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
The Law of Return (1950, amended 1970) grants every Jew, and their children and grandchildren, the right to make Aliyah and receive Israeli citizenship.
- JewishBorn to a Jewish mother, or converted — the conversion will be verified by the Jewish Agency.
- Child or grandchild of a JewEven if you are not Jewish yourself — rights extend up to grandchildren.
- SpouseThe spouse (legally married) of a Jew or eligible person also has the right to Aliyah.
- ExceptionsProfiles presenting a risk to themselves or those around them are subject to a thorough review by the Jewish Agency and the Interior Ministry before any decision.
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.
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.
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
- 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.
Prepare these documents BEFORE registering. Obtaining them can take 2 to 6 months.
- Birth certificateOriginal + official translation + Apostille.
- Proof of JewishnessOne of these is usually enough: a letter from a recognized Orthodox rabbi, a parents'/grandparents' Ketouba, or a conversion certificate for converts. Confirm the exact document expected with your Shaliach before the interview.
- Valid passportValid for at least 1 year after planned Aliyah date. Renew in advance if needed.
- ID photosBiometric 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 certificatesOriginal + Apostille for each minor child making Aliyah with you.
- Criminal record checkPolice 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?
- 1Contact the Global CenterCall 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.
- 2Interview with the shaliachA 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.
- 3Consulate file reviewThe 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.
- 4Immigration 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.
- 5The flight — your AliyahSome flights are organized (Nefesh B'Nefesh). Otherwise, choose your date. Notify the Jewish Agency so that your Ben Gurion reception is arranged.
- 6Arrival at Ben Gurion — activating AliyahA 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.
On arrival, Misrad Haklita has a desk in the arrivals hall (after customs). Here's what happens:
- Signing the Teudat OlehThe official immigrant document. It unlocks your rights: Sal Klita, tax exemption, customs, etc.
- Sal Klita confirmationYou 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 cardOperators offer plans on-site. Get an Israeli number immediately — it's required for all administrative procedures.
- Temporary Teudat ZehutA 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 (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 KlitaSettlement allowance paid as an initial payment + 6 monthly instalments (single: ~₪3,150/month, 2026 rate). Use the simulator for your profile.
- 10-year tax exemptionSection 14: your foreign income and capital gains on foreign assets are exempt from Israeli tax for 10 years.
- Customs exemptionImport your furniture, car, and personal effects without customs duties (within 3 years).
- Arnona reductionPartial municipal tax exemption for 1 year (varies by city).
- Subsidized UlpanIntensive Hebrew lessons covered by the state. Essential for integration.
- Koupat Holim without waiting periodImmediate enrollment in your chosen health fund, no waiting period or extra premium.
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.
Related OlimAid guides
olimaid.com — Visa & Aliyah — 2026
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