Welcome to the groundbreaking era of Podiatry in Israel! For years, the profession has not been officially recognized, but after significant political and legal battles, a recent amendment has been approved. Israel’s Ministry of Health (MOH) is now granting official licenses to both podiatrists and surgical podiatrists, marking a significant milestone in the field. Wondering about titles? While you can’t advertise yourself as “Dr. John Smith,” you can proudly use the title of “John Smith, Doctor of Podiatry.” Explore the new regulations as we navigate into this transformative chapter for podiatrists in Israel.

Disclaimer: Misrad Habriut regulations are subject to change without advance notice and are constantly changing. For the most current information regarding licensing procedures, please see Misrad Habriut’s website. Nefesh B’Nefesh does not take responsibility for inaccuracies on the site or changes to the law. Furthermore, while we acknowledge that some individuals may engage in telehealth/telemedicine practices, NBN does not assume any responsibility for providing guidance in this regard. It is your sole responsibility to conduct thorough research and comply with licensing, insurance, tax, and all relevant rules and regulations applicable to your location of residence and/or location of practice.

The Licensing Process

You can apply to the Ministry of Health (MOH) for licensing either before or after Aliyah. It’s advisable to start preparing the required documents (see below) at least six months before Aliyah, and they can be submitted prior to Aliyah to expedite the process. These documents need translation and notarization by an Israeli notary, or alternatively, they can be translated by a certified translator and verified at the Israeli consulate. Please note that the license is issued upon making Aliyah and becoming a full Israeli citizen (or resident). Given that this is a new regulation, patience is essential during the learning phase for all parties involved, including the MOH.

Steps in the licensing process:

  1. Submit documents to the MOH.
  2. Upon MOH approval, podiatrists will work under supervision, with the duration determined by the applicant’s work history:
    a. If you have worked for at least 2 years after getting your license, 6 months of supervision is required in Israel.
    b. If you haven’t worked for 2 years, complete the remaining months, and add 6 more months under supervision.
    c. The minimum is 30 months of supervised work, with 6 months in Israel. The supervisor must be at the level of head of an orthopedic department.
  3. Upon completion and approval of work supervision, you must take an oral licensing exam.

Required Documents

  • 2 passport photos.
  • A photocopy of your Teudat Zehut (Israeli identity card), including the address slip and statement of status in Israel (citizen or resident). If your status in
  • Israel is not specified on the identity card, please send a copy of an Israeli passport or confirmation from the Interior Ministry of your status in Israel (if you don’t have it yet, send a copy of your current passport).
  • Questionnaire for Health Care Professionals (can be filled out online and in English in some sections. Follow the instructions). The MOH will use your
  • Israeli cell phone number to communicate with you. Make sure to include an Israeli cell phone number. If you don’t have one, use one belonging to a friend or family member.
  • A current license – *Requires verification (see below).
  • An application form for conducting supervised podiatric/surgical podiatric work (in Hebrew).
  • A final certificate of podiatry / surgical podiatry and your curriculum. *Requires verification (see below).
  • A formal confirmation of the date of commencement of the studies and the graduation. *Requires verification (see below).
  • An original status recognition certification – to those previously holding a status recognition certification by the MOH.
  • Proof of practical training for a duration of at least two years. If you were employed, you must provide a letter with an official letterhead from your employer. If you were freelance, you need an official letter from your accountant.
  • To apply for a surgical podiatry certificate, you must also include proof of practical training for a duration of two years in the country in which you were qualified.
  • Professional integrity certificate (letter of good standing) by the competent authorities from your country, confirming that there were no disciplinary, malpractice, or medical ethics complaints against you. This certificate should be mailed directly from the medical board of the state in which you are licensed to the Israeli MOH.
  • If you intend to take the licensing exam as a tourist, please make sure to submit this affidavit.
  • All documents must be submitted in two copies. You must submit the verified copy plus an additional photocopy of the original document. Always keep the originals for yourself, as well as a photocopy of the verified document.

Verification of Documents

For the documents which require verification, you have 3 verification options:

  1. Verified with an apostille after having the original document notarized (recommended).
  2. Bring it to an ISRAELI notary and have them notarize it.
  3. A verified copy (אימות העתק, Imut He’etek) at the Israeli consulate.

Misrad Haklita Reimbursement

Please note: You are entitled to receive a reimbursement for your notarization and translation expenses (up to NIS 4000). This can be done ONLY AFTER completing your Aliyah. Take your original receipts to your local branch of Misrad HaKlita. This can be done retroactively.

Misrad Haklita also offers a reimbursement (up to 500 NIS) for Olim who took the governmental licensing exam. Your eligibility lasts for 10 years from your date of Aliyah. The reimbursement is ONLY given retroactively and will be paid back ONLY after submitting the receipt for your exam to your local Misrad Haklita office. Please contact your local Misrad Haklita office for more information.

If you, unfortunately, didn’t pass the exam and think that you have reason to submit an appeal, please follow the instructions delineated here – https://www.gov.il/he/Departments/General/medical-professions-licensing-arar

The Licensing Exam

  • Submit the application for the governmental podiatry/surgical podiatry licensing test to the Medical Professions Licensing Department up to 60 days before the exam.
  • Eligible candidates receive an SMS with exam information.
  • The oral exam is held twice a year in Hebrew or English.
  • Request a time extension (eligible if you have lived in Israel for up to 7 years as of the date of Aliyah or if you have a didactic diagnosis) with supporting documents.
  • Exam results are conveyed via SMS, indicating pass or fail, along with eligibility for a certificate of profession in podiatry/surgical podiatry.
  • In case of exam failure, an appeal option is available; for more details, please contact us at [email protected].

Medical Ulpan

Occasionally, the Israeli Ministry of Aliyah and Integration provides a medical Ulpan (in-person and/or online) based on registration availability. To participate, individuals must either complete a regular Ulpan course or pass a Hebrew entrance exam. If you want Nefesh B’Nefesh to share your details with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, please fill out this form: http://eepurl.com/ilYitk.

* Last updated on January 31, 2024 *

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