Your First Steps Now That You Are Officially Israeli

In order to open a bank account, both spouses must be present (if applicable). Married Olim must open a joint bank account in order to receive Sal Klita payments as a family. Please note that some banks may require a Teudat Oleh.

If you already have an Israeli bank account, contact your bank directly regarding your change in status. You will need to bring your Teudat Zehut and Tamzit Rishum.

Many banks require you to make an appointment when opening up a new account or updating a previous foreign account.

If opening an account for the first time, your appointment provides you with the opportunity to be proactive and ask those banking questions that are important to you; such as discounts available, credit card eligibility, and foreign currency transfer information.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR JOINT BANK ACCOUNT HOLDERS
Holders of a joint bank account can sign a form at the bank entitled Tofes Arichut Yamim. This form will enable each spouse to have continued access to the bank account in the event that the other passes away. If this form has not been signed prior to the death of the other, the account will remain frozen until a will of inheritance has been settled or probated. We encourage everyone to ensure that this form has been signed.

A NOTE ABOUT BANKING IN ISRAEL:

• Your bank of choice may insist on opening an Oleh account at a specific branch.
• More and more banks are becoming cashless.
• A transaction fee is charged for every action taken in the bank or Kaspomat machine (ATM).
• There are three ways to transfer foreign funds: bank, money changer, transaction company. Research the best and safest way to transfer foreign funds.
• All banks offer online banking and services.
• Always inquire if there are discounts available for new Olim.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Teudat Zehut

Passport (from country of origin)

NIS cash or check to make a deposit into your new account.

US Citizens will be required to provide their social security number and complete a W-9 form. (Some banks may request to see the physical card)

WHAT YOU GET:

Instructions for online banking.

A receipt of deposit.

An opening statement with details of your new account.
You need this form, which contains the details of your new account, to arrange Sal Klita payments with Misrad Haklita.

HELPFUL HINT:
Living Financially Smarter in Israel is an excellent website and FB group for guidance and information on banking in Israel.
For more information, visit www.rifkalebowitz.com

Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute) is the body responsible for healthcare, payment of various pensions, and allowances to Israeli residents.

All citizens have the obligation to maintain their residency in order to ensure continued registration with their chosen Kupat Cholim and eligibilities through Bituach Leumi. For more information on residency and maintaining residency when traveling abroad see www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/bituach-leumi/bituach-leumi/

You can now create an online Bituach Leumi account to complete many important Bituach Leumi actions including setting up your monthly payments.
See www.nbn.org.il/online-governmentaccounts/

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR OLIM WITH NO ISRAELI BACKGROUND OR PREVIOUS A1, STUDENT OR WORK VISA

WHAT YOU NEED:

If you have never been registered with Bituach Leumi, you can register for healthcare (kupat cholim) within your first 90 days of Aliyah by sending an email to [email protected].
Your Teudat Zehut number should be in the subject line. Your name, phone number, email address, Teudat Zehut number, address and choice of healthcare provider should be included in the body of your email. Past the 90 day mark one must register directly with your local Bituach Leumi office.

WHAT YOU GET:

It may take 7-10 days for the registration to be visible in the kupat cholim computer system. Proceed to your local healthcare fund to receive your membership card and discuss supplemental insurance. It is recommended that Olim of all ages register for supplemental health insurance through their Kupat Cholim. Registration within the first 90 days of Aliyah exempts Olim from any waiting period to benefit from the services that supplemental plans offer.
You may be asked to present your Teudat Oleh/Teudat Zakaut in order to receive the Oleh benefit of immediate supplemental care coverage.

If you have been paying privately to your provider, confirm that your passport number has now been replaced with your Teudat Zehut number.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR OLIM WITH PREVIOUS STUDENT OR WORK VISA

WHAT YOU NEED:

If you have already been registered with Bituach Leumi, then your new status should be updated automatically in the Bituach Leumi database. We suggest waiting 5-7 days after completing your Aliyah to confirm with your provider that your Teudat Zehut number has been registered in the Bituach Leumi system. Call NBN Answers at *3680 for assistance if your status is not updated in your provider’s computer system!

WHAT YOU GET:

Updated membership card with your Teudat Zehut number.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR OLIM WITH PREVIOUS A1 VISA

WHAT YOU NEED:

If you have been registered with Bituach Leumi, then your new status should be updated automatically in the Bituach Leumi database. We suggest waiting 5-7 days after completing your Aliyah to confirm with your provider that your new status of Oleh Chadash has been registered in the Bituach Leumi system.
Call NBN Answers at *3680 for assistance if your status is not updated in your provider’s computer system!

If you haven’t been registered please complete form 628 found at btl.gov.il to have your residency reinstated. Your form can then be submitted online through the Bituach Leumi site. Healthcare registration will also be discussed at your Misrad Haklita appointment.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR EZRACHIM OLIM

Your healthcare registration will be completed at your local Misrad Haklita office.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. If you were registered with Bituach Leumi before making Aliyah, you may be entitled to the benefit of free health insurance, decided on a case-by-case basis by Bituach Leumi.
2. Network with people in your neighborhood before choosing a Kupat Cholim in order to find out which health fund has the best local reputation and service. Once enrolled, you can only switch Kupot on specific dates during the year. Check out the NBN website for detailed information about switching Kupot Cholim. See www.nbn.org.il/kupotcholim

If you have been in Israel more than five years prior to your Aliyah date, see below.*

An appointment with the Misrad Haklita will take place only after the online request form found here www.gov.il/en/service/check-for-eligibility-status is
completed. This form is so that your Teudat Oleh (benefits booklet) can be issued at the time of your appointment. A Teudat Zakaut will be issued if you
are an Ezrach Oleh. A contact list for Misrad Haklita offices can be found on page 12.

If you have served in the IDF, did Sherut Leumi, or participated in a MASA-sponsored program, bring the relevant certification stating that the program was completed so that this time is not counted against eligibility for Oleh benefits.

Previous A-1 Temporary Residents and Ezrachim Olim may be asked to present additional documents. The Misrad Haklita may elaborate on what is
required when scheduling your appointment.

For a complete list of your Aliyah benefits, based on time spent in Israel prior to Aliyah, please see www.nbn.org.il/benefits.

The Misrad Haklita features free counseling in English 10am-10pm Sunday-Thursday *3201.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Teudat Zehut

Foreign passport(s) from the last seven years – and/or your
entry and exit document received at NBN or the Misrad Hapnim office

Bank account information if you will be receiving Sal Klita

Proof of living abroad for the past 7 years (Proof of living abroad may vary depending on previous status or length of stay in Israel prior to date of Aliyah. Misrad Haklita will clarify with you directly on what is needed.)

WHAT YOU GET:

Teudat Oleh / Teudat Zakaut / Letter of Eligibility for those
in Israel More than 5 Years

Schedule of Sal Klita payments (if applicable)*

Information regarding Oleh benefits

Information regarding local Ulpan programs and Ulpan
registration voucher

A Meches (customs) file will be opened and activated when
a Teudat Oleh or Teudat Zakaut is issued. If you are not eligible for this document then you will need to have the file opened by writing to [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW?

You can now set up an online personal account with Misrad Haklita! See www.gov.il/en/service/private-area-new-immigrantsand-returning-residents

* One may be eligible for an income supplement known as Dmei Kiyum even if not eligible for Sal Klita. Criteria apply- speak with your Misrad Haklita representative for more information.

*Olim who have resided in Israel more than five years prior to their Aliyah are not eligible to receive a Teudat Oleh/Teudat Zakaut. An appointment at Misrad Haklita is still necessary so that your Oleh benefits can be activated. A letter will be issued to you stating that you have the standing of an Oleh Chadash but are not eligible to receive a Teudat Oleh. This letter is known as a Michtav Ei Zakaut.

Bituach Leumi offers a monthly stipend to all Israeli citizens based on the number of children under the age of 18 in their family. You are eligible for this benefit
immediately following your Aliyah. However, if there is no deposit made within 60 days of Aliyah be in touch with us a *3680 or [email protected].

GOVERNMENT CHILD SAVINGS PLAN

Each child who is eligible for the monthly child benefit will have a savings account* opened in his or her name.

Bituach Leumi will deposit money into the account per month, and parents have the option of matching that amount, which will be taken from their monthly
child allowance.

Parents have six months to select a savings plan, which can be done online (in Hebrew, from the Bituach Leumi website) or in person at your local Bituach Leumi branch. For more information: www.nbn.org.il/child-benefit

*Please consult your accountant if you have any questions about possible foreign tax implications of this savings account.

You can now create an online Bituach Leumi account to complete many important Bituach Leumi actions. See www.nbn.org.il/online-government-accounts/

As an Oleh, you have five years from your Aliyah date written on your Teudat Oleh or Teudat Zakaut to complete the conversion process from a foreign to an Israeli driver’s license.

An Oleh is entitled to drive on a foreign driver’s license up to one year from the last entry date, following six full consecutive months abroad.
For detailed steps and criteria, see www.nbn.org.il/driving.

License conversion is by appointment only!
See govisit.gov.il/en/offices/office/29 to make your appointment with the Misrad HaTachbura.

INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE

If you do not have a valid foreign license, when traveling outside of Israel you must have an international driver’s license. For more information see www.nbn.org.il/driving

All cities and towns in Israel charge Arnona (municipal tax). Tenants are obligated to make these payments which are calculated based on the size of your residence. Olim and Ezrachim Olim are typically granted a discount on Arnona (for up to 100m2) during one of their first two years in Israel.
The rate of the discount is determined by the local municipality. Further discounts based on age and income may be available through your municipality
but not while receiving the Oleh discount.
See: www.nbn.org.il/arnona

WHAT YOU NEED:

At the municipality, present your Teudat Oleh/Teudat Zakaut,
Teudat Zehut and Arnona bill if you have one.

A 12-month apartment rental contract or proof of ownership.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The request for an Oleh discount may have to be repeated after January 1st.

The Arnona reduction is not granted to Ktinim Chozrim, or to those who spent a significant amount of time as previous A-1 Temporary Residents and do not have a new Teudat Oleh.

The Arnona benefit is time-sensitive and the discount cannot be applied retroactively. You are eligible to receive this benefit for one of your first two years making Aliyah. For more information see www.nbn.org.il/arnona.

Activating your Oleh discount can be completed online in many Municipalities. See your Municipality website for more information.

You may be eligible for further discounts beyond your 12 month Aliyah benefit. See your Municipality website for more details.

Now that you and your children have Teudat Zehut numbers, the school will want a copy of your Teudat Zehut including the Sefach (addendum).

If you have difficulties registering your child/ren for school, email [email protected] for assistance.

All children in grades 1-12 are entitled to Ulpan hours at their school. Contact your child’s school directly for more information. See www.nbn.org.il/schoolregistration

For more information on navigating the Israeli school system, see www.nbn.org.il/education.

TRAVELING ABROAD AS A NEW OLEH

One is no longer able to obtain an Israeli passport within the first year of Aliyah.

Due to the nationwide backlog of appointments, citizens can travel in and out of Israel with a valid foreign passport and a Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card) or expired Israeli passport until March 31st, 2026. If entering on a foreign passport we recommend saving your entry ticket received at passport control should you need proof of your return.

All new Olim are entitled to apply for an Israeli travel document called a Teudat Maavar which can be applied for 90 days or three full months (whichever is
longer) after your Aliyah date.
We encourage you to make an appointment soon after your date of Aliyah to coincide with the appropriate time frame.

The Teudat Ma’avar functions similarly to an Israeli passport and is a biomteric document valid for 5 years.

Appointments can be made through www.govisit.gov.il for the Population & Immigration Authority.

An individual appointment must be made for each passport applicant.

For more information see: www.nbn.org.il/darkon

When traveling abroad, make sure to have both your Israeli and foreign travel documents available. Leave and return to Israel using your Israeli travel document, but enter your destination country using your foreign passport only.

As a rule, any visit outside of Israel may stop your Sal Klita payments (even if only one spouse travels). Upon returning to Israel, your payments will be automatically reinstated 14 days after your arrival; coinciding with the next payment period.

Payments will not be retroactive, but will be paid going forward until the full amount of Sal Klita has been received.

We suggest that you check your bank statement to ensure that all Sal Klita payments are received as scheduled. Commuters and other people who need to travel outside of Israel for work purposes should contact Misrad Haklita to discuss their specific situation.

It is important to inform Bituach Leumi of your departure from Israel in particular though not exclusively in your first year of Aliyah when traveling out of the country for more than a month.

See www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/governmentservices/bituach-leumi/bituach-leumi/ for more information.

Olim Chadashim are NOT required to present an exit permit from the IDF before leaving Israel. Olim who have an official army draft date must return to Israel
up to three days prior to that date.

WHAT TO BRING

Teudat Zehut

Foreign passport

Processing fee – paid with an Israeli credit card, ApplePay, GPay, or Max (not debit card)

All family members requesting passports (including children) must be physically present at Misrad Hapnim

For a full list of Misrad Hapnim branches and operating hours, see www.nbn.org.il/misrad-hapnim

IMPORTANT NOTE:

All travel documents are payable online with an Israeli credit card at www.nbn.org.il/biopassport. Discounted fees available with online payment only from November 1st – February 28th and honored until April 30th.

It is not necessary as an Israeli citizen to obtain an ETA-IL visa when entering the country. Israeli citizens or those with an Israeli identity number do not require an ETAIL.
However, if you are traveling without a Teudat Maavar or Israeli passport we encourage you to confirm that your foreign passport and Teudat Zehut numbers are linked. This can be confirmed with any clerk found at passport control when leaving Israel.

WHAT YOU WILL GET

Your Israeli passport will be delivered to a post office or package pick up point near the home address listed on your Teudat Zehut 4-6 weeks after your appointment. You must have an Israeli cell phone number as The Population and Immigration Authority will confirm your contact information via SMS.

Following your visit to The Population and Immigration Authority, you should receive an SMS with pick up information and a tracking number. You can track the delivery of your passport by following www.hfd.co.il/- איתור חבילה/ using your tracking number (not your Teudat Zehut number). Be sure to ask the clerk for a printout with your tracking number.

After your Passport is received by the HFD Courier Service for delivery, you will be sent another SMS with a tracking number which can be tracked through: https://doar.israelpost.co.il/en/deliverytracking. This will indicate where your passport is in the delivery process.