Documents for Aliyah

This document must be original and cannot be replaced by a marriage certificate or other proof of identity. You can find more information on the Apostille here.

Civil Status Document

The state of Israel only recognizes four civil statuses: single, married, divorced or widowed. Please contact us if you need clarification regarding any other status.

Singles – Single Certificate
If you are single you must present a Single Certificate with an apostille, both issued by the official body for this in your country. If your country does not issue this type of declaration, you must make a sworn statement before a notary and apostille the document. Contact us to view a sample statement.

Married – Marriage Certificate
You need to present the original Marriage Certificate issued by the government of the country where you got married with an Apostille. This document is not replaceable by a Ketubah – כתובה – Jewish marriage certificate.

If you have been married more than once, you will need to present the marriage, divorce or death certificate(s) of your spouse(s) from previous marriages.

Olim who make aliyah after September 30, 2024 must present a marriage certificate stating their status prior to marriage (whether single, divorced or widowed). If the document in your country does not contain this information, you will need to make a sworn statement before a notary and apostille the document. Contact us to view a sample statement.

Divorced or Widowed
If you are divorced or widowed, you must present a marriage certificate (it does not need to be apostilled) and their spouse’s divorce or death certificate, which does need to be apostilled.

Please note: None of the civil documents can be replaced by religious ones!

The passport must be valid for at least another 2 years. If you have more than one citizenship, you need to check with the Jewish Agency which one to use.

You need an official criminal background check or a Certificate of Good Conduct issued by:

• the government of the country where you were born

• all countries where you have resided continuously for more than 1 year above the age of 14 (if applicable)

• and any country whose citizenship you currently hold, even if you have never lived there.

Important Notes:

From Nov 2024 onward, people who undergo Shinui Ma’amad – Aliyah from within Israel, directly with the Misrad HaPnim – Ministry of Interior will be asked to present background checks from all countries where they have lived for more than 6 months.

In addition, each country has its own procedure regarding the issuance of such a certificate.

You can find more information here. 

You must submit a letter explaining your eligibility status. This letter must meet strict conditions that are explained here.