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Making Aliyah — The Complete Immigration Process
Aliyah (literally 'ascending') is the process of Jewish immigration to Israel under the Law of Return. The infrastructure for supporting new immigrants is among the best in the world — from free flights to absorption payments to language courses.
- Pre-arrival: apply through Nefesh B'Nefesh (English speakers) or the Jewish Agency; provide documentation proving Jewish lineage; interview at Israeli consulate
- Documentation: birth certificates, marriage certificates, community letters, rabbinical letters — apostilled and translated; the process can take 3–12 months depending on documentation complexity
- Aliyah flight: free one-way flight for you and your family, organized by Nefesh B'Nefesh; group flights are a major social experience
- Airport arrival: Teudat Oleh (immigrant certificate) issued at Ben Gurion Airport; immediate Kupat Holim registration available; representatives from banks and mobile carriers present
- Sal Klita (absorption basket): ₪20,000–35,000 paid in installments over 6 months; covers initial living expenses; varies by age and family size
- First steps: open bank account (within first week), register for Kupat Holim, apply for Teudat Zehut (national ID), register for Ulpan (Hebrew language school)