Bulletin n°3 + Apostille required)

Based on your situation: if single, none of these documents are needed. If married, your family record book (livret de famille) is generally sufficient. If divorced or widowed, only the divorce judgment or the spouse's death certificate is required.

Family record book (if married or with children)
Divorce or widowhood judgment (if applicable)

Usually only one of these documents is required.

Letter from an Orthodox rabbi recognized by the Consulate
Parents' or grandparents' Ketouba
Conversion certificate

The 4 key steps of your Aliyah

From opening your file to landing at Ben Gurion airport.

1
Opening your file
Register on the Jewish Agency (Sochnut) portal and upload scans of your documents. For any question, or to schedule your first appointment with your Shaliach, contact the Global Aliyah Center — the Jewish Agency's multilingual call center, open to all future Olim regardless of their country of origin.
Jewish Agency portal (Sochnut)Global Aliyah Center (Jewish Agency)
2
The Aliyah interview
Meeting with your Shaliach to verify your original documents.
3
Visa & flight
File validation in Jerusalem, visa stamped at the Consulate, and free flight booking via Nefesh B'Nefesh.
Nefesh B'Nefesh — book your flight
4
Arrival at Ben Gurion
Receive your Teoudat Oleh, temporary Teoudat Zehout, and first Sal Klita payment at Terminal 3.
Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Aliyah and Integration)

Go further

This page covers the essentials — for a deeper dive, check out:

Aliyah Visa Guide — the full details

Eligibility (Law of Return), special cases, detailed timeline, common pitfalls, and all your rights (Teoudat Oleh, tax exemptions).

See the Visa guide

Coming from the USA or UK?

Nefesh B'Nefesh, free flights, Sal Klita, US taxes, and thriving Anglo communities in Israel.

See the USA & UK guide

Useful resources

The official organizations and websites you need to prepare your file.

Jewish Agency (Sochnut)

Opening your Aliyah file and contact with your Shaliach.

Global Aliyah Center (Jewish Agency)

The Jewish Agency's multilingual call center: open your Aliyah file, schedule an appointment with your Shaliach, and get answers to any question about the Aliyah process — open to all future Olim, regardless of their country of origin.

ANTS (France)

Passport application or renewal in France.

Criminal record (Bulletin n°3)

Free online request for the Bulletin n°3 (France).

Service-Public / Diplomatie (France)

Civil status records (birth, marriage) and Apostille.

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.

And once you arrive?

Discover what to do right after landing: Koupat Holim, bank account, Arnona, Sal Klita…

See the After Aliyah guides Personalized post-arrival tracking

Documents checklist

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