Visa & Aliyah 2026.
The Law of Return opens Israel's doors to you. Here's how to navigate every step without getting lost.
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. jewishagency.org — Global Aliyah Center
Who can make Aliyah?
The Law of Return (1950, amended 1970) grants every Jew, and their children and grandchildren, the right to make Aliyah and receive Israeli citizenship.
Jewish
Born to a Jewish mother, or converted according to Halacha (or a non-Orthodox conversion recognized by the Interior Ministry).
Child or grandchild of a Jew
Even if you are not Jewish yourself — rights extend up to grandchildren.
Spouse
The spouse (legally married) of a Jew or eligible person also has the right to Aliyah.
Exceptions
Serious criminal record, threat to state security, or having formally renounced Israeli citizenship.
Edge cases: a Reform or Conservative conversion may be accepted by the Interior Ministry but challenged by the Rabbinate. Consult an immigration lawyer if your situation is complex.
First contact: the Global Center
Before starting any process, call or write to the Jewish Agency Global Center. This dedicated Aliyah center guides you, answers all your questions and opens your file. A processing fee of around €50 is required when opening your file.
Two paths to Aliyah
Jewish Agency (Sokhnut)
France, Belgium, Switzerland, Europe
- 1Contact the Global Center (jewishagency.org)
- 2Interview with a shaliach (emissary)
- 3File sent to the consulate
- 4Immigration visa issued
Nefesh B'Nefesh
USA, UK, Canada, Australia
- 1Online application at nbn.org.il
- 2Dedicated English support
- 3Aliyah flight organized
- 4Reception at Ben Gurion Airport
Both organizations work with Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Aliyah). They guide you, but it's the Israeli consulate that issues the final visa.
Documents to prepare
Prepare these documents BEFORE registering. Obtaining them can take 2 to 6 months.
Birth certificate
Original + official translation + Apostille.
Proof of Jewishness
Religious marriage certificate of your parents/grandparents, Bar/Bat Mitzvah certificate, letter from a recognized rabbi. Often the most complex document to obtain.
Valid passport
Valid for at least 1 year after planned Aliyah date. Renew in advance if needed.
ID photos
Biometric format (35×45 mm, white background), recent (less than 6 months).
Marriage certificate (if married)
The family record book (livret de famille) is generally sufficient. A marriage certificate may be requested in some cases — check with your Shaliach.
Divorce decree (if divorced)
Original + Apostille + sworn official translation.
Children's birth certificates
Original + Apostille for each minor child making Aliyah with you.
Criminal record check
Police clearance certificate — less than 3 months old.
Diplomas (if regulated profession)
Originals + translations + Apostille for professional recognition in Israel.
An Apostille is an official stamp certifying the authenticity of a document for international use. In France: the Chambre des Notaires for notarial acts, or the Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel) for civil status records (birth, marriage).
Want to check off each document as you go?
Step-by-step process
- 1
Contact the Global Center
Call or write to the Jewish Agency Global Center (jewishagency.org) or Nefesh B'Nefesh (nbn.org.il). They guide you step-by-step and open your file.
- 2
Interview with the shaliach
A Jewish Agency emissary meets you (in person or video). They verify your eligibility, answer your questions, and validate your file before sending it to the consulate.
- 3
Consulate file review
The consulate examines your file (Jewishness, background). There is no formal interview — the consulate verifies your documents and issues the immigration visa. Timeline: 2 to 8 weeks after submitting a complete file.
- 4
Immigration visa (Oleh)
The consulate stamps your passport with the immigration visa. Valid for 6 months (1 year in some countries). You must enter Israel before this date to activate your Aliyah.
- 5
The flight — your Aliyah
Some flights are organized (Nefesh B'Nefesh). Otherwise, choose your date. Notify the Jewish Agency so that your Ben Gurion reception is arranged.
- 6
Arrival at Ben Gurion — activating Aliyah
A Misrad Haklita representative greets you at the airport. You sign the Teudat Oleh (immigrant document) and receive your first benefits. It's official: you are an Oleh Hadash.
At Ben Gurion Airport
On arrival, Misrad Haklita has a desk in the arrivals hall (after customs). Here's what happens:
Signing the Teudat Oleh
The official immigrant document. It unlocks your rights: Sal Klita, tax exemption, customs, etc.
Sal Klita confirmation
You receive confirmation of your Sal Klita rights. Some Olim receive an initial payment via a prepaid card (had paami) at the airport. The rest is paid after opening a bank account.
Israeli SIM card
Operators offer plans on-site. Get an Israeli number immediately — it's required for all administrative procedures.
Temporary Teudat Zehut
A temporary Teudat Zehut is issued at the airport. For the permanent version (kavoua), book an appointment at Misrad Hapnim via MyVisit.co.il in the following weeks.
The Teudat Oleh — your key
The Teudat Oleh (תעודת עולה) is the official document proving your immigrant status. Issued at the airport, it unlocks all your rights for 3 years (some rights up to 10 years).
Important: Teudat Oleh ≠ Teudat Zehut. The Teudat Zehut is the Israeli ID card (blue). A temporary version is issued at the airport. For the permanent one (kavoua), book an appointment at Misrad Hapnim (MyVisit.co.il) in the following weeks.
Sal Klita
Settlement allowance paid as an initial payment + 6 monthly instalments (single: ~₪3,150/month, 2026 rate). Use the simulator for your profile.
10-year tax exemption
Section 14: your foreign income and capital gains on foreign assets are exempt from Israeli tax for 10 years.
Customs exemption
Import your furniture, car, and personal effects without customs duties (within 3 years).
Arnona reduction
Partial municipal tax exemption for 1 year (varies by city).
Subsidized Ulpan
Intensive Hebrew lessons covered by the state. Essential for integration.
Koupat Holim without waiting period
Immediate enrollment in your chosen health fund, no waiting period or extra premium.
Special cases
Under the Law of Return, the legally married spouse of an Oleh may benefit from Aliyah rights. The exact rights (residency, citizenship, Olim benefits) depend on individual circumstances — contact the Jewish Agency directly. They will review your file and provide a tailored answer.
Child under 18: automatic Aliyah with parents. Ages 18–26: must make Aliyah independently. Over 26: same criteria as any adult. If military service is upcoming, plan ahead with Tzav Rishon.
If you were previously an Israeli resident and have lived abroad for several years, you may qualify as a "Toshav Hozer" rather than an Oleh Hadash. The exact threshold (generally between 2 and 10 years depending on the benefit tier) and the advantages involved (tax, customs) depend on your specific situation — each case is reviewed individually by Misrad Haklita, which alone can confirm your status.
Israel recognizes dual citizenship. You keep your foreign passport. Important: when entering Israel, Israeli citizens MUST use their Israeli passport (even if they also hold a foreign passport).
A Reform or Conservative conversion is recognized by the Interior Ministry for Aliyah (Supreme Court ruling). It is not recognized by the Rabbinate for religious marriage. Each case is reviewed individually by the Jewish Agency — check your situation directly with a Shaliach.
Typical timeline
Document preparation
1 to 6 monthsApostille + translations are often the longest part. Start NOW.
Jewish Agency registration + shaliach interview
2 to 4 weeksComplete digital file required before interview.
Consulate review + decision
2 to 8 weeksVaries by period and personal situation.
Visa in hand → Aliyah flight
At earliest D+7Visa valid 6 months. Choose your date.
Arrival → Teudat Zehut (ID card)
3 to 30 daysTemporary Teudat Zehut issued at the airport. Book an appointment at Misrad Hapnim for the permanent version (kavoua). Use MyVisit.co.il.
First Sal Klita payment
2 to 4 weeks after account openingAn initial payment may be issued via prepaid card at the airport. Submit your bank details to Misrad Haklita as soon as possible.
Traps to avoid
The #1 cause of delays and rejections. Prepare multiple documents (synagogue marriage, Bar Mitzvah, rabbi letter) and have your file reviewed by a professional if in doubt.
A birth certificate without an Apostille is rejected. All official documents must be certified for international use.
The immigration visa is valid for 6 months (sometimes 1 year). If you don't arrive in time, you must restart the consular process.
The Oleh customs advantage (furniture, car) must be requested BEFORE or DURING importation. It cannot be obtained retroactively.
State-subsidized Ulpan is only available during the first 5 years. It's the best investment for your integration — don't keep postponing it.
Official links
Glossary
15 termsFAQ
On average 4 to 9 months from decision to arrival in Israel. The longest step is usually gathering proof of Jewishness and obtaining Apostilles. Start as soon as you have made your decision.
No. Hebrew is not required for Aliyah. Ulpan (subsidized Hebrew courses) is available after you arrive. In practice, you can complete all initial procedures in English or French.
Under the Law of Return, the legally married spouse of an Oleh may have Aliyah rights. The exact rights (residency, citizenship, Olim benefits) depend on individual circumstances. Contact the Jewish Agency directly — they will review your file and give you a tailored answer.
The consulate may request additional documents or refuse the visa. You can appeal before the relevant rabbinical committee, or consult an immigration lawyer. Prepare multiple types of proof (synagogue marriage, Bar Mitzvah, rabbi letter) to maximize your chances.
Yes. Dual citizenship is permitted. You keep your foreign passport and can live abroad. However, after a prolonged absence from Israel you may lose your tax residency status and some Olim benefits — the exact threshold depends on your situation, so check with Misrad Haklita before you leave. Your Israeli citizenship, however, remains for life.
For a single person (2026 rate): initial payment of ~₪2,794 (airport card + first bank transfer), then 6 monthly instalments of ~₪3,150 — a total of ~₪21,694. The amount varies by household composition. Use the simulator for a personalised figure.
Sal Klita Calculator →olimaid.com — Visa & Aliyah — 2026