Making Aliyah as a Mishpachat Olim

If one spouse qualifies as an Oleh Chadash, Katin Chozer, or Ezrach Oleh, and the other spouse is returning to Israel as a Toshav Chozer (Returning Resident), your family may qualify as a Mishpachat Olim.

This status allows eligible families to receive many of the same benefits as a new Oleh family while recognizing that each spouse may have different individual benefits.

Who Qualifies?

Your family may qualify as a Mishpachat Olim if:

• One spouse is recognized as an Oleh Chadash, Katin Chozer, or Ezrach Oleh.
• The other spouse is recognized as a Toshav Chozer.
• You have at least one minor child who was born outside Israel before the eligible spouse received Oleh status.
• The child is making Aliyah with the family.

Eligibility is determined by The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration (Misrad HaKlita).

Aliyah Benefits

A Mishpachat Olim is generally eligible for the same family benefits as a new Oleh family, including housing assistance and customs benefits.

Individual benefits depend on each spouse’s status:

• The Oleh spouse may receive benefits such as Ulpan and other individual Oleh benefits.
• The Toshav Chozer spouse is eligible for Returning Resident benefits but does not receive individual Oleh benefits.
• For more information, see Aliyah Rights and Benefits.

Customs Benefits

If the Toshav Chozer spouse has previously used Returning Resident customs benefits, future eligibility may be affected.

If you are unsure of your eligibility, speak with your Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Advisor before your move. For more information, see Understanding Your Customs Benefits.

Flights to Israel

Eligible families may qualify for Nefesh B’Nefesh flight assistance.

• A qualifying Toshav Chozer may be eligible for a one-way ticket.
• Children born in Israel are generally not eligible for flight assistance.
• If family members are traveling separately, please speak with your Aliyah Advisor before booking your flights.

Sal Klita (Absorption Basket)

Eligible Mishpachat Olim families receive Sal Klita according to current Misrad HaKlita regulations.

• The initial payment is generally based on the Oleh spouse and eligible children.
• Once the Toshav Chozer spouse is added to the family’s Teudat Oleh, future payments are adjusted based on the family’s eligibility.

Eligibility for Sal Klita is determined separately from other Aliyah benefits and generally requires spending fewer than two years in Israel during the three years preceding Aliyah. Click on the following link to see our Sal Klita Calculator.

Health Insurance

Health coverage depends on each family member’s status.

• The Oleh spouse and eligible minor children are generally covered upon arrival.
• A Toshav Chozer may be subject to a waiting period before becoming eligible through Bituach Leumi. For more details on the waiting period for Returning Residents, please click here.
• Eligible children are covered upon arrival, even if they complete registration later through the Toshav Chozer parent’s local Bituach Leumi office.

For more information, please see our article on Health Insurance for Returning Residents.

Policy Updates

Misrad HaKlita policy updates include:

• Parents with Gorer Zakaut status who waive their remaining benefits to become Toshavim Chozrim may enable an eligible child to receive full Katin Chozer benefits. This also applies to eligible Ezrach Olim.
• Children born in Israel to parents who are not Israeli citizens generally receive the same status as their parents and are added to their parents’ Teudat Oleh when the family makes Aliyah.
• Previous stays in Israel are now reviewed over the 12 years preceding Aliyah.
• Visits of up to 122 days per calendar year generally do not count toward previous stay calculations.
• Certain approved academic programs, military service, Miluim, and other recognized exceptions may not count toward previous stays.

Need Help Determining Your Status?

Every family’s circumstances are different.

If you are unsure whether your family qualifies as a Mishpachat Olim or another Aliyah status, your Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Advisor can help determine your eligibility before your move.

Please Note

Aliyah status and benefits are determined by The Jewish Agency for Israel and Misrad HaKlita based on current regulations and each family’s individual circumstances.

Because regulations may change, we recommend confirming your eligibility with your Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah Advisor before making Aliyah.

* Last updated: July 9, 2026 *