If you are about to realize your dream of Aliyah – Mazal Tov! It is an amazing and huge step that hopefully will add much happiness and meaning to your life. But with all the practical, immediate details that you are finalizing now, you also need to consider the longer-term financial ramifications of switching countries – and currencies – to ensure your continued financial stability.
Making Aliyah is a huge decision, but one that has the potential to enrich your life in countless ways. In order to ensure that your move is as smooth as possible from a financial perspective, there are many elements that you need to plan and organize.
I am a personal trainer, meaning I help people through adopting a healthier lifestyle including physical activity and better nutrition.
Depending on your stage in life and financial situation, you may well have already looked at, or become involved in the real estate market in Israel prior to making Aliyah. However, even if it is something you never considered, it will become very relevant to you upon arrival as you consider purchasing a home here.
Israeli employers are looking for short, focused resumes pointing to strong experience in a narrow field, as opposed to more well rounded resumes. If you ARE a well rounded person with multiple skills, here are a few tips to maintaining a resume that will interest Israeli employers
Israel’s National Transplant and Organ Donation Center, Adi maintains a computerized database of Israeli citizens who have stated that they are willing to donate their organs to be used in organ transplants, in the case of death.
An individual who is entitled to health coverage (see Healthcare Overview) and, prior to registering with a Kupat Cholim, requires medical care, will need to pay for the treatment independently.
B’Shaah Tovah! Knowing what to do when you’re pregnant (especially for the first time) can be a daunting task. When you compound this with being an Olah in a new country where the language may be a barrier, figuring out how to obtain the necessary care can be especially challenging.
While dental care in Israel is not included in the basic Israeli health insurance plans (Kupot Cholim), the costs are significantly lower than they are in the U.S. Supplemental insurance plans (available through the Kupot) often cover some free treatments and/or discounts on dental care, including one free checkup with x-rays per year.
According to Misrad Hachinuch (Ministry of Education),Israel currently has thousands of children with serious food allergies studying in the elementary school system. The most common food allergies among Israeli children are milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, sesame, walnuts and fish.
Listing of Government Offices and Private Medical Organizations
The Israeli Ministry of Health (Misrad Habriut) is responsible for the country's healthcare services. They oversee medical licensing, the health plans (Kupot Holim), family health centers (Tipat Halav), and more. Please see below for a list of Misrad Habriut branches.
"Health services provided here within, given upon medical opinion, shall be of adequate quality, within a reasonable time period and at a reasonable distance from the residence of the patient… and all within the financial recourses available to the HMOs (Kupat-holim)…"
If you are unsatisfied with your Kupat Cholim (Health Plan) or feel that you can be better serviced by a different Kupah, you may switch to a new Kupah at any time, provided that you have been a member of your current Kupah for at least six months.
A glossary of Hebrew health-related terms
Tipat Chalav is a system of clinics that provide community public health services, primarily to infants and toddlers (well-baby clinics). The Tipot Chalav are administered by district health offices (Lishkat Briut Ezorit) and are staffed mainly by public health nurses. Additional staff include physicians, dieticians, health consultants and social workers.
Four health plans, or Kupot Cholim, provide health care services in Israel: Maccabi, Meuhedet, Clalit and Leumit. Each health plan offers several levels of service: the basic basket of services, supplemental insurance and long-term care insurance.
Childhood Chisunim are given at Tipat Chalav (well-baby clinics) and in school. If your child is born in Israel, you will receive a Pinkas Chisunim (vaccination booklet) when the baby is born, before you leave the hospital. If your child is born abroad, a Pinkas Chisunim will be issued at your first Tipat Chalav visit.
Olim who are close to retirement age often face special challenges when arriving in Israel and beginning their job search. Many employers are reluctant to hire older candidates, even those who arrive with the relevant qualifications. As a result, a mature job seeker can find it challenging to integrate into the Israeli job market.
Every resident of Israel is insured for healthcare under the National Health Insurance Law, through payment of monthly premiums to the National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi). New Olim, Ktinim Chozrim and Ezrachim Olim are entitled to up to one year of free health insurance for the basic level of coverage, if they are not working.
The age-old adage says to choose a career that you love and make your current hobby into your vocation. For many Olim, this advice clearly refers to the field of tour guiding. Few professions express a love of Israel as much as guiding. Providing an opportunity for enthusiasts to study every inch of the land and delve into Israel's rich history and archaeology, the tour guiding field is a natural magnet for people who are seeking employment that expresses their passions and interests.
Israel offers a wide range of professional opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Whether you’ve already found a job or are still seeking, it’s important to understand the basic components of both salary and the benefits that are customary in Israel.
Olim from a wide variety of professional backgrounds discover second careers in Israel in technical communications. The field attracts teachers and writers who are looking for a more corporate work environment and higher salaries; programmers and techies who prefer to work in a field that leverages their English language skills; and lawyers or other professionals who do not have the time or interest to study for the Israeli exams.
The Israeli educational system is divided into Jewish, Arab and Christian sectors. The Jewish sector is further divided into Secular ("Mamlachti"), Religious ("Mamlachti Dati,") and Independent ("Atzmai" - Beit Yaakov and Haredi). There are also schools that are semi-private where the staff, parents and department of education design the curriculum.
Special education is offered to students beginning in preschool and continuing through high school. The services of the Israeli department of education are offered for learning, emotional and communicative disabilities. The department also services students who are physically impaired. Hebrew is important. It is important to work on your Hebrew proficiency before looking for a job in this field. Special education educators can potentially earn a greater salary than regular teachers for there are many opportunities for private tutoring and other work.
North American preschool teachers in Israel frequently opt to work in a private Gan. Typically, private Gan is open to children between the ages of 1 and 3. Some Ganim are designed for children in a wide range of ages, but most Ganim limit enrollment to a more specific age group.
One or two years of work experience in the field, and the right personality. You need to have thick skin and be persistent and organized. Upper management positions in sales will require extensive experience – at least 5 years. In addition, for upper management, the more degrees the better - and an MBA is ideal.
The main characteristic of industrial life science companies is that they are essentially multi-disciplinary. Many of these companies employ professionals from a wide variety of fields – engineers, algorithm experts and those with a background in the exact sciences who work closely with physicians, biologists and chemists. As a result, the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and to learn quickly is crucial to breaking into this market in any professional capacity.
For many individuals, working in non-profits provides an opportunity to contribute directly to the fabric of Israeli society and become a part of the country's growth. Though the non-profit world cannot compete with the corporate job market – both in terms of the number of jobs and the level of compensation – a disproportionate number of Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim are currently employed in this field. Especially in the Jerusalem area, non-profits are a significant sector of the job market, and openings in the field are continually advertised.
As Israel holds the distinction of having the most lawyers per capita of any country in the world, lawyers can be found in any city. By far, the largest number of lawyers and law firms can be found in Tel Aviv, with Haifa and Jerusalem following distantly behind. Salary levels for attorneys in Tel Aviv are usually higher than those in Jerusalem. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv also have possibilities in governmental work. Occasionally, Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University and Bar-Ilan University require the services of a lawyer from abroad with a particular area of expertise. Alternatively, many lawyers go into private practice, either on their own or in partnership with other advocates.
Graphic designers in Israel wear many different hats, producing materials in multiple design formats and using a variety of software packages. Publishing houses employ designers to do book layout and liaison with illustrators, while non-profit organizations, educational institutions, financial companies and many others rely on in-house or outsourced designers for everything ranging from posters to trade show booths to corporate invitations.
Interior design is more than just knowing "colors". In order to be successful, you need to be knowledgeable about EVERYTHING related to design (color, style, practicality etc.) PLUS you need to be very hands-on. Interior design in Israel includes everything from taking clients to stores, helping them select items with your expertise, arranging installation, checking in with them for satisfaction, etc. The more you know, the better -- kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, storage... A large part of the job is NETWORKING -- finding the right places to shop and the right people to collaborate with, people you can trust will do a good job at a fair price.
Process Engineers decide on the most effective flow diagram for a particular production process. The production process can be anything from producing gold to making perfume. The flow diagram shows conceptually how the raw materials will be processed into the final product. The relevant flow quantities (volumes, pressures, temperatures etc) are decided to meet the production target. Types and sizes of the various items of process equipment are selected and calculated. We also decide how the final process will be controlled, including which measurement devices (instrumentation) and what piping sizes and types are needed. We may then be involved in the specification of the equipment and instrumentation and reviewing the bids from vendors to choose the best equipment supplier. We are also usually involved in the training and start-up of the new process, once it is built.
Background and training are required and vary by management title and duties involved. Hotel managers are generally required to work long shifts that include late hours, weekends, and holidays due to the 24 hour operation of a hotel. The hotel industry is great for individuals who like working in a fast-paced environment with high levels of interaction with guests, employees, investors and the management team.
Electrical and hardware engineers in Israel encounter a fast growing industry and an ever-increasing number of employment opportunities, with a broad range of companies targeting professionals who have hardware development backgrounds and Real Time experience. Work experience that is currently in particular demand includes board design, chip design and FPGA. For analog engineers, there is a more narrow range of opportunities but the jobs that exist tend to be excellent positions with relatively high salaries.
Like anywhere else, you'll find what you're looking for through networking and research. People are extremely open to helping others. I personally submitted many resumes to people I know only through email. I found my placement in the army because my friend's uncle's friend is a lieutenant-colonel in the air force. Don't be intimidated, and never use the excuse, "Why would a person like him want to help me?" In general, don't use excuses; be Israeli. If you are worried that you are being pushy, realize that it is the North American part of you that is holding you back… ignore it and move forward. It doesn't mean that you should be rude, on the contrary, people actually appreciate your manners. But it is very important that people don't mistake your good manners for weaknesses… Good luck!
There are an estimated 2,500 electricians and 730 electrical contractors in Israel, about half of them working in the central Tel Aviv area. There are subdivisions within the field, which allow electricians of different qualifications to work on projects of different levels.
Estheticians in Israel pass a test administered by the Ministry of Trade and Industry once they finish their course. There is no license in Israel for working as an esthetician. You can use your diploma from aboard to work as an esthetician in Israel.
When you start looking for work, subscribe to local community email lists, where vacancies for dietitians are advertised or where you can post a description of the type of work you are looking for.
In Jerusalem, it is very popular to hire a Doula, but it is still not totally accepted in the center of the country. Some hospitals fear that Doulas may interfere with the medical staff while other hospitals just prefer that you use their own in-house Doulas.
Israel is frequently referred to as the "second Silicon Valley" as it enjoys a reputation for quality and talent. Leading multinational companies such as Intel, Microsoft, IBM, and many others, have established foreign subsidiaries and R&D centers throughout the country. Hi-tech products and services account for more than a quarter of all Israeli exports and, after the US and Canada, Israel has more hi-tech companies trading on the NASDAQ than any other country.
Olim who come to Israel with experience in the construction or home repair business find that they have to relearn many aspects of the industry in order to re-establish themselves professionally. As local mores and standards are inherent to these businesses, it is important to become familiar with them.
Chiropractors in Israel work primarily in private practice, as well as through the Kupot. The Israeli Chiropractic Society currently has over 70 members. For more information about the Society, see www.chiropractic.co.il or call 09 882 4396. To become a member, you must have graduated from an accredited chiropractic college. All Israeli chiropractors studied in colleges abroad, as there is no course of study available in Israel.
Most professional garden designers have some training in horticulture and the principles of design. Some are also landscape architects, a more formal level of training that usually requires an advanced degree and often a state license. The importance of Hebrew can depend a lot on whether or not you would like to seek out work in a Hebrew speaking community.
Most professional photographers in Israel photograph weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvas, family and work place events, as well as commercial venues. Even if you only work with the English speaking population, it is important to learn Hebrew as best as you can. That will enable you to run your business more successfully. Photographers are paid at a lower rate than in North America or the UK. It is important to familiarize yourself with the high rate of competition amongst photographers in Israel.
Independent insurance agents, typically sell a variety of insurance and financial products, including property insurance and casualty insurance, life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance. Property and casualty insurance agents sell insurance policies that protect individuals and businesses from financial loss resulting from automobile accidents, fire, theft, storms, and other events that can damage property. For businesses, property and casualty insurance can also cover injured Workers Compensation Insurance, product liability claims, or medical malpractice claims.
Broadcast graphic designers and animators are very much needed in Israel. There are also a lot of opportunities for those who know how to work with after effects and 3D animation, and it is helpful to know how to work Avid Suite. Screenwriters are in high demand, but it is difficult work.
To work as a plumber in Israel, you can attend a formal training program or work as an apprentice for an experienced plumber. Olim who come to Israel with plumbing experience from abroad generally find that, while their experience is helpful, the local plumbing system differs significantly from what exists abroad and it takes time and experience - working with a local plumber - to master the new system.
Financial opportunities in Israel have traditionally been restricted to the unionized banking sector, which meant limited job options for Olim. Almost all Israeli financial institutions were owned by the same three banks, and investment or financial investment opportunities were relatively undeveloped.
Olim from the U.S., Canada and the UK have developed successful careers in Israel. Because the large architecture firms can be hard to penetrate, Olim frequently find it best to build up their own businesses. Many work in home development, construction and design, focusing on English-speaking clients who appreciate their Western professional background.
There are two main venues through which archaeologists in Israel can find full time positions: the Israel Antiquities Authority (Reshut Ha’Atikot) and the university system. Most of the digs that are currently underway are being conducted by the Antiquities Authority for Chafirot Hatzalah, digs that are required to be conducted when new building/road development occurs in Israel to determine that the construction does not cover or destroy any undiscovered antiquities.
Actuarial science is one of the few fields where Olim actually have an advantage over Israeli born and trained professionals. The primary potential employers – insurance companies and pension plans – actually prefer to hire US/UK trained actuaries over actuaries who are trained in Israel.
Most employers expect a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office – Word and Excel are essential and Access and PowerPoint may also be important. If you can type in Hebrew and use MS Office in Hebrew you will be more marketable. Email and use of the Internet are also necessary for working as an administrator. Basic bookkeeping knowledge is an advantage.
some accountants have developed businesses filing U.S. tax returns for American Olim and acting as tax consultants. Although there are jobs available for North Americans without an Israeli CPA, having this added certification can open doors professionally and enable you to climb higher on the corporate ladder.
In Israel, there is no licensing procedure for alternative medical fields. Many practitioners work privately while others work in Kupot Cholim (health clinics). In order to work in a Kupah, you must present your credentials from abroad and show that you have malpractice insurance. Obtaining malpractice insurance in Israel also requires you to present your credentials.
Appliance Repair services are provided for: air conditioner, dishwasher, clothes dryer, drying cabinet, freezer, refrigerator, kitchen stove, water heater, washing machine, trash compactor, microwave ovens and induction cookers. A graduate certificate is needed for appliance repair, and for heat and air conditioning. Maintaining a license is required. Knowledge of Hebrew is very important, unless you work with only English speaking clients.
Although Israel is full of wonderful artists, like in many countries, it is difficult to make a living by simply selling one’s work here. Most artists combine their art with teaching in order to make ends meet. Artists can choose to represent themselves or make a contract with an art dealer, who will take care of the business aspects of their career for them.
To be a general mechanic (without any specialties) in Israel, you're competing with many other people for the same job, and it'll be hard for you to improve your job status. In order to stand out from the competition, you need to learn one or two of the following specialties: air conditioning, wheel alignment, painting or strong body skills. The best skill to learn is computer diagnostics and whole car electronics, including immobilizer and code problems, all electric window, dash, air conditioning and electronic fuel diagnostics. It's hard to find people with specialties in those areas, and there are many good jobs and salaries waiting for the right, qualified person.
Geriatric personal care, known in Hebrew as “Siud”, is a field that employs people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Most of the Olim who work in geriatric care come with training in social work, nursing or therapy, though some have no prior experience or training in a related field. Several work settings are available, including at-home personal care and residential homes for the elderly. Providing care for the elderly is generally not a high paying vocation, though it can be extremely fulfilling work.
A bookkeeper (Menahel Cheshbon), must be familiar with the relevant Israeli computer and bookkeeping systems in Israel and become certified by Misrad Hataasiya, Hamischar v’Hataasuka (Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor). There are courses offered at several Israeli colleges which prepare candidates to pass the certification exam and work in the field. For information about colleges in Israel, please see the article Higher Education in Israel.
All real estate agents in Israel are required to pass a licensing examination that is administered every few months by Misrad HaMishpatim (Ministry of Justice ). There is no transfer of real estate licenses from abroad. The Ministry of Justice has a booklet available which includes the information needed to prepare for the exam.
In order to be recognized as a dental hygienist in Israel, one must be licensed by Misrad HaBriut (Ministry of Health). In order to obtain a license you must: Meet the educational requirements of Misrad HaBriut, Pass the licensing examination.
The field of environmental studies has developed significantly in Israel over the past fifteen years and, as a result, there is a wider range of employment opportunities for those with a background in the field.
To work as a carpenter in Israel, you can attend a formal training program or work as an apprentice for an experienced carpenter. There are technical schools which teach carpentry as well as training courses approved by the Ministry of Labor and Welfare. Others have begun practicing as a hobby and gradually learned the profession. Either way, licensing is required from local authorities.
School guidance counselors can find positions in elementary, middle, and high schools. They work with the students, the educational staff and the parents. They primarily deal with children who have learning and emotional issues.
Two courses are offered in Israel, providing training in phlebotomy (or in Hebrew, Lokchei Dam Vridi): For nurses (and other individuals with prior experience in the field), a short, two days course is provided. For other professionals, a longer, eight day course is provided.
Diagnostic ultrasound, both in Israel and abroad, is divided into four main categories: Obstetrics/Gynecology, Vascular, Echocardiography, and Abdominal/General. In Israel, students must first decide which of these four specialties they will pursue, while in the US programs students often combine the study of OBGYN ultrasound with abdominal ultrasound. Additionally, unlike in America, those wishing to study abdominal ultrasound technology in Israel must first complete studies as an x-ray technologist and then can receive "cross-training" in abdominal ultrasound.
A community manager in Social Media is someone who runs and manages all social media communications such as Twitter, Facebook, and any other social networks that the company manager has deemed appropriate for the company. I use Facebook, Twitter, pin to Pintrest, and write newsletters and blogs.
Alternative energy or what is known as Cleantech is a hot field in technology right now. Cleantech includes all aspects of environmentally-friendly technology, from renewable and alternative energy to conservation and water, and has applications in both the industrial and consumer domains. Israel is a leader in Cleantech. According to a recent report in the Cleantech Group and the WWF, Israel is the second most innovative country worldwide for Cleantech, and the world looks to Israel as an important resource.
Olim with a strong background in English-language (and other languages) business writing can more easily break into the market which is increasingly reaching out to an international audience. In addition to independent advertising agencies, there are many businesses and non-profit organizations that have in-house marketing and communication departments.
Mobile application development is the process by which application software is developed for low-power handheld devices, such as personal digital assistants, enterprise digital assistants or mobile phones. These applications can be pre-installed on phones during manufacturing, downloaded by customers from various mobile software distribution platforms, or delivered as web applications using server-side or client-side processing (e.g. JavaScript) to provide an "application-like" experience within a Web browser. Application software developers also have to consider a lengthy array of screen sizes, hardware specifications and configurations because of intense competition in mobile software and changes within each of the platforms.
Magen David Adom (MDA) is responsible for paramedic regulations in Israel. Licensed paramedics from outside of Israel who want to transfer their licenses should contact the Medical Division of MDA.
Genetic counselors work as members of a healthcare team, providing risk assessment, education and [...]
For Israeli tax purposes, an Israeli resident is defined as an individual whose center of living is in Israel taking into account the person’s family, economic and social links.
Awaiting LGBTQ Olim is a rich and diverse lifestyle. Israel offers a wellspring of [...]
By Naama Zigdon, NBN-Go South Employment & Post Aliyah Advisor: Since the establishment of Go South [...]
The information below will help you research the options for living on a Kibbutz. [...]
New immigrants and returning citizens are entitled to various benefits granted by the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance. These benefits were extended in 2008 in commemoration of Israel's 60th anniversary to try further to provide incentives for Jews to make Aliyah. A returning citizen is someone who has either resided overseas for at least 10 years;
Thank you to Avraham Deutsch’s office for authoring this article. New Disclosure Rules for [...]
Note: This subsidy is limited to space availability in the Maon and Peuton in each [...]
This article is written by Howie Mischel. Mischel has spent 32 years working in [...]
Description Low interest rates, compared to other market rates, for up to about 150,000 [...]
Description Olim pay a reduced tax rate on the purchase of a new car [...]
Accessing English-Language Mental Health Treatment (Psychotherapy) in Be'er Sheva In Be'er Sheva, if you [...]
Guest Contributor: Gershon Kayman, Esq. Adapting to a new country includes adjusting to that [...]
This article was contributed by Surelle Itzkowitz, a psychologist who is also a certified [...]
by Rakefet Samueli, Be'er Sheva, NBN 2012 “Would you like something hot to drink?” [...]
This article is written by Gershon Kayman, Esq., an Oleh from New York with [...]
The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has produced an article entitled “Small Business Encouragement in Israel” that discusses several institutions which are helpful to entrepreneurs.
In addition to the subsidy that Olim receive from Minhal Hastudentim (The Student Authority), [...]
Making Aliyah with school-aged children brings many blessings as well as challenges to make sure that they are in the right program. Having your children learn in Hebrew, in Israel, together with other Israeli children, is a very special experience. The opportunity for your children’s growth, from their school experience, is one of the exciting aspects of making Aliyah.
After three years working for Go South, we have done our small part in helping [...]
In honor of Tu Bshvat, we wanted to highlight three amazing forests in the [...]
A Tium Mas (coordination of income tax) is the authorization by Mas Hachnasa (the Income Tax Authority) to one or more employers as to how much income tax is to be withheld by each from the employee's salaries. When an individual earns a salary from more than one source, it becomes necessary to obtain a Tium Mas in order to ensure that the proper tax will be withheld in total from all salaries.
We're a young family of three, and we came to Be'er Sheva from Calgary, Canada [...]
Note: The amounts listed below are approximate and are subject to change. Mamlachti (State) and [...]
Olim and Toshavim Chozrim are entitled to import equipment for opening a business, for [...]
In order to facilitate the professional integration of Olim and Toshavim Chozrim (returning residents), Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Absorption) has decided to reactivate the Voucher Project which has been frozen since October 2009. The objective of the project is to broaden the range of professional choices available to Olim.
Important Note: The comprehensive listing below reflects the full array of academic programs in [...]
Guest Contributor: Moshe Wilshinsky What to Expect While home financing in Israel carries some [...]
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WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP TO BUILD A STRONGER ISRAEL THROUGH ALIYAH
