Nefesh BNefesh

If you live in Israel and want to make Aliyah but are not eligible for the Nefesh B'Nefesh Guided Aliyah Program, you can make Aliyah directly through Misrad Hapnim.  

Step 1:

Make an appointment at the closest branch of the Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of the Interior).  A list of Misrad Hapnim branches, contact numbers, and hours of operation can be found by clicking here.

The estimated time it takes to get an appointment in Jerusalem is approximately 4 weeks. The phone number to make an appointment in Jerusalem is 1-700-55-1111.

Make sure to bring:

• Your current passport must be valid for at least 6 months following your Aliyah.
• 3 passport pictures for each adult (you will provide one photo to the clerk at the meeting, the rest should be saved for when you return for your follow up appointment).
• Proof of Judaism in order to receive Oleh Chadash status according to the Law of Return. As a proof of Judaism you can bring the following documents:
  An original letter from your congregational Rabbi in your country of origin, on congregational letterhead, stating you were born to a Jewish mother.
  Original conversion papers (if applicable).
• If you converted to Judaism:
  • If you converted in Israel, please bring your "Teudat Hamara" from the Rabanut.
  • If you converted abroad, you must bring your conversion certificate signed by three members of the Beit Din (Rabbinical Court) along with a letter describing the details of your conversion process and the dates when you started and completed your conversion.

• Original birth certificate for all family members making Aliyah.  The birth certificate(s) must have both of your parents' names listed.  Misrad Hapnim will not accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad as a birth certificate.
• All civil documentation of your marital status, including: marriage certificate, civil divorce certificate, spouse's death certificate, if applicable. If you, your spouse, or former spouse is an Israeli citizen, you will need apostille certification on these documents. Please remember that Misrad Hapnim requires that you bring ORIGINAL documents. Photocopies and faxes are not sufficient. To find more about obtaining an apostille please click here.
• Misrad Hapnim requires that Aliyah applicants obtain a Letter of Good Standing (Teudat Yosher) from the authorities in their country of origin (issued by the national/state/provincial police) certifying that the applicant has no criminal background.  Apostille certification (also called a chain of signatures or legalisation) must be affixed to the original Letter of Good Standing.

You will receive:

1. Application for permit of permanent residence in Israel/change of visa category (3 pages). You can download and print application at: www.moin.gov.il
2. A file number and a date for your second appointment (approximately 6-8 weeks later). Your file number will be listed on your passport.

Step 2: If you are interested in applying for Nefesh B'Nefesh assistance, the first step involves filling out the joint Nefesh B'Nefesh/Jewish Agency online application. To begin, click here.

Step 3: Return for your follow up appointment at Misrad Hapnim.

Make sure to bring:

Your passport, all original documents listed above, and the two remaining passport pictures for each adult over 16 years old.

You will receive:

• Applications for your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card) for family members over age 16.
• Your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card)
• An "Oleh visa" which will appear in your passport, showing that you have made Aliyah.

If you want to change your name this is the right time to do so. Ask for Shinui Shem application, and give it to the clerk.

Make sure that your name is spelled correctly, that your family status is correct, and that, if you have children, they all appear on the Sefach (addendum) of your Teudat Zehut.

If you spent over 5 years in Israel as a tourist prior to your Aliyah and you would like to receive tax benefits as a new Oleh, (income tax, customs, purchase tax) please ask for a Tamzit Rishum. A Tamzit Rishom is a print-out that summarizes your status in Israel.

You will have three months to refuse receipt of your Israeli citizenship.  After three months, you will automatically become an Israeli citizen unless you go to Misrad Hapnim and declare that you do not want to be a citizen.

Step 4: Misrad Haklita

Once you receive your Israeli ID card, you should make an appointment at your local branch of Misrad Haklita (the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption) to receive your Teudat Oleh.  Please emphasize that you made Aliyah through Misrad Hapnim and not on a flight from North America.

If you have been residing in Israel for more than 5 years as a tourist, you will not receive a Teudat Oleh. 

We recommend opening a bank account prior to your appointment with Misrad Haklita.  Please bring documentation from your bank regarding your account details.

Please bring:

1. Teudat Zehut
2. Passports from your country of origin for the last 7 years
3. Bank account number
4. One passport picture for each adult

You will receive:

1. Teudat Oleh Oleh Booklet
2. Health insurance voucher to register for Kupat Cholim
3. Information about your Oleh benefits

At Misrad Haklita they will take your bank account number in order to deposit your Sal Klita payments directly into your bank account.

If you are a Katin Chozer, Ezrach Oleh or had A/1 status before becoming an Oleh - you may be asked to present additional documents. Please confirm which documents you need when you schedule your appointment.