YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ALIYAH DOCUMENTS 2026
Everything You Need to Know About Immigration to Israel
Updated January 2026 Including March 2025 Policy Changes & 2026 Tax Updates
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Understanding Aliyah Eligibility
Essential Documents Checklist
Proof of Judaism Requirements
Civil Documents & Apostilles
Background Checks
Special Cases: Conversions
The Application Process
Oleh Benefits 2026
2025-2026 Policy Changes
Timeline & Tips
Helpful Resources
1. UNDERSTANDING ALIYAH ELIGIBILITY
The Law of Return (1950) grants every Jew the right to immigrate to Israel and receive citizenship. The 1970 amendment extended this right to include family members.
Who Is Eligible?
• Jews - Those born to a Jewish mother or who converted to Judaism • Children of Jews - Those with at least one Jewish parent • Grandchildren of Jews - Those with at least one Jewish grandparent • Spouses - Spouses of eligible individuals (including deceased spouses) • Converts - Those who completed a recognized conversion to Judaism
Potential Disqualifying Factors
Certain circumstances may complicate or prevent Aliyah:
• Serious criminal background • Conversion to another religion (though cases vary) • Inability to provide required documentation • Certain health conditions may require additional review
2. ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST
Below is the complete list of documents required for your Aliyah application. Requirements may vary based on your personal circumstances.
Document Requirements Valid Passport Valid for at least 1-2 years from Aliyah date. Include copies of main page, extensions, and name changes for all passports (7 years). Birth Certificate Original long-form with both parents' names listed. Must have apostille. Consular Reports of Birth Abroad are NOT accepted. Proof of Judaism Rabbi's letter on official letterhead (within past year), ink signature required. See Section 3 for details. Marital Status Certificate Single certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate as applicable. Must have apostille. Criminal Background Check Required from every country lived in for 1+ year since age 14. Valid for 6 months only. Must have apostille. Passport Photos 4 identical official photos per person (16+). These will be used for your Teudat Zehut (ID card). Family Photo Good quality, recent color photo. Families: one photo with all members. Singles: individual photo. Health Declaration Required form for each family member. Parents complete for minors under 18. Entry/Exit Form List of all Israel entries/exits for past 7 years. Required for ages 17+.
3. PROOF OF JUDAISM REQUIREMENTS
Proving your Jewish status is one of the most important aspects of the Aliyah process. The requirements vary based on how you are eligible.
If Jewish Through Your Mother
You need a letter from a recognized rabbi that includes:
• Statement that you are Jewish and born to a Jewish mother • Rabbi's explanation of how they know you • Official synagogue letterhead with name, address, and phone number • Rabbi's name and title on letterhead • Original ink signature (digital signatures are NOT accepted) • Written within the past year
If Jewish Through Your Father or Grandfather
The rabbi's letter must also include:
• Full name of your Jewish father or grandfather • Statement of the relationship
You may also be required to provide:
• Your father's birth certificate • Your parents' marriage certificate • Your grandparents' marriage certificate
Additional Supporting Documents
While not always required, these can strengthen your application:
• Ketubah (Jewish marriage certificate) • Bar/Bat Mitzvah certificate • Proof of burial in a Jewish cemetery (parents/grandparents) • Synagogue membership records • Jewish organization membership
Important Notes on Rabbi Recognition
A 'recognized community' is one that is well established, active, and affiliated with a recognized stream of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform). The rabbi must be from a synagogue associated with a rabbinical organization. If unsure whether your rabbi will be recognized, consult with the Jewish Agency or organizations like Itim.
4. CIVIL DOCUMENTS & APOSTILLES
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an international certification that proves a document is genuine and authentic. Since January 1, 2019, Israel requires apostille authentication on all official documents for Aliyah. Israel is part of the Hague Convention, which standardizes this process.
Documents Requiring Apostille
Birth Certificates - For all family members making Aliyah
Marriage Certificates - Civil marriage certificate (not Ketubah)
Divorce Decrees - If previously married
Death Certificates - For widowed applicants
Single Certificate/Affidavit - For unmarried applicants
Criminal Background Check - From all relevant countries
Name Change Documents - If applicable
Adoption Papers - If applicable
How to Obtain Apostilles
United States
• Apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued • FBI background checks must be apostilled in Washington, D.C. • NYC birth certificates (after Aug 2018) require a letter of exemplification first • Do NOT notarize documents before apostilling
Canada
• Apostilles are obtained through Global Affairs Canada • RCMP background checks must go to Global Affairs (NOT provincial offices) • Quebec documents must have been issued within the last 5 years
United Kingdom
• Apostilles are obtained through the UK Legalisation Office • ACRO background checks can be applied for online
Translation Requirements
Documents in the following languages generally do NOT require translation:
• English • Hebrew • French • Russian
Documents in all other languages require a notarized translation into English or Hebrew.
5. BACKGROUND CHECKS
Who Needs a Background Check?
• All applicants age 14 and above • Required from every country you have lived in for more than 1 year since age 14 • Required from any country whose citizenship you hold, even if you never lived there
November 2024 Update
For those making Aliyah from within Israel (Shinui Ma'amad), the Ministry of Interior now requires background checks from all countries where you have lived for more than 6 months (previously 1 year).
Critical Timeline Information
⚠ IMPORTANT: Background checks are only valid for 6 months from their issue date. Order your background check AFTER gathering all other documents to avoid expiration.
Country-Specific Instructions
United States (FBI)
Contact an FBI-approved channeler to get fingerprinted
Background check arrives via email (PDF) and postal mail (original)
Obtain apostille from Washington, D.C. (must be D.C., not your state)
Nefesh B'Nefesh offers a bundled service for approximately 700 NIS
Canada (RCMP)
Apply for a 'Certified Criminal Record Check'
Send to Global Affairs Canada for apostille (NOT provincial offices)
Do NOT notarize before sending for apostille
United Kingdom (ACRO)
Apply online through the ACRO website
Obtain apostille through UK Legalisation Office
6. SPECIAL CASES: CONVERSIONS
If you converted to Judaism, additional documentation and requirements apply. The process can be more complex than for those born Jewish.
Recognition Requirements
For your conversion to be recognized, it must meet these criteria:
Recognized Community: The conversion must have taken place in a well-established, active Jewish community affiliated with Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform Judaism
Pre-Conversion Participation: You must have been an active community member for at least 9 months before the conversion, including a study program of at least 9 months (or 350 hours of study)
Post-Conversion Participation: You must demonstrate at least 9 months of active participation in a recognized Jewish community after conversion
Required Documents for Converts
In addition to all standard documents, converts must provide:
• Conversion Certificate - Signed by three members of the Beit Din (Rabbinical Court) • Letter of Intent - Personal letter explaining your motivation for conversion and your journey • Detailed Rabbi's Letter - From the supervising rabbi describing:
Your course of study
Duration of the conversion process
Content of conversion studies
How the rabbi accepts and prepares candidates • Community Involvement Letter - Documenting your active participation before and after conversion
For Conversions in Israel
• Bring your 'Teudat Hamara' from the Rabanut • Original Israeli marriage certificate from the Rabanut if married in Israel
Temporary Residence Process
If your conversion was not through a recognized community, you may receive a temporary residence visa upon arrival. Full citizenship is granted after producing documents showing 21 months of post-conversion participation in a recognized Jewish community (can be combined between Israel and abroad).
7. THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Overview Timeline
The entire Aliyah process typically takes 8-12 months from application to arrival. Start gathering documents 8-10 months before your desired arrival date.
Step-by-Step Process
Phase 1: Initial Application (Months 1-2)
• Complete the online questionnaire with the Jewish Agency • You will be assigned a personal account manager within 2 business days • Begin gathering required documents • Pay non-refundable file fees
Phase 2: Document Collection (Months 2-5)
• Order birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. • Obtain rabbi's letter • Begin apostille process for civil documents • Wait to order background check until other documents are ready (6-month validity) • Upload documents to your Aliyah portal
Phase 3: Interview & Approval (Months 5-7)
• Jewish Agency reviews your file • Personal interview with Jewish Agency representative (bring original documents) • Case reviewed by eligibility staff • Receive 'Mazal Tov' approval email if approved
Phase 4: Final Preparations (Months 7-9)
• Apply for Aliyah visa at Israeli consulate (unless you have Israeli passport) • Visa processing takes 14-18 business days • Book Aliyah flight through Jewish Agency or Nefesh B'Nefesh • Arrange shipping if applicable
Phase 5: Arrival
• Meet with Ministry of Aliyah and Integration at Ben Gurion Airport • Present original documents • Receive initial Sal Klita payment • Choose health fund and register • Apply for Teudat Zehut (ID card)
8. OLEH BENEFITS 2026
New immigrants (Olim) receive comprehensive benefits from the Israeli government. Here is a summary of the main benefits available.
Financial Benefits
Sal Klita (Absorption Basket)
• Initial cash payment upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport • Additional payments over 6 months via bank transfer • Amount determined by age and family status • Note: Payments stop if you leave Israel during first 6 months
Rental Assistance
• Begins from 7th month after Aliyah (for those who made Aliyah on/after March 1, 2024) • Eligibility period up to 30 months from receiving Oleh status • Additional assistance for national priority areas (Negev, Galilee)
Tax Benefits
Foreign Income Exemption
• 10 years exemption from tax on income earned outside Israel • 10 years exclusion from being defined as an Israeli company resident for foreign-owned companies • Option to be considered foreign resident for tax purposes for first year
Israeli Income Tax Credits
• 4.5 years of tax credits for those making Aliyah after January 1, 2022 • Credit breakdown: 1 point/month (Year 1), 3 points (next 18 months), 2 points (next 12 months), 1 point (final 12 months) • Each tax point worth 242 NIS (as of 2024)
Other Benefits
Customs & Purchases
• Up to 3 shipments duty-free within first 3 years (personal goods only) • Reduced tax on vehicle purchase within first 3 years
Education
• Free Ulpan (Hebrew language course) - up to 18 months after Aliyah • University tuition assistance (BA up to age 27, MA up to age 30)
Healthcare
• Immediate coverage under national health insurance • Choose from 4 health funds: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, or Leumit
Housing
• Up to 90% reduction in Arnona (municipal tax) for 12 months • Mortgage assistance for first-time homebuyers (within 15 years of Aliyah) • Property tax discount for purchases made 1 year before to 7 years after Aliyah
9. 2025-2026 POLICY CHANGES
March 2025 marked significant changes to Aliyah requirements. Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone planning to immigrate.
March 2025 Changes
Enhanced Documentation Requirements
• Stricter verification of Jewish ancestry documentation • Enhanced scrutiny for those with distant Jewish ancestry • More thorough conversion verification process
Professional Licensing Reforms
• Professionals can now initiate licensing procedures before arriving in Israel • Remote documentation submission available • Temporary limited licenses can be granted within 60 days of arrival for physicians • Reduced supervised practice requirements (12 months to 6 months for some)
Residence Requirements
• Stricter requirements to ensure immigrants actually settle in Israel • Benefits more closely tied to actual residence
2026 Tax Reporting Changes
⚠ MAJOR CHANGE: Starting January 1, 2026, significant new requirements take effect.
For Those Arriving Before December 31, 2025
• Retain 10 years of financial privacy • No requirement to report or disclose foreign assets • 10-year foreign income tax exemption remains
For Those Arriving January 1, 2026 and After
• New Disclosure Requirement: Must report all worldwide assets to the Israel Tax Authority • Tax Exemption Maintained: 10-year exemption on foreign income still applies • Enhanced Israeli Tax Benefits: Unprecedented benefits on Israeli-source income for arrivals between Nov 2025 and Dec 2026 • A professional earning NIS 600,000 in 2026 could save over NIS 150,000 in tax in their first year
Key Decision Point
This creates a strategic decision for potential immigrants: arrive by end of 2025 for financial privacy, or arrive in 2026 for enhanced Israeli income tax benefits but with full global disclosure requirements.
10. TIMELINE & TIPS
Recommended Timeline
Timeframe Action Items 10-12 months before Research eligibility, contact Jewish Agency, begin financial planning 8-10 months before Submit online application, order birth certificates and civil documents 6-8 months before Obtain rabbi's letter, begin apostille process, gather passport photos 4-6 months before Order background check (valid 6 months), upload all documents to portal 3-4 months before Complete Jewish Agency interview, receive approval 1-2 months before Apply for Aliyah visa, book flight, arrange shipping
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Ordering short-form birth certificates - Always get long-form with parents' names • Rabbi letters missing required information - Ensure letterhead, ink signature, and all required statements • Background checks without apostilles - Every background check needs proper authentication • Missing passport pages - Include all pages showing entries, exits, name changes • Ordering background check too early - Only valid for 6 months • Notarizing before apostilling - In most cases, do NOT notarize first • Using Consular Reports of Birth Abroad - These are NOT accepted • Expired documents - Check validity periods carefully
Pro Tips
• Keep copies of ALL documents (digital and physical) • Open an Israeli bank account before arrival to receive Sal Klita faster • Research which health fund (Kupat Cholim) suits you before arrival • Consider professional Aliyah assistance services if your case is complex • Contact multiple state agencies if documents are delayed • Attend pre-Aliyah seminars offered by Nefesh B'Nefesh
11. HELPFUL RESOURCES
Official Organizations
• The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) - www.jewishagency.org - The official approving body for Aliyah worldwide • Nefesh B'Nefesh - www.nbn.org.il - Primary partner for Aliyah from North America, UK, and Australia • Ministry of Aliyah and Integration - www.gov.il - Israeli government ministry handling absorption • Shivat Zion - shivat-zion.com - Aliyah support organization
Professional Services
• Easy Aliyah - VIP concierge service specializing in document gathering • Mazekal - Comprehensive Aliyah service managing the entire bureaucratic journey • Itim - www.itim.org.il - Helps navigate Israeli religious bureaucracy • Olim Advisors - Pre- and post-Aliyah planning specialists
Legal Assistance
• Immigration lawyers specializing in Israeli law can assist with complex cases • Particularly recommended for conversion cases, criminal background issues, or documentation challenges
Background Check Resources
• FBI (US) - Use FBI-approved channelers for fingerprinting • RCMP (Canada) - Certified Criminal Record Check • ACRO (UK) - Apply online through ACRO website
Apostille Services
• US: Secretary of State in each state (FBI checks: Washington D.C.) • Canada: Global Affairs Canada • UK: UK Legalisation Office
בהצלחה! (B'Hatzlacha!) - Good Luck!
Your journey to Israel begins with the right preparation.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with official sources.
Last updated: January 2026
