Shivat Zion

What you can find here:

Aliyah Process
      Special Status & Procedures
Plan Your Move
Plan Your New Life
      Employment
First Steps in Israel
Dealing with Life in Israel
     Transportation

Aliyah Process: Paperwork

The Aliyah Process

Making Aliyah is a long process, consisting of several phases. This document will give you an overview of the entire administrative Aliyah process.
Click here for the complete guide

The Aliyah Process

Get an overview of the Aliyah process. More...

Jewish Agency - Phone Numbers​

In order to start your Aliyah process, contact the Global Center of the Jewish Agency for Israel. Below you will find a list of phone numbers for different countries.
Click here for the complete guide

Jewish Agency - Phone Numbers​

Start your Aliyah process & contact the Jewish Agency. More...

Documents for Aliyah

There are a number of documents required in order to make Aliyah. Please read the following instructions carefully and prepare the documents exactly as explained.
Click here for the complete guide

Documents for Aliyah

Which documents are required in order to make Aliyah? Click here

Background Check

You need an official criminal background check or a Certificate of Good Conduct or a Federal Police Criminal Records Certificate issued by the Federal Authority.
Click here for the complete guide

Background Check

You need an official criminal background check or a Certificate of Good Conduct. More...

Proof of Judaism

As part of the administrative Aliyah process, you must present a letter stating your eligibility status. This letter must meet strict conditions.
Click here for the complete guide

Proof of Judaism

You must present a letter stating your eligibility status. More...

Apostille

Many documents require an Apostille. An Apostille is an official governmentally issued certificate added to documents so they will be recognized when presented in another country.
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Apostille

Many documents require an Apostille. More...

Jewish Agency Registration

In order to start your Aliyah process with the Jewish Agency and to upload your documents, you need to register online with the Jewish Agency. You can learn how to do that with the following video.
Click here for the video tutorial

Jewish Agency Registration

Learn how to register online with the Jewish Agency. Click here

Aliyah Portal

Learn here how to use the Aliyah Portal of the Jewish Agency: Filling out the questionnaires, uploading your files, and making the payment.
Click here for the video tutorial

Aliyah Portal

Learn to navigate the Aliyah Portal of the Jewish Agency. Click here

Special Status & Procedures

Aliyah as Ezrach Oleh

If you were born outside of Israel to an Israeli father or mother (who held Israeli citizenship at the time of your birth), you have a special status called Ezrach Oleh.
Click here for the complete guide

Aliyah as Ezrach Oleh

If you were born outside of Israel to an Israeli parent, click here.

Aliyah as a Katin Chozer (Returning Minor)

If you were born in Israel or made Aliyah as a child and left Israel before the age of 14, you have a special status called Katin Chozer/Returning Minor.
Click here for the complete guide

Aliyah as a Katin Chozer (Returning Minor)

If you left Israel before the age of 14, click here.

Toshav Chozer (Returning Resident)

If you are an Israeli who has been living outside of Israel for a while, you might qualify for the status of Toshav Chozer. As a Toshav Chozer you are entitled to certain benefits.
Click here for the complete guide

Toshav Chozer (Returning Resident)

If you are an Israeli who has been living aborad for a while, click here.

Split Aliyah

If you want to make Aliyah separately from the rest of your family (spouse or children under 21), here are some details you need to pay attention to.
Click here for the complete guide

Split Aliyah

If you make Aliyah separately from the rest of your family, click here.

Change of Status - Aliyah from within Israel

If you are making Aliyah from within Israel, you are basically changing your status from a tourist to an oleh chadash. The procedure is different from making Aliyah from abroad.
Click here for the complete guide

Change of Status - Aliyah from within Israel

If you are making Aliyah from within Israel, click here.

Aliyah with Pets

If you make Aliyah with pets, the pets have to get approved, or they won't be allowed to enter Israel. Make sure to provide all the required documents.
Click here for the complete guide

Aliyah with Pets

If you make Aliyah with pets, the pets have to get approved. More...

Ishur Chok HaShvut

In order to register children born abroad to an Israeli father and a Jewish mother as Israelis, the Israeli Consulate might require the presentation of a document called “Ishur Chok HaShvut”.
Click here for the complete guide

Ishur Chok HaShvut

Were you born abroad to an Israeli father & a Jewish mother? Click here.

ARLI - Renouncing Israeli Citizenship

Olim can decide to renounce their Israeli citizenship. For example, Olim from countries that don’t allow dual citizenship may choose to do this. Renouncing Israeli citizenship is called “declaring ARLI.”
Click here for the complete guide

ARLI - Renouncing Israeli Citizenship

You can renounce your Israeli citizenship by signing "ARLI”. More...

Temporary Resident - A1 Visa

If you are eligible to make Aliyah but you are not sure whether it is the right choice for you, a temporary residency (A1 visa) might be a good alternative.
Click here for the complete guide

Temporary Resident - A1 Visa

If you consider a temporary residency in Israel, click here.

Verification of Benefits

If you previously lived in Israel for less than 10 years, you might still be granted some benefits when returning to the country.
Click here for the complete guide

Verification of Benefits

If you once lived in Israel for less than 10 years, check your benefits.

Plan Your Move

Timeline - Checklist

This is a general outline providing a chronological overview. Please contact us for your personal Aliyah plan.
Click here for the complete guide

Timeline - Checklist

This is a general outline providing a chronological overview. More...

Documents for Klita

Don't forget to bring the following documents with you when making Aliyah. You might not need them at the very beginning, but they will become important later in your Klita process.
Click here for the complete guide

Documents for Klita

Don't forget to bring the following documents with you. More...

Finding a Community

Israel is a country with a very heterogeneous population. Before deciding where to live, consider if you fit into the local community. The following points will help you with that consideration.
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Finding a Community

Find the most suitable community for you. More...

Plan Your New Life in Israel

Daycare & Education

The educational system differs in every country. We are providing an overview of the educational frameworks in order for you to know where to register your children.
Click here for the complete guide

Daycare & Education

Get an overview of the educational frameworks. More...

Aliyah Benefits

In order to facilitate the absorption of new immigrants, the State of Israel grants certain benefits. You can find here a general guideline on eligibility and valid time period of the benefits.
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Aliyah Benefits

The State of Israel grants Olim certain benefits. More...

Employment

Employment

Check the job offers that match your experience in advance while considering commuting time and working conditions. Contact us for help with any of the steps below.
Click here for the complete guide

Employment

Check the job offers that match your experience. More...

Preparing Your CV

For the Israeli job market, it is important to keep your CV fairly concise and distinct at the same time. Here are a few guidelines for preparing your CV document for the Israeli job Market.
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Preparing Your CV

Find guidelines for preparing your CV. More...

Writing a Cover Letter

If you are required to add a cover letter to your CV or you wish to do so – this is the suggested structure: The letter should include 3 main paragraphs, but remember to keep them fairly brief.
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Writing a Cover Letter

Learn how to write a cover letter to your CV. More...

Job Search - Best Practices

Once you have your CV and LinkedIn profile updated, you are ready to actively search for a job.
Click here for the complete guide

Job Search - Best Practices

Get tips on searching for a job on the Israeli market. More...

Register as a Freelancer - Osek Patur

The Osek Patur is an individual entrepreneur opening a business without forming a corporate entity (company or partnership). He is therefore exempt from VAT.
Click here for the complete guide

Employment Rights & Benefits for Employees - Part 1

The following guide is intended to provide an overview of various terms used in the Israeli workplace in connection with your employment..
Click here for the complete guide

Employment Rights & Benefits for Employees - Part 2

The following guide is intended to provide an overview of various terms used in the Israeli workplace in connection with your employment..
Click here for the complete guide

Employment Rights & Benefits for Employees - Part 3

The following guide is intended to provide an overview of various terms used in the Israeli workplace in connection with your employment..
Click here for the complete guide

Register as a Freelancer - Osek Patur

To register as an individual entrepreneur, click here.

Employment Rights & Benefits for Employees - Part 1

The following guide is intended to provide an overview of various terms used in the Israeli workplace in connection with your employment, click here.

Employment Rights & Benefits for Employees - Part 2

The following guide is intended to provide an overview of various terms used in the Israeli workplace in connection with your employment, click here.

Employment Rights & Benefits for Employees - Part 3

The following guide is intended to provide an overview of various terms used in the Israeli workplace in connection with your employment, click here.

First Steps in Israel

Landing in Israel

Upon your arrival in Israel, the beginning of the registration process will take place at the airport itself. It is therefore important to have all the necessary documents with you in your hand luggage!
Click here for the complete guide

Landing in Israel

Have all the necessary documents with you when arriving! More...

First Steps in Israel

After having made Aliyah, there are a number of things to do. These are the first steps of Klita you should take.
Click here for the complete guide

First Steps in Israel

These are the first steps you should take having made Aliya. More...

Opening a Bank Account

First of all you should open a bank account. It is important to have an active bank account in order to be able to continue with the next steps.
Click here for the complete guide

Opening a Bank Account

First of all you should open a bank account. More...

Visit at Misrad HaKlita

At the Misrad HaKlita (Ministry of Immigration & Absorption) you will meet your personal counselor who will assist you during your first years in Israel.
Click here for the complete guide

Visit at Misrad HaKlita

Go to the Ministry of Immigration & Absorption. More...

Health Insurance

Every Israeli resident must be registered with one of the 4 Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs): Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, Leumit.
Click here for the complete guide

Health Insurance

Register with a HMO: Meuhedet, Clalit, Leumit, or Maccabi. More...

Ulpan

Learning Hebrew is essential for Olim (new immigrants) in Israel. This guide will help you navigate the process of enrolling in an Ulpan.
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Ulpan

Learning Hebrew is essential for Olim (new immigrants) in Israel. More...

Daycare & Education

The educational system differs in every country. Below is an overview of the various Israeli educational frameworks in order for you to know where to register your children.
Click here for the complete guide

Daycare & Education

Get an overview of the educational frameworks. Click here

Hebrew - Short Dictionary

Lost in Hebrew? Don’t worry, you are going to manage! Meanwhile, download Google Translate and find here some useful translations of important terms.
Click here for the complete guide

Hebrew - Short Dictionary

Find here some useful translations of important terms. More...

How to Make an Appointment at the Misrad HaPnim?

Learn here how to make an appointment at the Misrad HaPnim through the MyVisit-App.
Click here for the video tutorial

How to Make an Appointment at the Misrad HaPnim?

Learn how to make an appointment at the Misrad HaPnim. Click here

Dealing with Life in Israel

How to Set Up Your MyGov Account

Learn here how to set up your MyGov account.
Click here for the video tutorial

How to Set Up Your MyGov Account

Learn how to set up your MyGov account. Click here

IDF - First Draft Notice

Tzav Rishon, is the first draft notice to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), also called Tzahal.
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IDF - First Draft Notice

Tzav Rishon, is the first draft notice. More...

IDF - Service for Olim

Enlisting into the Israeli Army - the IDF - is mandatory for all Israeli citizens of a certain age, for both men and women.
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IDF - Service for Olim

Enlisting into the Israeli Army - the IDF - is mandatory. More...

Bituach Leumi

Bituach Leumi, National Insurance Institute, is the government office responsible for social security.
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Bituach Leumi

Bituach Leumi, National Insurance Institute. More...

Higher Education Benefits in Israel

Israel hosts 61 higher education institutions, consisting of 10 universities and 51 colleges and various certificate granting programs throughout the country.
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Higher Education Benefits in Israel

Israel hosts 61 higher education institutions. More...

Renting an Apartment in Israel

A quick guide through the process. More...

Occupational Therapy License Conversion

In order to become licensed as a Merapah/Merapeh Be’Isuk, Occupational Therapist in Israel, one has to have their studies, including an internship, approved by Misrad HaBriut), the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Click here for the complete guide

Occupational Therapy License Conversion

Learn how to become licensed as a Merapah/Merapeh Be’Isuk. More...

Nursing License Conversion in Israel - PART 1

In order to undergo a Hamarat Rishayon Siyud, Conversion of a Nursing license, there is an application process.
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Nursing License Conversion in Israel - PART 1

Learn how to convert a nursing license. More...

Emergency Resources

In Israel, access to essential emergency services and resources is of paramount importance.
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Emergency Resources

In Israel, access to essential emergency services and resources is of paramount importance. More...

Oleh Tax Exemptions

New Olim (and qualifying returning residents) are entitled to a very significant tax benefit when they move to Israel.
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Oleh Tax Exemptions

New Olim are entitled to a very significant tax benefit. More...

Transportation

Conversion of Driving License

If you can prove that you had a valid foreign driver's license for 5 consecutive years immediately prior to your Aliyah, you are eligible to convert your driver's license without having to take any exams.
Click here for the complete guide

Conversion of Driving License

Convert your foreign driver's license to an Israeli one. More...

Renewing Your Driver´s License

As of October 1, 2021, a driver's license issued for private vehicles, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles up to 12 tons (category A and B) will be valid until age 70 (instead of 10 years).
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Renewing Your Driver´s License

Learn how to renew your driver's license. More...

Types of Transportation in Israel

Learn about the various types of transportation in Israel, such as bus, train, tram, taxi, etc..
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Types of Transportation in Israel

Learn about the various types of transportation in Israel. More...

Paying for Public Transportation

To use public transportation in Israel you must either have a reloadable Rav-Kav card or use one of the 4 phone apps authorized for this purpose.
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Paying for Public Transportation

You must either have a reloadable Rav-Kav card or use an app. More...

Tips for Drivers

Get some tips to master the Israeli roads and learn the rules for parking.
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Tips for Drivers

Get tips to master the Israeli roads and rules for parking. More...

Buying a New Car with Olim Benefits

Olim, new immigrants, are eligible to purchase new cars in Israel at a reduced tax rate within three years after making Aliyah as part of their Zechuyot (זכויות) Aliyah benefits.
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Buying a New Car with Olim Benefits

Olim, new immigrants, are eligible to purchase new cars in Israel. More...

How to Obtain a Disabled Parking Permit

In Israel, as in many other countries, disabled individuals with mobility challenges are entitled to receive a special parking permit for use in a vehicle granting access to marked disabled parking spots and in places where parking is not normally permitted.
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How to Obtain a Disabled Parking Permit

In Israel, as in many other countries, disabled individuals. More...